French Language

The official language in Paris and the rest of France is French. Contrary to other counties, English isn’t widely spoken.

Although Parisians do not generally speak or like to speak English, tourists won’t have any problems communicating in this language in most hotels, restaurants and shops.

Here is a list of basic expressions and a list of food in French that may come in handy during your trip: 

Expressions of Courtesy

Hello
Bonjour
Goodbye
Au revoir
Good morning
Bonjour
Good night
Bonne nuit
Welcome
Bienvenue
Please
S'il vous plaît
Thank you
Merci
You're welcome
De rien
Excuse me
Excusez-moi
Sorry
Pardon

Useful Expressions

Yes
Oui
Maybe
Peut-être
When?
Quand?
Where?
Où?
Everything
Tout
Do you speak English?
Parlez-vous anglais?
No
Non
What?
Quoi?
Why?
Pourquoi?
A lot
Beaucoup
Too much
Trop
Nothing
Rien
I don’t understand
Je ne comprends pas

Numbers in French

Zero
Zéro
One
Un
Two
Deux
Three
Trois
Four
Quatre
Five
Cinq
Six
Six
Seven
Sept
Eight
Huit
Nine
Neuf
Ten
Dix

Days of the Week

Monday
Lundi
Tuesday
Mardi
Wednesday
Mercredi
Thursday
Jeudi
Friday
Vendredi
Saturday
Samedi
Sunday
Dimanche

In the Restaurant

Today’s special
Plat du Jour
Starter
Entrées
The bill/check
L’addition s’il vous plaît
Butter
Beurre
Calamari
Calmar
Lamb
Agneau
Onion
Oignon
Vegetable garnish
Garniture de légumes
Mussels
Moules
Dessert
Dessert
Cheese
Fromage
Strawberries
Fraises
Seafood
Fruits de mer
Mushrooms
Champignons
Prawns
Crevettes
Ice-cream
Glace
Salad
Salade
Pork
Porc
Mustard
La moutarde
Hazelnut
Noisette
Cream
Crème
Pastries
Pâtisserie
Peppers
Poivrons
Fish
Poisson
Chicken
Poulet
Rice
Riz
Tuna
Thon
Egg
Ouef
Veal
Veau
Sugar
Sucre
Soup
Soupe