If you’ve ever wanted to learn French but weren’t sure where to start, you’ll be happy to know that it gets much easier with practice.
Basic French words and phrases
Knowing even a few French words and phrases can help make your trip much more enjoyable and open up many doors while you are there. To help you learn some basics, we have compiled this list of essential French words and phrases.
It doesn’t take long to learn these essential phrases and words in French, and soon enough, you will be able to have simple conversations about basic things like food, clothing, the weather, etc.
Moreover, reading and speaking these phrases will also make your stay more pleasant because people will respond positively when they hear you trying to speak their language.
How to start learning French
If you’re unsure where to start with learning to speak French, we recommend you first try to learn some basic French phrases and words.
It would be best if you don’t worry about memorizing grammar tables or French verb conjugations. Instead, try to focus on learning words and phrases that will be useful in everyday situations.
You can learn these through a variety of different methods. For example, you could try to learn French while on the go with a language app on your phone.
Another option is to find podcasts or audio lessons in French online. If you want to ensure that your progress isn’t slowing down, you can find online French courses via Skype that will help you learn at your own pace.
A few tips before you start learning.
To learn French effectively, you must check these tips.
Find your motivation for learning French
You’ll quickly lose motivation if you don’t have a reason to learn French. It’s important to select a good reason to start learning French. There are many cultural, business, and other reasons to learn French.
Traveling to a French-speaking country, you will probably want to learn some basic travel phrases. If you plan a trip to France, you may want to learn more advanced phrases and expressions.
Once you have a reason to learn French, it will be easier to stay motivated. You can also find a French-speaking friend to help keep you motivated and on track with your studies.
Choose reliable resources
As with any new skill, you want to ensure you learn from a reliable source. When selecting a textbook or online resource, find one that has good reviews and is recommended by others who have used it.`
If you’re looking for a textbook, you may want to find one with a CD or online resource that will help you practice outside class. If you’re going the online route, ensure the site has many helpful resources.
You’ll want to ensure you find a website that offers authentic content and accurate information.
A fake website containing misleading information will only hurt your efforts to learn French.
Set a schedule
Make sure you set a consistent schedule for studying. Many experts recommend studying for 20 minutes a day.
This time is enough to help you retain information but not enough to make it feel like a burden. Many new learners make the mistake of trying to learn too much at once.
Find a pace that works for you and stick with it. Once you’ve learned a few basic words and phrases in French, you can increase the time spent studying.
Another important part of creating a schedule is making time for practice outside your formal study time. You can do this in several ways. You can set aside time to watch French-language television or movies.
You can also try to practice your new language skills with native speakers.
Be committed to learning basic French words and phrases
It’s important to commit to your learning. Many people try to learn a language but give up after a few tries. Learning a language takes time, so don’t expect to be fluent in a few weeks.
Instead, look at your efforts as a long-term commitment. Make sure you are consistent with your study, and you’ll improve much faster.
It is important to stay positive and committed to the process of learning. It’s easy to get discouraged when you aren’t making progress as quickly as you’d like.
However, remember that everyone learns at different paces. It’s important not to compare yourself to others but focus on your progress. Accept constructive criticism from others, but don’t dwell on mistakes.
Instead, learn from each mistake and move on. You will make faster progress by being committed to the learning process.
Weekly French essentials for travelers
Bonjour – Hello! This is the first word and phrase you should learn in any language. It is the most common way to greet people in France.
Merci – Thank you. You will need to use this word often while traveling in France. People are very grateful, and you will often receive many thanks.
Où est la toilette? – Where is the toilet? This is another very useful phrase to know. Remembering this will help you to get to where you need to go when you don’t know the language.
Je ne comprend pas – I don’t understand. This is another great phrase to know when you’re in a situation where communication is difficult.
Pardon – Sorry. This is another useful phrase to know when you don’t fully understand or are in the wrong. It’s polite and will help you to clear up any misunderstandings.
Vocab for travelers to France
Arrêt – Stop. This word could be very useful in France, as you should always be aware of your surroundings.
Baggage – Luggage. You will need to know this French word when traveling with luggage.
Carte de crédit – Credit card. Credit cards are a common way of paying for things in France, so you need to know this French word.
Carte d’identité – ID. You will need to show an ID when traveling to France. You will either need a passport or a French carte d’identité.
Chemise – Shirt. Shirts are one of the most common articles of clothing, so this is a French word you will need to know.
Change – Change. This is another French word for money. It’s what you get back when you buy something or what you put in a shop’s change machine when you pay.
Words and phrases for eating out in France
A table – At the table. You say this when you are ready to sit down and order.
Carte – Menu. Menus are not like they are in English-speaking countries. They are small booklets containing the food available at the restaurant.
Comme entrée – As an appetizer. This French word is commonly used when ordering food.
Comme plat principal – As the main course. This word is commonly used when ordering food.
Et pour finir – And to finish. This is what you say when you are ready to order dessert.
Merci – Thank you. You will need to say this frequently.
Poulet – Chicken. Chicken is one of the most common meats used in French food, so it’s good to know this word.
Voulez-vous un café? – Would you like a coffee? This is another common way of ordering at a restaurant.
Words and phrases for shopping in France
Bonjour. Est-ce que vous parlez anglais? – Hello. Do you speak English? If you are shopping in France and don’t speak French, you may be unsure how to communicate with the shopkeeper. Knowing this simple phrase will help you to start a conversation.
Je voudrais – I would like. This is how you say “I would like” in French. It’s useful when shopping or ordering something at a shop.
Je voudrais voir – I would like to see. This is an important word to know when shopping for clothes. It would help if you also said: “Je voudrais essayer” which means “I would like to try on”.
Words and phrases for the hotel experience
Bonjour. Je voudrais une chambre pour une personne. – Hello. I want a room for one person. If you are traveling alone, the most common way to book a room is to tell the receptionist the number of people in your party.
Je voudrais réserver une chambre – I would like to book a room. This is a common way to ask for a room at a hotel.
Je voudrais voir la chambre – I would like to see the room. It would be best if you asked to see the room before you decide to book. Make sure you check that everything is in working order.
Je voudrais louer une voiture – I would like to rent a car. This is how you say you want to rent a car.
Learning the French language can enrich your travel experience and help you make new friends. With the right motivation and consistent study, you can become fluent in French in no time.
Many reliable resources are available online and in person to help you learn French.
If you want to start learning French, you can find various online and offline resources to help you improve your skills.
Good luck and enjoy! 🙂