45+ Useful French Sayings to Make You Feel Like a Pro

Traveling to France is an exciting trip where you learn about the local way of life and sample all the delicious cuisine. Even if you'll be in France for a short while, learning a few simple French words can be really helpful and improve your trip.

France has an impressive culture, the impact of which is evident around the world. In addition to the exceptional art, literature, and cuisine, France also has a beautiful language.

So, it’s fair to say that speaking a little bit of French can go a long way when it comes to experiencing French culture. Plus, speaking French can give you an extra edge in the job market.

Let’s start learning, shall we?

Here are some useful French sayings:

Bonjour

There are many different ways to say "Hello" in French, but Bonjour is certainly the most popular. Regardless of the formality or informality of the setting, it is always polite and kind. The word "Hello" is made up of the terms Bon (Good) and Jour (Day).

You might also say Bonsoir (French for "Good evening") in the evening. Salut, which can be used to say "Hi" or "Bye" is a more informal greeting. When entering a restaurant or store, it's also important to say bonjour. Make sure to memorize this word if you only have time to learn one French word before your trip.

Merci

Merci means “Thank you,” and it’s another essential French word that you need to know. Use this whenever you need to express gratitude. It would be appreciated at all times.

Merci is a simple approach to letting a French person know you're having fun and that you've taken an effort to learn a few words in their language.

S’il vous plaît

Meaning “Please.” This phrase is a helpful one to learn as part of basic French manners, just like "Excusez-moi" (Excuse me), "Pardon" (forgive me, I ask your pardon), and "Je suis désole" (I'm sorry).

Comment Allez-Vous?

The phrase "Comment allez-vous?" is the most common and polite approach for asking about someone's well-being, meaning “How are you?”. “Comment ça va?” is another informal choice or just "Ça va?".

Parlez-Vous Anglais?

You might have to try communicating with locals in English at some point if you speak little to no French. Try opening the conversation with one of the most useful French sayings, “Parlez-vous anglais?” meaning “Do you speak English?” to show that you've made an effort to speak French.

In Paris, most of the people employed in restaurants and other tourist destinations typically speak English. But sometimes, if you visit a smaller city outside of Paris, this could not be the case. This is why it's important to know a few basic French phrases beforehand.

French Greetings

Famous French Sayings

Asking For Directions

Shopping

Eating Out