How to Say in French: A Beginner's Guide

Ever found yourself dreaming of strolling through a Parisian market, effortlessly ordering a croissant and café au lait in flawless French, only to be met with the frustrating reality of struggling to formulate even the simplest sentence? You’re not alone! Learning a new language, especially one as nuanced as French, can feel daunting. But unlocking the ability to express yourself, even in basic phrases, can open up a world of new experiences, connect you with different cultures, and boost your confidence in ways you never imagined.

Mastering fundamental French phrases isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary; it’s about understanding the underlying structure of the language and developing the ability to adapt to various conversational situations. Whether you’re planning a trip, hoping to connect with francophone friends, or simply curious about broadening your linguistic horizons, knowing how to say essential phrases will give you a solid foundation for future learning and allow you to navigate everyday interactions with ease. So, where do you begin?

What are some common French phrases and how do I pronounce them?

How do I say “hello” in French?

The most common and versatile way to say “hello” in French is “Bonjour.” It can be used in almost any situation, from formal to informal, and at any time of day.

While “Bonjour” is a reliable option, there are other greetings you can use depending on the time of day and the context. “Bonsoir” is used to say “good evening” or “good night” and is appropriate from late afternoon or early evening onwards. For more informal situations, you might hear or use “Salut,” which is similar to “hi” or “hey” in English. However, be mindful that “Salut” is best used with people you know.

When answering the phone, the typical greeting is “Allô?” with a rising intonation. While not directly equivalent to “hello,” it serves the same purpose of initiating a conversation. Also, remember that adding polite phrases like “Monsieur,” “Madame,” or “Mademoiselle” after “Bonjour” demonstrates respect, particularly when addressing someone you don’t know well or someone in a position of authority.

What’s the French way to say “thank you”?

The most common and direct translation of “thank you” in French is “Merci.” It’s a versatile word that can be used in almost any situation, from casual interactions to more formal settings.

Beyond the simple “Merci,” there are ways to add emphasis or nuance to your gratitude. To express “thank you very much,” you can say “Merci beaucoup.” For an even stronger expression of gratitude, “Merci infiniment” (thank you infinitely) is appropriate. You can also add qualifiers, such as “Merci pour…” followed by what you are thankful *for*. For example, “Merci pour votre aide” means “Thank you for your help.” It’s also important to consider the context. While “Merci” is always appropriate, you might adjust your language depending on who you are addressing. You can say “Je vous remercie” as a more formal alternative, especially when addressing someone you don’t know well or someone in a position of authority. “Je te remercie” is the informal version, used with friends and family. These translate literally to “I thank you.”

How to say “goodbye” in French, formally and informally?

The most common way to say “goodbye” in French is “Au revoir.” However, French offers several other options depending on the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing. “Au revoir” is suitable for most situations, from formal to informal, but knowing alternatives allows you to be more nuanced in your communication.

For formal situations, especially when addressing someone older than you, in a position of authority, or someone you don’t know well, “Au revoir” remains the safest and most appropriate choice. You can also add titles such as “Monsieur,” “Madame,” or “Mademoiselle” to show extra respect, for example, “Au revoir, Monsieur.” Another formal option, although less frequently used in casual conversation, is “Adieu.” “Adieu” carries a sense of finality or a long separation, so it’s generally reserved for more serious farewells or when you don’t expect to see the person again for a considerable time.

In informal settings with friends, family, or colleagues you’re close to, you have several choices. “Salut” is a versatile greeting that works for both “hello” and “goodbye” in casual conversations. “À bientôt” means “See you soon,” and is perfect if you expect to meet again shortly. “À plus tard” (often shortened to “À plus”) is similar to “See you later.” If you know when you will see them next, you can be more specific; for instance, “À demain” means “See you tomorrow,” and “À la semaine prochaine” means “See you next week.” For a very quick and casual goodbye, you might even use “Ciao,” borrowed from Italian, though its use varies geographically and may not be universally accepted. These informal options add a touch of warmth and familiarity to your farewells.

How do you say “Excuse me” in French to get someone’s attention?

The most common and versatile way to say “Excuse me” in French to get someone’s attention is “Excusez-moi.” This phrase is generally polite and appropriate in most formal and informal situations when you need to interrupt someone or get their attention.

While “Excusez-moi” is widely applicable, it’s helpful to understand some nuances. For a slightly more informal setting, especially when addressing someone you know, you can use “Excuse-moi.” The key difference lies in the verb conjugation: “Excusez-moi” uses the formal “vous” (you), while “Excuse-moi” uses the informal “tu” (you). Be mindful of whom you are addressing and whether a formal or informal approach is more appropriate.

Another option, though perhaps less directly translatable as “Excuse me,” is “Pardon.” While “Pardon” can also mean “Sorry,” it can effectively get someone’s attention, particularly if you need to squeeze past them in a crowded space or gently interrupt a conversation. The level of formality is similar to “Excusez-moi.” Choose the expression that best suits the context and your desired level of politeness, but when in doubt, “Excusez-moi” is a safe and respectful choice.

What’s the best way to say “I don’t understand” in French?

The most common and generally useful way to say “I don’t understand” in French is “Je ne comprends pas.” This phrase is suitable for most situations, from casual conversations to more formal settings.

“Je ne comprends pas” literally translates to “I do not understand.” It’s a straightforward and universally accepted expression. However, French, like any language, offers nuance. Depending on the context and who you’re speaking to, you might choose a different phrase. For instance, if you want to be particularly polite, you could say, “Je ne comprends pas bien,” meaning “I don’t understand well,” or even “Pourriez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?” which asks, “Could you repeat, please?”. If you understand some parts, but not all, you might say, “Je comprends un peu, mais pas tout.” Beyond these direct translations, other options exist to express a lack of comprehension, such as, “Je suis désolé, je ne comprends pas,” (“I’m sorry, I don’t understand”). The level of formality and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to will often guide your choice. However, sticking with “Je ne comprends pas” will rarely lead you astray.

How do I say my name is [name] in French?

The most common and natural way to say “My name is [name]” in French is “Je m’appelle [name].” This translates directly to “I call myself [name]” and is universally understood and accepted.

While “Je m’appelle [name]” is the standard, there are a couple of other options, though they might be used in slightly different contexts. You could also say “Mon nom est [name],” which literally means “My name is [name].” This is grammatically correct but sounds a bit more formal. Another option, slightly less common but perfectly acceptable, is “Je suis [name],” meaning “I am [name].” This is generally used when identifying yourself in a less formal setting, or when someone asks “Qui est-ce?” (“Who is it?”) It’s essential to choose the phrase that best suits the situation and your comfort level, but “Je m’appelle [name]” is almost always a safe bet. Ultimately, all three options will effectively communicate your name. However, “Je m’appelle” is the most idiomatic and commonly used, making it the most practical choice for everyday conversation. Remember to pronounce your name clearly, as pronunciation differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

How do you say “How much does this cost?” in French?

The most common way to say “How much does this cost?” in French is “Combien coûte ceci ?” or “Combien ça coûte ?”. Both phrases are widely understood and perfectly acceptable in everyday conversations.

While both “Combien coûte ceci ?” and “Combien ça coûte ?” translate directly to “How much does this cost?”, there are slight nuances. “Combien coûte ceci ?” is arguably a bit more formal and might be used when you are being particularly polite or in a more formal setting. “Ceci” means “this.” However, it is still perfectly acceptable in almost all situations. “Combien ça coûte ?” is more informal and probably the most frequently heard version. “Ça” is a contraction of “cela,” meaning “that” or “it,” but in this context, it effectively means “this.”

Another option, although less direct, is “Quel est le prix de ceci/cela ?” This translates to “What is the price of this/that?”. While grammatically correct, it’s not the go-to phrase most native speakers would use for a simple inquiry about price. For a specific item, you can also point and ask “Combien coûte… ?” and then gesture to the item in question, making your intention perfectly clear even without completing the sentence.

And voilà! You’ve now got a fantastic starting point for expressing yourself in French. Thanks so much for exploring this little guide with me, and I hope it’s helped boost your confidence. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and please come back soon for more French tips and tricks!