25 Key French and English Phrases to Learn While Traveling this Summer

Summer is upon us once again and traveling during this time can be both exciting and rewarding especially when learning a new language! So, whether you’re fluent in English or French, below are some key phrases to add to your vocabulary to make your travels savvier.

English Phrases

1. Thanks so much. ( Merci beaucoup )
2. I really appreciate it. ( J’apprécie beaucoup )
3. Excuse me. ( Excusez-moi )
4. I’m sorry. ( je suis désolé (ée ) )
5. I’m learning English. ( j’apprends l’anglais )
6. I don’t understand. ( je ne comprends pas )
7. Could you repeat that, please? ( pouvez-vous répéter s’il vous plaît )
8. Could you please talk slower? ( pouvez-vous parler lentement )
9. Thank you. That helps a lot. ( merci. Cela m’aide beaucoup. )
10. Hi! I’m [Name]. (And you?) ( bonjour, je suis [Nom]. Et vous ? )
11. Nice to meet you. ( Heureux ( se ) de faire votre connaissance )
12. Where are you from? ( d’où êtes-vous ? )

French Phrases

13. Bonjour ( Hello )
14. S’il vous plait… ( please)
15. Oui / Non / Dˈaccord (Yes / No / OK)
16. Parlez-vous anglais? - (Do you speak English?)
17. Je m'appelle… - (My name is…)
18. Quel est votre nom ? - (What is your name? - informal)
19. Je ne comprends pas. - (I don’t understand.)
20. Merci – (Thank you.)
21. De rien – (You’re welcome)
22. Excusez-moi - (Excuse me.)
23. Quˈavez vous avez dit ? – (What did you say?)
24. Où sont les toilettes ? – (Where are the bathrooms?)
25. Salut ! – (Hi! / Bye! – informal)

Now that you’ve learned a few common French phrases, the next thing to do is learn how to refer individuals in a polite way. For example, a man would be referred to as Monsieur (same as Mr. or Sir in English). An older woman (or married women) would be referred to as Madame and a younger lady would be referred to as Mademoiselle.

Are you planning to travel to a new country this summer? If yes, we would love to know where. Please share below!