French is a Romance language spoken worldwide. Known for its beauty and complexity, learning French can open doors to a rich cultural and historical heritage. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in French for various contexts.

Greetings

• Hello – “Bonjour” (formal) / “Salut” (informal)
• Good morning – “Bonjour”
• Good afternoon – “Bon après-midi”
• Good evening – “Bonsoir”
• Good night – “Bonne nuit”
• Goodbye – “Au revoir”

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Je m’appelle [nom].”
• This is [name]. – “Voici [nom].”
• I am from [country]. – “Je viens de [pays].”
• I live in [city/place]. – “J’habite à [ville/lieu].”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Où est [le lieu]?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Comment puis-je aller à [lieu]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Est-ce le chemin pour aller à [lieu]?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Pouvez-vous me montrer sur la carte?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Désolé, je ne comprends pas.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?”
• I mean… – “Je veux dire…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Que signifie [mot]?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “À plus tard”
• Take care – “Prends soin de toi” (informal) / “Prenez soin de vous” (formal)
• Have a good day – “Bonne journée”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Je voudrais réserver une chambre.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Puis-je voir le menu, s’il vous plaît?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Je suis végétarien/végétarienne.”
• The bill, please. – “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Combien ça coûte?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Avez-vous ceci dans une autre taille?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Je regarde seulement, merci.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Puis-je payer par carte?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Tu es belle.” / “Tu es beau.”
• I miss you. – “Tu me manques.”
• I love you. – “Je t’aime.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Veux-tu sortir avec moi?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Au secours!”
• Call the police! – “Appelez la police!”
• I need a doctor. – “J’ai besoin d’un médecin.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Où est l’hôpital le plus proche?”

These phrases provide a solid foundation for basic communication in French. Practice speaking and listening regularly, engage with French media, and don’t hesitate to converse with native speakers. Remember, language learning is a journey—embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and continue to explore the rich linguistic and cultural nuances of French.