20 common French phrases

Whether you’re learning French or simply trying to get by on holiday, there are certain phrases that you simply can’t live without. By knowing these phrases, you’ll be able to say hello and goodbye, ask for directions and express basic sentiments in polite terms - all things which are essential for getting around in any French-speaking country.

Comment allez-vous ? - How are you?

Ravi(e) de vous rencontrer - Nice to meet you

À bientôt - See you soon

À plus tard - See you later

Au revoir - goodbye

Je m’appelle… - My name is…

For more ways to say hello and goodbye, check out our other blogs on the topic. Lessons 1 and 2 of the Complete French Course also cover both formal and informal greetings.

Je suis désolé(e) - Sorry

Excusez-moi - Excuse me

S'il vous plaît - Please

Merci beaucoup - Thank you very much

De rien - You’re welcome

Où sont les toilettes/Où est la gare/le magasin ? - Where is the… bathroom/train station/shop?

Combien ça coûte ? - How much does it cost?

L’addition, s'il vous plaît - The bill/check, please

Je suis perdu(e) ! - I’m lost!

Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement ? - Can you speak more slowly?

Je ne comprends pas - I don’t understand

Parlez-vous anglais ? - Do you speak English?

Voulez-vous parler français avec moi ? - Will you speak French with me?

J'essaie d'apprendre le français - I’m trying to learn French