10 Easy French Phrases to Impress Your Friends

Are you planning a trip to France or simply looking for a way to impress your friends with your language skills? Learning some basic French phrases is a great way to start. Not only will it make communication easier when you're in a French-speaking country, but it will also give you a deeper appreciation for French culture and history.

In this blog post, we'll share 10 easy French phrases that will make you sound like a native speaker. As well as practical examples of how to use these phrases in conversation.

1. Bonjour (Hello)

One of the most basic and polite French phrases, Bonjour is a simple greeting that you can use throughout the day. It's appropriate to use in both formal and informal settings, and it's a great way to show respect to those you're speaking with.

• Example: Bonjour, comment ça va ? (Hello, how are you?)

2. Comment ça va ? (How are you?)

This is another common phrase that you can use to start a conversation. It's a great way to show interest in someone's well-being and start a friendly conversation. Make sure to listen carefully to the response, as you may be asked the same question in return.

• Example: Comment ça va ? Tu as l'air fatigué(e). (How are you? You look tired.)

3. Enchanté(e) (Nice to meet you)

If you're meeting someone for the first time, Enchanté(e) is a polite way to introduce yourself. It's a formal phrase that's appropriate for both business and social settings.

• Example: Enchanté(e), je m'appelle Marie. (Nice to meet you, my name is Marie.)

4. Merci (Thank you)

Showing gratitude is an important part of French culture, and Merci is the most common way to say thank you. Whether someone has done something small or significant for you, always make sure to express your appreciation with this phrase.

• Example: Merci beaucoup pour votre aide. (Thank you very much for your help.)

5. De rien (You're welcome)

When someone says thank you to you, you can respond with De rien, which means you're welcome. This phrase is an easy way to acknowledge someone's gratitude and show that you're happy to help.

• Example: Merci pour votre aide. De rien, c'était un plaisir. (Thank you for your help. You're welcome, it was a pleasure.)

6. Excusez-moi (Excuse me)

If you need to get someone's attention or apologize for interrupting them, Excusez-moi is the appropriate phrase to use. It's a polite way to show respect for the person you're speaking with and indicate that you don't want to be rude.

• Example: Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous me dire où se trouve la gare ? (Excuse me, could you tell me where the train station is?)

7. Au revoir (Goodbye)

Similar to Bonjour, Au revoir is a common phrase that you can use to say goodbye in both formal and informal settings. It's a polite way to end a conversation and show respect for the person you're speaking with.

• Example: Au revoir, à bientôt ! (Goodbye, see you soon!)

8. Comment dit-on ... en français ? (How do you say ... in French?)

If you're trying to learn French or struggling to find the right words, this phrase can be a lifesaver. It's a polite way to ask for help and shows that you're making an effort to improve your language skills.

• Example: Comment dit-on 'book' en français ? (How do you say 'book' in French?)

9. Je ne comprends pas (I don't understand)

If you're having trouble following a conversation or understanding what someone is saying, Je ne comprends pas is a useful phrase to use. It's a polite way to indicate that you're having difficulty without causing offense.

• Example: Je ne comprends pas ce que vous voulez dire. (I don't understand what you mean.)

10. À la prochaine (Until next time)

If you're saying goodbye to someone and want to indicate that you'll see them again soon, À la prochaine is a friendly way to do so. It's an informal phrase that's appropriate for friends and acquaintances.

• Example: On se voit demain ? À la prochaine ! (Are we meeting tomorrow? Until next time!)

➤ Conclusion

earning these 10 easy French phrases is a great way to impress your friends and improve your language skills. Practice them in everyday conversation, listen carefully to native speakers, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. With time and practice, you'll be speaking French like a pro in no time!

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