French is spoken by approximately 320 million people in 29 countries across five continents. From Paris to Montreal, from Dakar to Brussels: with this kit, you have the bare minimum to get by in any French-speaking city.
French has approximately 320 million speakers across five continents. Twenty-nine countries have adopted it as an official or co-official language, from France to Canada (Quebec), from Belgium to Switzerland, including Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco and Madagascar. It is one of the six official languages of the UN and one of the working languages of several international organisations (European Union, NATO, International Olympic Committee). This massive reach makes it an exceptional travel companion, particularly on the African continent where it often serves as a lingua franca between populations speaking different languages. French grammar is known to be complex (genders, agreements, irregular conjugations) but spelling remains relatively regular. Pronunciation poses challenges: specific nasal sounds (an, on, in, un), liaisons between words, the dreaded French "u". Beyond language, the Francophone world opens the door to precise cultural codes: the systematic "bonjour" when entering a shop, the strict rule of using "vous" with strangers, the importance of meals as social moments, conversation and debate as national passions. Regional varieties (standard French, Quebecois, Belgian, Swiss, African) remain mutually intelligible despite distinct accents and lexicons. This kit gathers the essentials to handle an airport arrival, a taxi ride, a restaurant order, a medical emergency and a smooth departure. Memorize these expressions before leaving and you will gain confidence from the very first hours on site.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle in the early evening. The hall is huge and you are looking for the taxi exit. An agent meets your gaze, you greet him and ask for directions.
The taxi driver loads your suitcase and asks for your destination. You give him the hotel address, you want to check the price before leaving, then you will ask him to stop right in front of the entrance.
You enter a bistro in the early evening. The waiter seats you and hands you the menu. You hesitate over the daily special and ask for advice before ordering water and the bill.
You feel sick after a meal and you need help quickly. You ask where the nearest hospital is and you mention that you are allergic to certain foods.
On the morning of departure, you want to confirm check-out time at the reception, then catch a taxi to the airport. Before leaving, you warmly say goodbye to the hotel staff.
What you need to know before travelling to a french-speaking country.
Saying "bonjour" when entering a shop, restaurant or elevator is an absolute rule of politeness in France. Skipping this greeting can be perceived as rude, even between strangers.
Using "vous" (formal you) remains the norm with strangers, shopkeepers and in professional settings. Wait until you are offered to use "tu" before switching.
Meals are sacred in France. People avoid eating while walking or taking work calls at the table. Bread accompanies almost every dish.
Tipping is optional since service is included in the bill. Leaving one or two euros for a coffee or five percent at a restaurant is still appreciated when service has been good.
In Quebec, most French codes are retained but the use of "tu" comes faster than in France. In Belgium and Switzerland, French coexists with other official languages.
In French-speaking Africa, French is often a second language after a local one. Politeness formulas are more elaborate, asking about the family remains a required step.
Numbers differ by country: "soixante-dix" and "quatre-vingt-dix" in France, "septante" and "nonante" in Belgium and Switzerland. Pay attention to context to avoid confusion.
The French value conversation and debate but often avoid money as a personal topic. Asking about a salary or rent can be considered intrusive.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Oui
wee
Yes
Non
nohn
No
Merci
mer-SEE
Thank you
De rien
duh RYEN
You're welcome
Pardon
par-DOHN
Sorry
Eau
oh
Water
Nourriture
noo-ree-TUR
Food
Hotel
oh-TEL
Hotel
Aeroport
a-ay-ro-POR
Airport
Hopital
o-pee-TAL
Hospital
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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