Home > Shark Guides > About Paris > Visiting Paris > Speaking French In Paris

Speaking French In Paris

It is a popular assumption that Parisians are often inconsiderate if you don’t speak French with a perfect accent. However, this perceived discourtesy is often simply a reflection the city’s pride in its linguistic heritage Here are a few strategies, culture reasons and key phrases to make your trip a breeze.

Just like any other country, your experience there can be shaped by your ability to speak the language. If you know the language and are just shy, please use it, and if you do not, practice at least a few key phrases and your efforts will be rewarded.

Let’s face it: despite the fact that many Parisians do speak English, French is the official language of the country. Learning a little French will help you self-immerse in the city of lights, and everything from getting directions to ordering a pastry will be easier. French was also the official language of the European Union until 1995. Much like their culture, Parisians are proud of their language and often prefer if you do your best to communicate in it, at least at first.

Knowing some basic greetings and courtesies will also get you far in Paris. Saying bon jour Monsieur /Madam every time you go into a shop or enter your hotel is customary in Paris and it is part of the languages to include the correct pronoun. Parisians are also commonly pleased to hear travelers being courteous and will often respond by repeating the phrase. When initiating a conversation, it is often best to start with a greeting in French and then ask do you speak English which is: parlez-vous anglais? If they say no, do your best, smile, point, draw a picture, anything you can to communicate. If they say yes, try to speak slowly and avoid slang using as much French as you can sneak in there if they seem to be struggling.

Remember that French is also a much more formal language than English and certain verbs and tenses change depending on who you are talking to. However even if you are clumsy and uncomfortable speaking, it is better to use the little French you know for the sake of manners than to disregard it altogether. In fact most Parisians won’t get offended if you use a to casual form of the verb or pronoun. Chances are you will not be the first non-French-speaking person a Parisian has met, and they understand if you are clunky with your word choice.

While this may seem daunting if you happened to skip French class during your school days, never fear: treat it more as learning something new, a personal souvenir to take home with you from your trip to Paris.

Below are a few key phrases perfect for practicing before your trip.

Greetings

Bon jour: Literally good day, this also works for hello

Au revoir: Good bye

Enchanté: Nice to meet you

Useful Phrases

Oui: Yes

Non: No

Parlez-vous anglais?: Do you speak English?

Je ne comprends pas: I don’t understand

Où sont les toilettes?: Where is the bathroom?

Combien ça coûte?: How much is it?

Je suis perdu: I am lost

Qu'est-ce que vous conseillez?: What do you recommend?

Voulez-vous répéter cela, s'il vous plaît?: Can you please repeat what you just said?

Comment tu t'appelles?: What is your name?

Minding your Manners

Merci: Thank you

Excusez-moi: Excuse me

S'il vous plait: Please

De rien: You’re welcome

Book a Paris Hotel today!

More Shark Guides

FIND HOTELS NOW

Speaking French In Paris