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Common French phrases - learn French!

In this French words and phrases section are listed some current and common French phrases that are frequently used and heard. We also provide some general articles about the best way to approach the challenge if you plan to learn French.

French Phrases - sections

Basic French Phrases

Easy French-English phrases

Useful phrases

More useful phrases

Learn to Speak French while having fun!

In the 'phrase' section we have focussed on the words and phrases that you will hear and could use in everyday conversation in France, based on our own experiences of living in France. In the 'learn french' section the idea is motivation rather than instruction, although there is a bit of that mixed in...before you start, here are some great phrases that are not so well known among non-French speakers...but used very commonly in French:

1) 'ca se peut' - means 'that's possible' or 'that could be right'. Much more elegant than 'c'est possible'!

2) 'ca m'étonnerait' - means 'I'd find that surprising' or 'That would surprise me'

3) 'Je dois regagner mes pénates - means 'I must be getting home'  - much more French than 'je dois rentrer chez moi'

4) One for the teenagers: 'bof' - means 'not much, not really' as an answer to a question.  eg 't'aimes cette chanson?'...'bof' ('do you like this song?'...'not much')

It is not true that all French people speak English. It is true that they often know more English than you realise. So no rude comments in English because no one can understand you, please (we often overhear such comments in our local bar).

 

An effort to speak some French is worth the trouble, even if you think you sound terrible or find it embarrassing, can only say set phrases, and know that you won't understand the answer.

 

See also these extensive resources for learning French from about.com