In today’s post, you’ll find some useful French words for everyday conversations. Learn how to say it in French from this blog.
“Hello” in French
“Hello” can be translated as “Bonjour” in French. It is a formal way of greeting someone in French and is used in most settings. You can also use “Salut” as a casual way of saying hello in French, but it is considered less formal than “Bonjour.”
To greet someone in French, you can simply say “Bonjour” followed by their name, or “Bonjour, comment ça va?” which means “Hello, how are you?” Here are a few more common greetings in French that you might find useful:
- Salut! – Hi! (informal)
- Bonsoir – Good evening (formal)
- Bonne nuit – Good night (formal)
- Comment ça va ? – How are you? (informal)
- Comment allez-vous ? – How are you? (formal)
It’s important to use the appropriate level of formality when greeting someone in French, depending on the context and the relationship you have with the person you are greeting. “Bonjour” is a more formal greeting that is appropriate for most settings, while “Salut” is more casual and should be used with friends or people you know well.
“How are you” in French
To ask someone “How are you?” in French, you can say “Comment ça va?” or “Comment allez-vous?” The phrase “Comment ça va?” is more informal and is typically used with friends, family, or people you know well. It translates literally as “How is it going?”.
The phrase “Comment allez-vous?” is more formal and is appropriate for use in most settings, including with strangers or people you don’t know well. It translates literally as “How are you?” Here are a few more examples of how you might ask someone “How are you?” in French:
- Comment vas-tu? – How are you? (informal, singular)
- Comment allez-vous ? – How are you? (formal, singular, or plural)
- Comment ça va aujourd’hui ? – How are you today? (informal)
It’s important to use the appropriate level of formality when greeting or asking about someone’s well-being in French, depending on the context and the relationship you have with the person you are speaking to. “Comment ça va?” is more informal and should be used with friends or people you know well, while “Comment allez-vous?” is more formal and is appropriate for use in most settings.
“Thank you” in French
To say “Thank you” in French, you can use the phrase “Merci.” This is a formal and polite way to express gratitude in French and can be used in most settings. Here are a few more examples of how you might express gratitude in French:
- Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much
- Je vous remercie – Thank you (formal, singular or plural)
- Je te remercie – Thank you (informal, singular)
It’s important to use the appropriate level of formality when expressing gratitude in French, depending on the context and the relationship you have with the person you are thanking. “Merci” is a formal and polite way to say thank you and is appropriate for use in most settings, while “Merci beaucoup” is a more formal and heartfelt way to express gratitude.
“Je vous remercie” is also a formal way to say thank you, but is used specifically when addressing someone formally (singular or plural). “Je te remercie” is an informal way to say thank you and is used when addressing someone informally (singular).
“Please” in French
To say “Please” in French, you can use the word “S’il vous plaît.” This is a formal and polite way to ask for something in French and can be used in most settings. Here are a few more examples of how you might ask for something in French:
- Peux-tu me passer le sel, s’il te plaît ? – Can you pass me the salt, please? (informal, singular)
- Pourriez-vous me passer le sucre, s’il vous plaît ? – Could you pass me the sugar, please? (formal, singular, or plural)
- Pouvez-vous m’aider, s’il vous plaît ? – Can you help me, please? (formal, singular, or plural)
It’s important to use the appropriate level of formality when asking for something in French, depending on the context and the relationship you have with the person you are speaking to. “S’il vous plaît” is a formal and polite way to ask for something and is appropriate for use in most settings, while “S’il te plaît” is an informal way to ask for something and is used when addressing someone informally (singular).
“Pourriez-vous” and “Pouvez-vous” are also formal ways to ask for something and are used specifically when addressing someone formally (singular or plural).
“Sorry” in French
To say “Sorry” in French, you can use the phrase “Je suis désolé” or “Je suis désolée.” The word “désolé” is the masculine form of the adjective “désolé,” and “désolée” is the feminine form. Here are a few more examples of how you might apologize in French:
- Excusez-moi – Excuse me (formal, singular, or plural)
- Pardon – Excuse me (informal)
- Je suis désolé de vous déranger – I’m sorry to disturb you (formal, singular or plural)
- Je suis désolée pour le dérangement – I’m sorry for the inconvenience (feminine)
It’s important to use the appropriate level of formality when apologizing in French, depending on the context and the relationship you have with the person you are speaking to. “Je suis désolé” or “Je suis désolée” are formal ways to apologize, while “Excusez-moi” and “Pardon” are more casual and can be used in most settings.
“Goodbye” in French
To say “Goodbye” in French, you can use the phrase “Au revoir.” This is a formal and polite way to say goodbye in French and can be used in most settings. Here are a few more examples of how you might say goodbye in French:
- Salut! – Bye! (informal)
- À bientôt – See you soon (formal)
- Je dois y aller – I have to go (informal)
- Je vous remercie pour tout – Thank you for everything (formal, singular, or plural)
It’s important to use the appropriate level of formality when saying goodbye in French, depending on the context and the relationship you have with the person you are speaking to. “Au revoir” is a formal and polite way to say goodbye and is appropriate for use in most settings, while “Salut” is a more casual way to say goodbye and is used with friends or people you know well.
“À bientôt” means “See you soon” and can be used in most settings, while “Je dois y aller” is a more casual way of saying “I have to go” and is typically used with friends or people you know well. If you want to learn the language, these basic words can help you learn fast. You can also try different language lessons on the internet.
“I love you” in French
To say “I love you” in French, you can use the phrase “Je t’aime.” This is a very strong and emotional way to express love in French and is typically used in romantic relationships. Here are a few more examples of how you might express love in French:
- Je t’adore – I adore you (informal)
- Je suis amoureux(se) de toi – I am in love with you (informal)
- Tu es tout ce que j’aime – You are everything I love (informal)
It’s important to use the appropriate level of formality and intimacy when expressing love in French, depending on the context and the relationship you have with the person you are speaking to.
“Je t’aime” is a very strong and emotional way to express love and is typically used in romantic relationships, while “Je t’adore” and “Je suis amoureux(se) de toi” are also ways to express love and affection, but are slightly less intense than “Je t’aime”. “Tu es tout ce que j’aime” is also a way to express love and is used in a more casual, intimate setting.
“Happy Birthday” in French
To say “Happy Birthday” in French, you can use the phrase “Joyeux anniversaire.” This is a formal and polite way to wish someone a happy birthday in French and can be used in most settings. Here are a few more examples of how you might wish someone a happy birthday in French:
- Bon anniversaire! – Happy birthday! (informal)
- Meilleurs vœux pour ton anniversaire – Best wishes on your birthday (informal, singular)
- Je te souhaite un très joyeux anniversaire – I wish you a very happy birthday (informal, singular)
It’s important to use the appropriate level of formality when wishing someone a happy birthday in French, depending on the context and the relationship you have with the person you are speaking to.
“Joyeux anniversaire” is a formal and polite way to wish someone a happy birthday and is appropriate for use in most settings, while “Bon anniversaire” is a more casual and informal way to wish someone a happy birthday and is typically used with friends or people you know well. “Meilleurs vœux pour ton anniversaire” and “Je te souhaite un très joyeux anniversaire” are also ways to wish someone a happy birthday and are used in a more casual, intimate setting.
“Beautiful” in French
To say “Beautiful” in French, you can use the word “Beau” (masculine) or “Belle” (feminine). The word “Beau” is used to describe a masculine noun, while “Belle” is used to describe a feminine noun.
Now you know how to say “beautiful” in the French language, don’t hesitate to say it to your French friends and loved ones. Compliment them and express your appreciation. Learn more French expressions as you go along with reading our blogs. Happy learning.