Essential French Phrases for American Travelers

France, with its iconic landmarks, exquisite cuisine, and charming culture, is one of the most visited countries in the world. While many locals speak some English, knowing a few basic French phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience. Use this guide to navigate your adventures and connect with the people you meet.

Visiting a new country and culture can be difficult with navigating the culture and language. With this essential phrase list we will provide the top 10 most common French phrases and how to pronounce them so you don’t feel like a tourist.

Top 10 Essential French Phrases

Hello - Bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)

Goodbye - Au revoir (oh reh-VWAHR)

Thank you – Merci (mehr-SEE)

Thank you very much - Merci beaucoup (mehr-SEE boh-KOO)

Please - S’il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)

Excuse me / Sorry - Excusez-moi / Désolé(e) (eks-KYOO-zay mwah / day-zoh-LAY)

Yes - Oui (wee)

No - Non (noh)

How much does this cost? - Combien ça coûte ? (kohm-BYEN sah KOOT?)

Do you speak English? - Parlez-vous anglais ? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLAY?)

Where is the nearest bus stop? - Où est l’arrêt de bus le plus proche ? (oo eh lah-REH duh BYUS luh plew PROHSH?)

In addition to learning these key phrases, having Google Translate ready can make communicating in a new language seamless. Gone are the days of relying solely on phrasebooks—your phone now offers instant translations and pronunciations. Whether you’re using the latest Pixel or another device, Google Translate is a valuable tool for navigating France or any destination.

Another must-have for your trip? Travel protection. Whether you’re strolling through Paris or exploring another destination, Generali Global Assistance Travel Protection and Assistance Services helps provide peace of mind by safeguarding your travel investment against cancellations, interruptions, or other unforeseen health issues. With 24/7 Travel Assistance included, you’ll also have access to language interpretation or translation services when you need them most.

Plan your trip with confidence. Compare our travel protection plans and get a quote today!