10 Survival French Phrases
If you ever plan on visiting a French-speaking destination, it is important that you know a little bit of the language to help you survive. You should know basic phrases such as asking for directions or finding a bathroom. This list will also teach you how to let native French speakers know that you do not understand or speak the French language. These 10 phrases are key phrases to ensure your survival in a French-speaking destination. If you don’t plan on visiting a French speaking destination anytime soon, then you can use the phrases on this list to impress friends or family.
- Parlez-vous anglais? —- Do you speak English?
- Où sont les toilettes? — Where are the restrooms?
- Je cherche la gare… — I’m looking for the train station…
- Combien ça coûte? — How much does it/this cost?
- Je ne comprends pas — I don’t understand
- Je ne parle pas français — I don’t speak French
- À quelle heure est-ce que cela ferme? —When does it close?
- Pouvez-vous parler plus lenterment, s’il vous plait? — Can you speak more slowly, please?
- Avez-vous une chambre de libre? — Do you have a room available?
- Non, merci/ Oui, s’il vous plaît – No, thank you / Yes, please
This list of French survival phrases will help you to impress your friends or ask native French speakers important questions. It is very important you know the proper way to ask for a bathroom or directions and to let people know that you require assistance because you do not speak French. Not everyone you meet will speak your native language, and making the effort to learn even a little French will go a long way. Even if they do speak your language, people at your destination are sure to appreciate that you have tried to learn a bit. So whenever you decide to visit a French speaking area, even if you are not fluent in French, make sure that you at least remember our ten survival French phrases so that you can have a fun and safe trip.
Cover Photo by Ejk81 (Photograph: Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons