Top 50 phrases to get by France — Essential communication

Bonjour

Hello/Good morning

Use it anytime during the day till the evening.

A smile goes well with 'Bonjour' in France!

Merci

Thank you

Sounds like 'meh-see' and is polite to use often.

Gratitude is important. Use 'Merci' generously!

De rien

You're welcome

Literally means 'of nothing'!

Respond to a 'Merci' with 'De rien' to sound polite.

Pardon

Sorry/Excuse me

Not just for apologies, say it if you bump into someone.

Manners matter in France, use 'Pardon' to gracefully excuse yourself.

Au revoir

Goodbye

Pronounced 'oh reh-vwar'.

A charming way to bid farewell until next time.

Oui

Yes

Pronounced like 'wee', fun and easy!

Nod your head slightly for added emphasis.

Non

No

Simple, like the English 'no'.

Shaking your head makes this more effective.

S'il vous plaît

Please

Literally means 'if it pleases you'.

A crucial part of polite exchanges in France.

Je ne comprends pas

I don't understand

Helpful when you're lost in translation.

Use it to encourage a slower rephrased explanation.