But I don’t speak French!
Language Learning For Travel
I assume that one of the main reasons that non-french speakers fear traveling without a tour group in France is because of their lack of language skills. You’ve probably heard stories of (or experienced) horribly rude waiters in Paris. Or you picture being confused all the time totally lost in translation. I know this because I have! I’m one of those people who feels really stupid if I don’t say something perfectly or if I’m not understood. It took me a fair amount of time to get over that feeling and JUST DO IT.
You have to have a bit of courage and a thick skin to not let it phase you if you sound like an idiot and make mistakes. The good news is that the tides have turned where many French people you come in contact with will know some English and might even like to practice with you. But also remember that they can be just as shy or embarrassed if they don’t speak English perfectly. If you both go about trying to communicate with a level of humor, some really funny moments can occur. I’ve had many a game of charades acting out what I needed. It can feel so silly but usually makes for great travel stories later.
Of course, now we have google translate which can be a life saver in certain situations. BUT I encourage you to learn a few simple words and phrases to make traveling a bit more pleasant. Having that “I’m just a tourist here and don’t have to try” attitude won’t always get you what you want and you might be left thinking the locals are rude or unhelpful. This of course can be true anywhere but I’ve found that most people in smaller towns and villages are charmed when you try a few words. We think their French accents are adorable when they speak English and guess what, they think ours are too!
Below you’ll find some resources to help you learn on your own. I also made a little guide with some words and short phrases you can learn for different scenarios while traveling. Though you might feel like an idiot, just remember it’s all part of the fun of travel and getting out of your comfort zone. And how exciting if you’re actually understood… it’s really the best feeling to communicate!
Resources to Get A Head-Start on Learning French
Apps/Websites:
Duolingo
Babbel
Français Avec Pierre
Podcasts:
Coffee Break French (beginner to intermediate)
Inner French (intermediate)
Tranlation:
Google Translate
Word Reference
Useful Words & Phrases While Traveling in France
For Ordering
Je voudrais is a phrase that you’ll use frequently—at bars, restaurants, bakeries, shops. It’s a polite way to order something. Below are a few items you’ll use on a regular basis and worth memorzing.
I would like
Je voudrais…
Jeh voodray
a coffee
un café
uh cafay
a beer
une bière
oon beeyair
a baguette
une baguette
oon bagette
some water
de l’eau
deh low
the bill
l’addition
Lah-disseeohn
Scenario at a Boulangerie (Bakery)
Hello. I would like 1 baguette please.
Bonjour. Je voudrais une baguette, s’il vous plaît.
*Replace baguette for any other delicious looking pastry you might want. Good news is, typically there are signs saying what it is or you can always just point and smile.
They will usually ask if you want anything else “Avec ça?” You can just say “no merci.” And then they will tell you the price. Numbers are a nightmare to learn so just check the register. If that’s not an option, handing over a 5 euro bill usually does the trick. Always end the exchange with “Merci” and if you’re feeling fancy, add “bonne journée.”
Scenario at a Bar
Hello. I would like 2 beers please.
Bonjour. Je voudrais deux bieres, s’il vous plaît.
They will usually ask you what kind. You can always point on the menu or to the tap you want but you can also say that you’d like “une blonde (for an ale), une blanche (for a wheat beer) or an ambrée (for an amber beer).” Always end in “merci.”
*Tips are not expected for bartenders but you can leave the remaining change if you’d like.
Cheers!
Santé!
Scenario at a Restaurant
Good evening. I have a reservation for Jones.
Bonsoir. J’ai une reservation pour Jones.
Bon-swah. Jeh oon rehservahseeohn pour Jones OR
Do you have a table for 2, please?
Voulez-vous une table pour deux, s’il vous plaît?
Voo-lay voo oon tableh pour doo, see voo play?
Can I see the menu please?
Puis-je voir le menu, s’il vous plaît?
Pwees jeh oon vwar leh menu, see voo play?
They will usually ask if you want something to drink to start.
Voulez-vous boire quelque chose?
I will have the … please. Thank you.
Je prends le … s’il vous plaît. Merci.
Jeh prahnd leh…
Do you have some salt, pepper, bread, butter, etc…
Voulez-vous du sel, du poivre, du pain, du buerre…
Voo-lay-voo doo sel, doo pwahve, doo pahn, doo burrrrr
It’s so good!
C’est trop bon !
Say troh bohn
The check please.
L’addition s’il vous plaît… Merci
Lah disseeohn see voo play…
Directions
These are some key phrases to build off of WHERE IS?
Where is…
Où est…
the hotel?
l’hôtel?
the grocery store?
le supermarché or épicerie (small food shop)
the bank?
la banque?
the beach
la plage?
the bathroom?
Où sont les toilettes?
Toilettes are ALWAYS plural so just add Oú SONT (for where ARE)
the exit?
la sortie?
Is it close by?
C’est près d’ici?
Is it far?
C’est loin?
I’m Looking for…
Je cherche is another handy French travel phrase to use on the street or in a shop/pharmacy. Unlike in English, where we say “I am looking for,” the French don’t use a preposition (“for”) after the verb, and simply follow this phrase with what they’re searching for.
I am looking for…
Je cherche…
the bus
le bus
the museum
le musée
advil / tylenol
ibuprofen / paracetamol
some bandaids
des pansements
Shopping Scenario
I’m looking for a gift.
Je suis à la recherche d’un cadeau.
It’s for… my mother
C’est pour… ma mère
How much does this cost?
Combien ça coûte?
I would like to pay in cash/by credit card.
Je voudrais payer en liquide/par carte-credit.
What time does it close?
À quelle heure est-ce que cela ferme?
What time does it open?
À quelle heure est-ce que cela ouvre?
*Keep in mind that French hours are not like American. Places open and close at funny times especially during summer holidays so it’s a good idea to ask. They can also be little more relaxed about opening times and firm on the closing time. Remember in France, they work to live not live to work.
Helpful French Phrases
It’s always polite to address somebody by sir or madam. It may sound formal but it’s generally expected especially talking to an elder or person or a salesperson, etc.
Excuse me sir/madam…
Excuse-moi monsieur/madame…
…can you help me?
Pouvez-vous m’aider?
…could you take my photo, please?
Pourriez-vous prendre ma photo, s’il vous plaît?
…can I take your photo?
Est-ce que je peux prendre votre photo, s’il vous plaît?
When You Just Don’t Get it
A necessary phrase while trying to speak to a native speaker is je ne comprends pas. Typically, if you start the conversation with a bit of French, they may get excited and speak at a normal pace (way too fast) leaving you feeling totally clueless. This can be intimidating but simply excuse yourself with the following…
I don’t understand.
Je ne comprends pas.
I’m sorry, I don’t speak French.
Je suis désolé, je ne parle pas français.
If you would like to continue and keep trying, you can use:
Could you repeat that, please?
Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?
Speak a little slower, please.
Parlez plus lentement, s’il vous plaît.
And the famous last resort which you are guaranteed to use ALL THE TIME…
Do you speak English?
Parlez-vous anglais?
