Introduction to Basic French Phrases
Designed for beginners – quick reference and practice guide
1. Greetings & Polite Expressions
| French |
Pronunciation |
English |
Usage Tips |
| Bonjour |
bɔ̃ʒuʀ |
Good morning / Hello |
Use until early evening. |
| Bonsoir |
bɔ̃swaʀ |
Good evening |
After ~6 pm. |
| Salut |
saly |
Hi / Bye (informal) |
With friends, peers. |
| Au revoir |
o ʀəvwaʀ |
Goodbye |
Formal or neutral. |
| À bientôt |
a bjɛ̃to |
See you soon |
Friendly farewell. |
| Merci |
mɛʀsi |
Thank you |
Add beaucoup for “thanks a lot”. |
| S’il vous plaît |
sil vu plɛ |
Please (formal) |
Use with strangers, elders. |
| S’il te plaît |
sil tə plɛ |
Please (informal) |
With peers or children. |
| Excusez‑moi / Pardon |
ɛkskyze mwa / paʀdɔ̃ |
Excuse me / Sorry |
For getting attention or apologising. |
2. Introducing Yourself
| French |
Pronunciation |
English |
Example |
| Je m’appelle … |
ʒə mapɛl … |
My name is … |
Je m’appelle Marie. |
| Je suis … |
ʒə sɥi … |
I am … (nationality, profession) |
Je suis américain. |
| J’ai … ans |
ʒe … ɑ̃ |
I am … years old |
J’ai vingt‑trois ans. |
| Je viens de … |
ʒə vjɛ̃ də … |
I come from … |
Je viens de Montréal. |
| Enchanté(e) |
ɑ̃ʃɑ̃te / ɑ̃ʃɑ̃tee |
Nice to meet you |
Add e if you are female. |
3. Common Courtesy & Small Talk
| Phrase |
Pronunciation |
Meaning |
When to Use |
| Comment ça va ? |
kɔmɑ̃ sa va |
How are you? (informal) |
With friends, peers. |
| Comment allez‑vous ? |
kɔmɑ̃ tale vu |
How are you? (formal/plural) |
In shops, with strangers. |
| Ça va bien, merci. |
sa va bjɛ̃, mɛʀsi |
I’m fine, thank you. |
Standard reply. |
| Et vous ? / Et toi ? |
e vu / e twa |
And you? (formal / informal) |
To return the question. |
| Quel âge avez‑vous ? |
kɛl aʒ a.ve vu |
How old are you? (formal) |
When age is relevant. |
| Quel temps fait‑il ? |
kɛl tɑ̃ fɛ til |
What’s the weather like? |
Light conversation starter. |
| Où sont les toilettes ? |
u sɔ̃ le twɑlɛt |
Where are the restrooms? |
Essential for travel. |
4. Numbers (0‑20) – Quick Reference
| French |
Pronunciation |
English |
| zéro |
ze |
|