French Phrases for Travelers

Helpful French Phrases

Image of people at the Eiffel Tower. — People at the Eiffel Tower.

Hello...Bonjour...(Bohn-joohr)

Yes...Oui...(wee)

No...Non...(Nohn)

I'm sorry. I don't speak French. Do you speak English?...Je suis désolé. Je ne parle pas français. Parlez vous anglais?... (Zhuh swee deh-zo-ley. Zhe nuh pahrl pa frahn-say. Pahr-lay voo ahn-glay?)

I would like...Je voudrais...(Juh voo-dray...)

Reasons to Learn French Phrases

Image of people talking on a boat on the Seine River. — People talking on a boat on the Seine River.

It is respectful to speak to someone in France in French and ask if they know English.
Not everyone in Paris speaks English, particularly outside the tourist areas.

Helpful Tips for Paris Travelers

Image of two pyramids at the underground entrance to the Louvre. — Underground entrance to the Louvre.

If French people can speak English, they will do so rather than expecting a tourist to speak French.
There are online tools to learn and practice French.

DuoLingo is a free website to learn French.

Babbel requires a subscription to learn French. The price decreases depending on the length of the subscription, with longer subscriptions costing less per month. There is also an option to purchase a lifetime subscription.