Basic French phrases for travel

Excuse me

ex-kew-zay-MWAH

The universal opener, great for getting a waiter’s attention, stopping a stranger for directions, or squeezing past someone on the metro. Lead with it and everything after goes smoother.

• Shorter Pardon par-DON ▶

Please

seel voo PLEH

Attach it to almost any request. It softens everything, and locals notice when visitors use it.

Thank you

mehr-SEE

You can never say it too often. Use it for every small service such as handing over change, bringing a dish, giving directions.

Thank you very much

mehr-SEE boh-KOO

For when someone has gone out of their way and to show that extra bit of gratitude.

You’re welcome

zhuh voo zon PREE

The universal response to thank you.

The polite reply. “De rien” is the casual everyday version.

• Casual De rien duh RYAN ▶

I’m sorry

zhuh swee day-zoh-LAY

For bumping into someone, knocking over a glass, or any small offence.

Spelled with an extra -e if you’re a woman — it sounds identical either way.

• Masculine Je suis désolé zhuh swee day-zoh-LAY ▶
• Feminine Je suis désolée zhuh swee day-zoh-LAY ▶

Yes

wee

Everyone knows when to say yes, and being able to say it in the local language can be a really helpful way to navigate social interactions.

No

non

Similar to yes, everyone knows when to use it and being able to say it in the local language can help across all sorts of situations.

Okay

dah-KOR

An all-purpose acknowledgement whether you’re confirming a price, a meeting point, a plan. Generally used the same way across languages.

Perfect

par-FEH

Warmer than a plain “okay”, and a great way to show you’re happy with a suggestion, a price, or a plan.

That works for me

sah MARSH

Accepting a suggestion — a later table, a different room, an earlier train. Signals easy-going agreement.

Literally “that walks”, the universal French way to say “works for me”. Relaxed but fine almost anywhere.

No problem

pah duh proh-BLEM

Reassuring someone who apologises, or waving off a small inconvenience. Keeps the mood light on both sides.

One moment, please

un an-STAHN seel voo PLEH

Buying yourself a few seconds when digging for your wallet, checking your phone, or holding a shop queue while you decide. Locals will be more patient when you can ask it in the local language

Could you help me, please?

poo-ree-ay-voo meh-DAY seel voo PLEH

The polite way to open any request for assistance. Locals will be even more enthused to help when you ask it in their language.

Hello

bon-ZHOOR

A must know in every language. A “hello” in the local language tends to get smiles, open doors, and has locals more eager to help.

The magic word. Say it before anything else in every shop, café and bakery — skipping it is genuinely rude in France.

Hi

sah-LEW

The casual “hello” for friends, colleagues, and anyone you know well. A friendly opener that works in most situations.

Good morning

bon-ZHOOR

Use it until around midday. A warm way to greet hotel staff, waiters and shopkeepers at the start of the day.

French has no separate “good morning” — “bonjour” covers the whole day until evening.

Good evening

bon-SWAHR

The greeting for later in the day — walking into a restaurant for dinner, or checking in after dark.

Switch from “bonjour” around 6 pm. Locals track the switchover with surprising precision.

Goodbye

oh ruh-VWAHR

Leaving a shop, ending a chat, stepping out of a taxi. Locals will notice when you say it in their language, and it’s a nice way to close any encounter.

See you later

ah too tah LUHR

The friendly farewell for people you’ll cross paths with again such as hotel staff, your regular barista, new acquaintances.

For the same day. “À plus tard” — or just “à plus” — is the casual anytime version.

• Casual À plus tard ah plew TAR ▶

Have a good day

bun zhoor-NAY

A warm sign-off after any small exchange. A great one to know in any language because locals will always appreciate it after an interaction.

The standard parting after any exchange — you’ll hear it leaving every shop. Say it back.

My name is [name]

zhuh mah-PEL [nom]

It’s always useful being able to introduce yourself in the local language. A great way to build friends in your travels.

How are you?

koh-mon tah-lay-VOO

The polite version for strangers and staff. In a lot of countries it’s seen as a genuine question, so be ready for a real answer.

• Casual Ça va ? sah VAH ▶

I’m well, thank you

treh BYAN mehr-SEE

The standard reply to “How are you?”. Bounce the question back with a smile and you’ve just had your first conversation!

Nice to meet you

on-shon-TAY

Always a great one to say when meeting someone new on your travels. Knowing it in the local language is a nice touch that locals will appreciate.

An extra -e in writing if you’re a woman; it sounds the same aloud.

• Masculine Enchanté on-shon-TAY ▶
• Feminine Enchantée on-shon-TAY ▶