Top 10 Easy French Phrases Every Beginner Should Know
French language course is one of the most beautiful and widely spoken languages in the world. Whether you’re dreaming of walking the streets of Paris, working in a global company, or just picking up a new hobby, learning French opens up countless opportunities. But where should you begin?
If you’re new to the language, starting with some basic but powerful phrases can be your stepping stone to fluency. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top 10 easy French phrases every beginner should know ideal for those taking a French language course or just starting their journey.
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Bonjour – Hello / Good morning
Let’s begin with the classic French greeting: Bonjour. It means “Good morning” or simply “Hello” and is used during the daytime in both formal and informal settings.
Example:
Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? (Hello, how are you?)
Using this word will instantly make your interaction friendly and polite.
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Bonsoir – Good evening
Once the day turns to evening, the appropriate greeting switches to Bonsoir, which means “Good evening.” It’s commonly used in the evenings when meeting people, entering a restaurant, or attending events.
Example:
Bonsoir, enchanté de vous rencontrer. (Good evening, nice to meet you.)
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Merci – Thank you
Merci is one of the most important words to learn. It simply means “Thank you.” You can also say Merci beaucoup for “Thank you very much.”
Example:
Merci pour votre aide. (Thank you for your help.)
Using this phrase often shows politeness and appreciation, which is highly valued in French culture.
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S’il vous plaît – Please
Another essential polite phrase is S’il vous plaît, which means “Please.” It’s used in formal situations. For friends or family, you can say S’il te plaît instead.
Example:
Un verre d’eau, s’il vous plaît. (A glass of water, please.)
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Oui / Non – Yes / No
These are simple yet crucial words. Oui means “Yes” and Non means “No.” You’ll hear and use them in almost every conversation.
Example:
Tu veux du café ? – Oui, merci !
(Do you want some coffee? – Yes, thank you!)
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Comment ça va ? – How are you?
This phrase means “How are you?” and is often used as a friendly greeting. You can respond with:
- Ça va bien (I’m doing well)
- Comme ci, comme ça (So-so)
- Pas mal (Not bad)
Example:
Salut ! Comment ça va ? (Hi! How are you?)
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Je m’appelle… – My name is…
When you’re meeting someone new, introduce yourself by saying Je m’appelle followed by your name. This phrase means “My name is…”
Example:
Je m’appelle Priya. Et vous ?
(My name is Priya. And you?)
If you’re enrolled in a French language course, this is usually one of the first phrases taught to help build basic conversation skills.
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Parlez-vous anglais ? – Do you speak English?
If you’re in a French-speaking country and get stuck, this phrase can be a lifesaver. It politely asks someone if they speak English.
Example:
Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais ?
(Excuse me, do you speak English?)
This phrase is particularly helpful when navigating cities, asking for help, or dealing with travel emergencies.
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Excusez-moi / Désolé – Excuse me / Sorry
Excusez-moi is used to get someone’s attention or ask for directions, while Désolé is used when apologizing.
Examples:
Excusez-moi, où est la station de métro ?
(Excuse me, where is the metro station?)
Désolé, je suis en retard.
(Sorry, I’m late.)
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Au revoir – Goodbye
Every conversation needs a polite ending. Au revoir means “Goodbye” and is commonly used in both casual and formal settings.
Example:
Au revoir et bonne journée !
(Goodbye and have a nice day!)
Why These Phrases Matter
Starting with simple, commonly used phrases is the best way to gain confidence in speaking French. These expressions allow you to participate in basic conversations, travel more comfortably, and connect with native speakers in a respectful way.
If you’re enrolled in a French language course like the one offered by Janhavi Panwar, you’ll find these phrases become the foundation of more advanced learning. Janhavi’s course focuses on daily practical usage, pronunciation, and confidence-building exercises making French easy, even for absolute beginners.
Tips to Remember These Phrases
- Practice daily: Repetition helps you remember and build fluency.
- Use flashcards or apps: Tools like Duolingo or Anki can help.
- Watch French movies: Try watching with subtitles to reinforce vocabulary.
- Speak with a partner: Practicing out loud helps you get comfortable.
- Take a structured course: A well-designed course like Janhavi Panwar’s French language course will guide you from beginner to conversational level with ease.
Final Thoughts
Learning French doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just these 10 easy phrases, you can start understanding and speaking French in everyday situations. Whether you’re traveling, making international friends, or adding a new skill to your résumé, these phrases are the perfect starting point.
Ready to take your French to the next level? Enroll in Janhavi Panwar’s French language course and unlock your potential today. With expert instruction, interactive lessons, and real-life conversations, you’ll be speaking French faster than you ever imagined.
