Do you want to start learning French but feel like you need to first master French grammar? That’s not the case!
Read this blog post to know why.
Learning French basic sentences
You have come to the right place. Learning a new language can initially seem difficult, but it does not have to be.
Even native speakers of English find learning French challenging. But do not worry, because we are here to help!
With these simple sentences in French, you will be equipped with the tools needed to begin your journey in learning this beautiful language.
In no time, you will be saying “Je voudrais un café s’il vous plaît.”
Basic French words
These words are essential to interact with people and have a basic conversation in French.
Yes – Oui
No – Non
Thank you – Merci
Thank you very much – Merci beaucoup
I’m sorry – Je suis désolé
You’re welcome! – De rien
Please – S’il vous plaît.
Excuse me – pardon
Common French greetings
It’s important to understand how to properly greet people when you first meet them.
French greetings are not limited to the popular bonjour! You can practice different salutations depending on the time of day, the environment, and the people you encounter.
Hi – Salut
Hello – Bonjour
How are you? – Comment ça va?
Good morning – Bonjour!
Good afternoon – Bonne après-midi!
Good evening – Bonsoir!
Goodbye – Au revoir!
Goodnight – Bonne nuit!
Asking for time and day
What time is it? – Quelle heure est-il?
What time does the train leave? – A quelle heure s’en va le train?
What time shall we meet? – À quelle heure devrions nous nous rencontrer?
I’ll be waiting for you at 5pm! – Je t’attends à 17h !
Morning – Matin
Afternoon – Après midi
Evening – Soirée
Night – Nuit
Essential French phrases to ask for information
Learning how to request information is crucial when you arrive at a new location!
Here are some basic French phrases for requesting information.
I would like to go to – Je voudrais aller à…
I got lost – Je me suis perdu.
Excuse me, where is the toilet? – Excusez-moi, où sont les toilettes?
And here are some answers you might hear:
Nearby – Tout près d’ici
It’s a bit far – C’est un peu loin
It’s over there – C’est là-bas.
Turn right – Tournez à droite.
Turn left – Tournez à gauche
Go straight – Allez tout droit.
Come back – Revenir
At the hotel
I would like to book a single/double room. – Je souhaite réserver une chambre simple/double.
I have a reservation for… (your name) – J’ai une réservation pour…
Excuse me! The shower does not work. – Pardon! La douche ne fonctionne pas.
Excuse me! The heating system does not work. – Pardon! Le système de chauffage ne fonctionne pas.
Is it possible to have an additional towel? – Est-il possible d’avoir une serviette supplémentaire ?
At the restaurant
A table for two, please. – Une table pour deux s’il vous plait.
Are there any tables? – Y a-t-il des tableaux ?
Are you open for lunch/dinner? – Êtes-vous ouvert pour le déjeuner / dîner?
We’re two. – Nous sommes deux.
We’ve booked a table at 8 o’clock. – Nous avons réservé une table à 8 heures.
Could I have the menu, please? – Pourrais-je avoir le menu, s’il vous plaît?
What do you recommend? – Que recommandez-vous?
I’m allergic to… – Je suis allergique à…
I’m vegetarian. – Je suis végétarienne.
The bill, please. – L’addition s’il vous plait.
Shopping time
When you’re at the mall or a local farmer’s market, you need to know how to purchase things!
France is renowned for its glamorous shopping streets and stunning stores.
Learn the most typical phrases to use when shopping in France.
How much is it? – Combien ça coûte?
Can I have this, please? – Puis-je avoir ça, s’il vous plaît ?
I’d like a kg of apples – Je voudrais un kilo de pommes.
May I have a bag, please? – Puis-je avoir un sac, s’il vous plaît ?
Can I pay with a credit/debit card? – Puis-je payer avec une carte de crédit/débit ?
I’m looking for the size… – Je cherche la taille…
It is too expensive – C’est trop cher
I’m just having a look – Je regarde juste
French basic sentences to ask for help
You may need to ask for assistance or medical care if you don’t feel well. Here are some words to use:
You may not feel well or need help; in these cases, you might need to call the doctor or an ambulance.
Therefore, it is always good to know some phrases to ask for help:
I do not feel well. – Je ne me sens pas bien.
I’m sick. – Je suis malade.
Can you take me to the emergency room? – Pouvez-vous m’emmener aux urgences ?
I need a doctor! – J’ai besoin d’un docteur!
Can you call the ambulance? – Pouvez-vous appeler l’ambulance ?
Help! – Aider!
Put these sentences into practice
Now that you know the basics of French, it is time to put these sentences into action! The best way to learn French is to immerse yourself in the language.
Here is what you can do:
- Learn French daily by reading articles, watching French films or listening to French podcasts.
- Use a French dictionary or a website like Google Translate whenever you encounter a word or sentence you do not understand.
- Find a French friends or practice your French with native speakers online.
- Visit France or another French-speaking country to put your French to the test!
Learning a new language is always exciting but can also be challenging.
This is especially true if you do not start learning the basics. With this guide, you will be equipped with everything you need to start learning French and be well on mastering it in no time.
Start with the most basic French greetings and expressions. Before progressing to more complicated sentences, you need to know these fundamentals.
If you want to learn a language well, do not rely on an online translator. Instead, invest in a good French grammar book, or sign up for a French language course.
Put these sentences into practice, and you will be well on becoming fluent in French in no time.
