If you are traveling to France or any francophone country (where French is spoken) then it’s imperative that you know a few basic French words, to be as polite as the French people. Here are 11 Must-know polite French words and phrases, for travelers and French learners.
1. Bonjour (Hello, good morning, good afternoon)
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Bonsoir (Good evening)
In France, it is considered polite to say bonjour (bohn-zhoor) to everyone you generally meet. And if you meet someone in the evening generally after 6 pm, say bonsoir (bohn-swahr).
2. S’il te plaît or S’il vous plaît (Please)
S’il te plaît (Singular and informal) or S’il vous plaît (Plural or formal)
In French, in order to say “please”, we use the word S’il te plaît (Seel tuh play) or S’il vous plaît (Seel voo play).
“S’il te plaît” is to be used in an informal situation and if you are addressing one single person, whereas “S’il vous plaît” will be used in a formal situation and also if you’re addressing two or more than two individuals.
3. Je suis désolé(e) (I’m sorry)
If you are a male, then you say Je suis désolé (Zhuh swee deh-zoh-leh). If you are a female, then use Je suis désolée (Zhuh swee deh-zoh-leh). The pronunciation remains the same in both the cases.
4. Merci (Thank you)
In France, don’t forget to end a conversation with a Merci (Mair-see) like in a restaurant or a store.
5. De rien (You are welcome)
In response to a thank you, you should use De rien (Duh-reean) in an informal situation.
6. Je vous en prie (You are welcome)
When someone thanks you in a formal situation, use Je vous en prie (Zhuh voo-zon pri).
7. Pardon (Sorry, excuse me)
In order to apologize or to get past someone, say Pardon (Par-doh).
8. Monsieur (Mr., Sir)
Remember when you are addressing someone in France, use titles such as Monsieur, Madame or Mademoiselle unless you’ve been asked to use their first names. Like when you are talking to a man use the title Monsieur (Muh-seeuh).
8. Madame (Mrs., Ma’am)
Address all women over 18 years of age as Madame (Mah-dahm).
9. Mademoiselle (Miss)
Use the title Mademoiselle (Mah-dmwa-hzel) with young girls under 18 years of age and always with the waitresses in France.
10. Au revoir (Goodbye)
Goodbye in French is Au revoir (Oh ruh-vwahr).
11. Bonne journée! (Have a nice day!)
In French, it is considered polite to say Bonne journée (Bohn zhoornay!) when you are leaving or ending a conversation.
If you’re interested in learning about some free apps for exploring France, then do check out this blog post 8 Useful Free Apps for Exploring France
By Anchal / Last updated: November 29, 2023