25+ Basic French Phrases Every Traveler Should Know
Travel With Kinsley contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which means I may receive a cute little commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
Why Learn Basic French Phrases?
If you’re heading to France (or any French-speaking country), knowing a few key phrases can go a long way. While many locals in cities like Paris or Lyon speak English, showing effort with the local language goes a long way toward making your interactions smoother—and friendlier.
This quick guide covers more than 25 essential French phrases that’ll help you navigate restaurants, shops, hotels, and everyday conversations like a pro (or at least like a polite tourist!).
Essential French Greetings
- Bonjour – Hello / Good morning
- Bonsoir – Good evening
- Salut – Hi (informal)
- Au revoir – Goodbye
- Bonne journée – Have a nice day
- Bonne soirée – Have a nice evening
Polite Phrases & Manners
- S’il vous plaît – Please
- Merci – Thank you
- Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much
- De rien – You’re welcome
- Excusez-moi – Excuse me
- Pardon – Sorry
Basic Travel Questions
- Parlez-vous anglais ? – Do you speak English?
- Je ne parle pas bien français. – I don’t speak French well.
- Je suis désolé(e) – I’m sorry
- Je ne comprends pas – I don’t understand
- Répétez, s’il vous plaît – Please repeat
At the Restaurant
- Je voudrais… – I would like…
- L’addition, s’il vous plaît – The check, please
- Un café, s’il vous plaît – A coffee, please
- Un verre de vin – A glass of wine
- Où sont les toilettes ? – Where are the restrooms?
At the Hotel or Shops
- Combien ça coûte ? – How much does it cost?
- Je cherche… – I’m looking for…
- Une chambre pour deux – A room for two
- À quelle heure est le petit déjeuner ? – What time is breakfast?
Bonus: Numbers in French (1–10)
- Un – 1
- Deux – 2
- Trois – 3
- Quatre – 4
- Cinq – 5
- Six – 6
- Sept – 7
- Huit – 8
- Neuf – 9
- Dix – 10
Final Thoughts
Even a few words in French can go a long way when you’re traveling—especially if you’re planning to explore charming small towns, local cafés, or Parisian boutiques.
Learning the basics shows respect, sparks kindness, and adds a little adventure to every interaction. Try learning basic German phrases next!
Want to take it a step further? Try these phrases in your next conversation, or download a language app to brush up before your trip. And if you’ve got a favorite French phrase that helped you out while traveling, share it in the comments!
