Où est la récupération des bagages ?
Where is the baggage claim?
oo eh lah ray-koo-pay-rah-SYON day bah-GAHZH
Excusez-moi, où est la récupération des bagages ?
Excuse me, where is baggage claim?
Essential French phrases for travel and everyday conversation
French phrases for travel and everyday conversation are ready-to-speak sentences for real situations — arriving, asking directions, ordering food, checking into a hotel, shopping, and handling emergencies. This guide groups 70+ essential French phrases by situation with English translations and formal/informal notes, so you can speak from day one. To build the single words behind them, see our French words guide.
Phrasebooks help you speak immediately; stories help the patterns stick. Use the situational tables below before a trip, then read A1–A2 French stories where the same expressions appear in context with native audio and line-by-line English support.
Last updated:
- Entries
- 79 entries
- Topics
- 9 topics
- Level
- A1–A2 focus
Definition
Essential French phrases are short, fixed expressions and full sentences — greetings, polite requests, and situational lines — that let A1–A2 learners communicate before mastering grammar, such as Je voudrais un café (I would like a coffee) or Où est la gare ? (Where is the station?).
Offline phrasebook
Keep the complete French phrase list with you
Download a clean, categorized study sheet for travel, quick review, or lessons without an internet connection.
PDF travel sheet
The full list, ready offline
79 phrases · 9 topics · A4 format
Free · no account required
What you will practice
- Speak full sentences for travel, dining, and shopping situations
- Switch between formal (vous) and informal (tu) registers
- Ask for directions, help, and clarification with confidence
- Handle emergencies and health needs in French
- Recycle whole phrases inside graded French stories — not isolated drills
Real-life scene
Arrival & the airport
The first phrases you need after landing — customs, baggage, and getting out of the airport.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Où sont les taxis ?
Where are the taxis?
oo son lay tak-SEE
Mini conversation
At passport control
Officer
Bonjour. Motif du voyage ?
Hello. Purpose of the trip?
Traveler
Je suis ici en vacances.
I’m here on vacation.
Officer
Très bien. Bon séjour.
Very well. Enjoy your stay.
| French | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Je suis ici en vacances | I'm here on vacation | — |
| Je suis ici pour le travail | I'm here for work | — |
| Je n'ai rien à déclarer | I have nothing to declare | — |
| Où est la récupération des bagages ? | Where is the baggage claim? | oo eh lah ray-koo-pay-rah-SYON day bah-GAHZH |
| J'ai raté mon vol | I missed my flight | — |
| Quelle est la porte d'embarquement pour Paris ? | Which gate is for Paris? | — |
| Où sont les taxis ? | Where are the taxis? | oo son lay tak-SEE |
| Où est l'arrêt de bus ? | Where is the bus stop? | — |
Real-life scene
Directions & getting around
Ask for directions and buy transport tickets. Pair these with question words like où (where) and quand (when).
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Où est la gare ?
Where is the train station?
oo eh lah GAHR
Pardon, où est la gare ?
Excuse me, where is the station?
Un billet pour Lyon, s'il vous plaît
A ticket to Lyon, please
uhn bee-YEH poor lee-ON, seel voo PLEH
| French | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Où est la gare ? | Where is the train station? | oo eh lah GAHR |
| Comment aller au centre-ville ? | How do I get to the city center? | — |
| C'est loin d'ici ? | Is it far from here? | — |
| Tournez à droite / à gauche | Turn right / left | Formal (vous) |
| Tout droit | Straight ahead | — |
| Un billet pour Lyon, s'il vous plaît | A ticket to Lyon, please | uhn bee-YEH poor lee-ON, seel voo PLEH |
| À quelle heure part le train ? | What time does the train leave? | — |
| De quel quai part-il ? | Which platform does it leave from? | — |
| Je suis perdu / perdue | I'm lost | Masc. / fem. |
Real-life scene
At the hotel
Check in, ask about your room, and sort out practical details.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
J'ai une réservation
I have a reservation
zhay oon ray-zehr-vah-SYON
Bonjour, j’ai une réservation au nom de Martin.
Hello, I have a reservation under Martin.
Le petit-déjeuner est-il inclus ?
Is breakfast included?
luh puh-TEE day-zhuh-NAY eh-teel eh-KLEW
Mini conversation
Checking in at reception
Reception
Bonjour. Vous avez une réservation ?
Hello. Do you have a reservation?
Guest
Oui, j’ai une réservation.
Yes, I have a reservation.
Reception
À quel nom ?
Under what name?
| French | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| J'ai une réservation | I have a reservation | zhay oon ray-zehr-vah-SYON |
| Avez-vous une chambre libre ? | Do you have a room available? | Formal (vous) |
| Je voudrais une chambre double | I'd like a double room | — |
| Je voudrais rester deux nuits | I'd like to stay two nights | — |
| À quelle heure est le départ ? | What time is check-out? | — |
| Le petit-déjeuner est-il inclus ? | Is breakfast included? | luh puh-TEE day-zhuh-NAY eh-teel eh-KLEW |
| Y a-t-il du wifi ? | Is there Wi-Fi? | — |
| Puis-je laisser mes bagages ici ? | Can I leave my luggage here? | — |
| La clé, s'il vous plaît | The key, please | — |
Real-life scene
At a restaurant or café
Order, ask for recommendations, and pay — the most-used phrases on any French trip.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Je voudrais un café
I'd like a coffee
zhuh voo-DRAY uhn kah-FAY
Je voudrais un café et un croissant, s’il vous plaît.
I’d like a coffee and a croissant, please.
L'addition, s'il vous plaît
The check, please
lah-dee-SYON, seel voo PLEH
Mini conversation
Ordering at a café
Server
Bonjour. Vous avez choisi ?
Hello. Have you chosen?
Traveler
Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît.
I’d like a coffee, please.
Server
Bien sûr. Et avec ceci ?
Of course. Anything with that?
| French | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Une table pour deux, s'il vous plaît | A table for two, please | — |
| La carte, s'il vous plaît | The menu, please | la carte = menu; le menu = set menu |
| Je voudrais un café | I'd like a coffee | zhuh voo-DRAY uhn kah-FAY |
| Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez ? | What do you recommend? | Formal (vous) |
| Je suis végétarien / végétarienne | I'm vegetarian | Masc. / fem. |
| Pour moi, de l'eau, s'il vous plaît | Water for me, please | — |
| L'addition, s'il vous plaît | The check, please | lah-dee-SYON, seel voo PLEH |
| Puis-je payer par carte ? | Can I pay by card? | — |
| C'était délicieux | It was delicious | — |
Real-life scene
Shopping & paying
Browse, compare prices, and check out in shops and markets.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
C'est combien ?
How much is it?
say kom-BYEN
Excusez-moi, c’est combien ?
Excuse me, how much is it?
Puis-je l'essayer ?
Can I try it on?
pweezh lay-say-YAY
| French | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| C'est combien ? | How much is it? | say kom-BYEN Informal; Combien ça coûte ? also common |
| C'est trop cher | It's too expensive | — |
| Avez-vous une autre taille ? | Do you have another size? | Formal (vous) |
| Je regarde seulement, merci | I'm just looking, thanks | — |
| Puis-je l'essayer ? | Can I try it on? | pweezh lay-say-YAY |
| Acceptez-vous les cartes bancaires ? | Do you accept credit cards? | Formal (vous) |
| Puis-je avoir un reçu, s'il vous plaît ? | Can I have a receipt, please? | — |
| À quelle heure fermez-vous ? | What time do you close? | Formal (vous) |
Real-life scene
Emergencies & health
The phrases you hope not to need — but should know before you travel.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
J'ai besoin d'un médecin
I need a doctor
zhay buh-ZWAN duhn may-duh-SAN
C’est urgent : j’ai besoin d’un médecin.
It’s urgent: I need a doctor.
Où est la pharmacie la plus proche ?
Where is the nearest pharmacy?
oo eh lah fahr-mah-SEE lah plew PROHSH
Mini conversation
At a pharmacy
Traveler
Bonjour. Je ne me sens pas bien.
Hello. I don’t feel well.
Pharmacist
Où avez-vous mal ?
Where does it hurt?
Traveler
J’ai mal ici.
It hurts here.
| French | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Au secours ! | Help! | — |
| Appelez une ambulance ! | Call an ambulance! | Formal (vous) |
| J'ai besoin d'un médecin | I need a doctor | zhay buh-ZWAN duhn may-duh-SAN |
| Je ne me sens pas bien | I don't feel well | — |
| J'ai mal ici | It hurts here | — |
| Où est la pharmacie la plus proche ? | Where is the nearest pharmacy? | oo eh lah fahr-mah-SEE lah plew PROHSH |
| J'ai perdu mon passeport | I lost my passport | — |
| Appelez la police ! | Call the police! | Formal (vous) |
| Y a-t-il un hôpital près d'ici ? | Is there a hospital nearby? | — |
Real-life scene
Greetings & introductions
Open and close conversations, and introduce yourself. Choose vous (formal) with strangers and tu with friends.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?
Hello, how are you?
bohn-ZHOOR, koh-mahn tah-lay VOO
Je m'appelle…
My name is…
zhuh mah-PELL
Je m’appelle Maya. Enchantée !
My name is Maya. Nice to meet you!
Mini conversation
Meeting someone for the first time
Luc
Bonjour, je m’appelle Luc.
Hello, my name is Luc.
Maya
Enchantée, je suis Maya.
Nice to meet you, I’m Maya.
Luc
Enchanté.
Pleased to meet you.
| French | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? | Hello, how are you? | bohn-ZHOOR, koh-mahn tah-lay VOO Formal (vous) |
| Salut, ça va ? | Hi, how are you? | Informal (tu) |
| Je m'appelle… | My name is… | zhuh mah-PELL |
| Comment vous appelez-vous ? | What's your name? | Formal (vous) |
| Enchanté / Enchantée | Pleased to meet you | Masc. / fem. |
| D'où venez-vous ? | Where are you from? | Formal (vous) |
| Je viens de… | I'm from… | — |
| Très bien, merci | Very well, thank you | — |
| À bientôt ! | See you soon! | — |
Real-life scene
Polite essentials & small talk
The courtesy phrases that smooth every interaction in French.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Merci beaucoup
Thank you very much
mehr-SEE boh-KOO
Merci beaucoup pour votre aide.
Thank you very much for your help.
Excusez-moi
Excuse me
ehk-skew-zay MWAH
| French | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| S'il vous plaît | Please | Formal; s'il te plaît informal |
| Merci beaucoup | Thank you very much | mehr-SEE boh-KOO |
| De rien | You're welcome | Je vous en prie more formal |
| Excusez-moi | Excuse me | ehk-skew-zay MWAH Formal; pardon also works |
| Je suis désolé / désolée | I'm sorry | Masc. / fem. |
| Pas de problème | No problem | — |
| D'accord | OK / all right | — |
| Quelle belle journée ! | What a beautiful day! | — |
| Bonne journée ! | Have a good day! | — |
Real-life scene
Understanding & being understood
When you need someone to slow down, repeat, or switch to English.
Pronunciation spotlight
Say these first
Stress is shown in capitals · approximations for English speakers
Je ne comprends pas
I don't understand
zhuh nuh kohm-PRAHN pah
Désolé, je ne comprends pas.
Sorry, I don’t understand.
Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ?
Can you repeat, please?
poo-vay VOO ray-pay-TAY, seel voo PLEH
Mini conversation
When the answer is too fast
Local
L’arrêt est après la place.
The stop is after the square.
Traveler
Je ne comprends pas. Pouvez-vous répéter ?
I don’t understand. Can you repeat?
Local
Bien sûr, plus lentement.
Of course, more slowly.
| French | English | Pronunciation & use |
|---|---|---|
| Je ne comprends pas | I don't understand | zhuh nuh kohm-PRAHN pah |
| Parlez-vous anglais ? | Do you speak English? | Formal (vous) |
| Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ? | Can you repeat, please? | poo-vay VOO ray-pay-TAY, seel voo PLEH Formal (vous) |
| Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement ? | Can you speak more slowly? | Formal (vous) |
| Comment dit-on… en français ? | How do you say… in French? | — |
| Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire ? | What does that mean? | — |
| Je ne sais pas | I don't know | — |
| Pouvez-vous l'écrire, s'il vous plaît ? | Can you write it down, please? | Formal (vous) |
| Je comprends un peu le français | I understand a little French | — |
How to learn French phrases with stories
Phrasebooks give you lines to repeat; graded stories show you when to use them. MeloLingua French readers recycle the same expressions inside café scenes, métro rides, and hotel check-ins — with tap-to-gloss English support so the phrases stick in context.
- Pick a situation before a trip (restaurant, hotel), then read an A1 French story set in that scene.
- Say each phrase aloud with native audio so rhythm and liaison come naturally.
- Note the register — vous (formal) with strangers, tu with friends — as characters switch in dialogue.
- Move to A2 stories when A1 feels easy, where the same phrases appear in longer exchanges.
Related French hubs & story collections
French words
Core vocabulary by theme — the nouns, verbs, and adjectives behind these phrases.
A1 French stories
Beginner vignettes with glossed vocabulary — cafés, markets, and daily routines.
French reading practice
Graded passages by CEFR level with audio and comprehension support.
French short stories for beginners
Editorial guide with sample scenes and a path into the full story library.
Answers
Essential French phrases — FAQ
Q01What are the most useful French phrases for travel?
What are the most useful French phrases for travel?
Start with greetings (bonjour, merci, s'il vous plaît), polite requests (je voudrais…), and high-frequency situational lines: C'est combien ? (How much is it?), Où est la gare ? (Where is the station?), L'addition, s'il vous plaît (The check, please), and Parlez-vous anglais ? (Do you speak English?). These cover most everyday interactions.
Q02How do I say "excuse me" politely in French?
How do I say "excuse me" politely in French?
Use excusez-moi (formal, with vous) or pardon to get someone's attention or apologize. For "I'm sorry" in the sense of regret, say je suis désolé (masc.) or désolée (fem.). To ask someone to repeat, add pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ?
Q03What is the difference between formal and informal French phrases?
What is the difference between formal and informal French phrases?
French distinguishes vous (formal) from tu (informal). With strangers, officials, and older people, use vous: Comment allez-vous ? (How are you?). With friends and peers, use tu: Ça va ? Many phrases on this page show both registers so you choose the right one.
Q04How many French phrases do I need before a trip?
How many French phrases do I need before a trip?
Around 50–70 situational phrases cover arrival, directions, restaurants, hotels, shopping, and emergencies — enough to handle most travel interactions. Combine them with core French words so you can swap nouns into patterns like Je voudrais… (I would like…) and Où est… ? (Where is…?).
Q05What is the difference between French phrases and French words?
What is the difference between French phrases and French words?
This page lists full, ready-to-speak sentences grouped by situation, like Puis-je payer par carte ? (Can I pay by card?). For the single nouns, verbs, and adjectives behind them, see our French words guide, which groups core vocabulary by theme.
Q06Where can I practice French phrases for free?
Where can I practice French phrases for free?
Use this situational guide, then read free graded French stories on the MeloLingua website — beginner and intermediate collections with inline glosses and English line support. The same phrases reappear in dialogue, which is how they move into long-term memory.
Apply what you learned
Essential phrases in French stories
Read graded French stories that recycle this grammar pattern — native audio, line-by-line English support, and a quick comprehension check after each story.