Introduction

Some fundamental French phrases are more valuable than others.

Why not concentrate on mastering these words first? We chose to write this post for you specifically for that reason.

The essential French phrases covered in this post will help you communicate better if you’re just beginning to learn French or are already fluent.

If you’re soon traveling to a French-speaking country, these will be especially useful to you.

Basic French Words and Sentences That You Must Know

The following are the 30 basic French words and sentences that you must know:

1.Salut je suis…….

Hi! I am [your name].

This is a basic greeting when you meet someone new to introduce yourself.

2. Comment ça va

 How are you?

When you run into friends, family, or anyone you want to start a discussion with, you usually do it this way.

3. je vais bien
I’m good, you?

You can use this phrase to tell them that you are fine and ask about them in return.

4. Enchanté de faire votre connaissance

This phrase can be used to tell someone how nice you feel about meeting someone.

5. Je suis désolé

 I’m sorry

If you are looking to apologize, you can say ‘I’m sorry’.

6. Quel est votre numéro de téléphone

What is your phone number?

If you want to have someone’s phone number, you can use the above phrase.

7. d’où viens-tu

You can use this phrase to know where a person is.

8. que faites-vous

What do you do?

You can use this phrase to find out someone’s profession.

9. que veux-tu dire

 What do you mean?

If you are looking to know the meaning of what someone said, you can use this phrase.

10. Qu’est-ce que cela signifie

What does this mean?

If you want to know the meaning of something, use this phrase.

11. Je ne comprends pas cela

I do not understand.

You can use this phrase if you do not understand something.

12. Qu’est-ce que tu penses

What do you think?

If you want to know someone’s opinion, you can use this phrase.

13. Comment ça sonne?

How does that sound?

If you want to confirm how your idea sounds, you can use this phrase.

14. pourrait parler plus lentement

Could you speak a little slower?

If you want someone to speak slowly, you can use this phrase.

15. Pourriez-vous répéter

Could you repeat that?

If you didn’t understand something that someone said, and you want him or her to repeat something. You can use the above phrase.

16. à bientôt

See you soon

To tell someone you’ll meet or see someone soon, you can use the above phrase.

17. où puis-je trouver …….

Where can I find …….?

For instance, if you are looking for a place, a hotel, a restaurant, or anything else, you can use this phrase.

For example: Where can I find a medical store/ tea shop/ general store?

18. quel est votre nom
What’s your name?

You can use this phrase to know someone’s name.

19. Pouvez-vous m’aider

Can you help me?

If you need/ want to help someone, you can use this phrase.

20. Combien ça coûte

How much does this/that cost?

To know the cost of something, use this phrase.

21. je ne connais pas le français

I don’t know French.

If you want to tell someone you are not good at French, use this phrase. This will be helpful if you have just started learning French and are still not comfortable communicating fluently.

22. Estoy perdido/a

I’m lost

23. Quelle heure est-il?

What time is it?

Basic French words that you should know:

• Bonjour = Hello, Good morning
• Au revoir = Goodbye
• Oui = Yes
• Non = No
• Merci = Thank you
• Merci beaucoup = Thank you very much
• Fille = Girl
• Temps = Time
• Jour = Day
• Monde = World
• Monsieur = Mister, gentleman
• Raison = Reason
• Garçon = Boy
• Femme = Woman
• Homme = Man
• Amour = Love
• Français = French
• S’il vous plaît = Please
• Bonsoir = Good evening
• Bonne Nuit = Good night
• Excusez-moi = Excuse me
• De Rien = You’re welcome (casual, informal way)
• Je vous en prie = You’re welcome (formal)
• Mademoiselle = Miss, unmarried woman
• Madame = Married woman, older woman
• un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix = 1 to 10 counting

Conclusion

We hope these foundational words and phrases will improve your ability to speak French confidently.

The first few times won’t be simple, so practice is the only and best option.

And always remember to prioritize the most important terms first rather than attempting to memorize all the phrases we shared with you today.