One of the easiest ways to build confidence and fluency in French is by mastering simple, everyday phrases that are commonly used in conversation. These phrases don’t just help you speak the language; they help you live it. Below is a collection of easy and memorable French phrases that will not only stick in your mind but also serve you well in day-to-day interactions. Whether you’re travelling, practising with a language partner, or just adding some French flair to your routine, these phrases are essential.

Greetings and Polite Expressions

• Bonjour! (Good day!) - This is the universal French greeting. Use it during the day until the evening. • Salut! (Hi!/bye!) - A more informal greeting that's great for friends and acquaintances. • Bonsoir! (Good evening!) - A lovely way to greet someone in the evening. • Au revoir (Goodbye)
• Merci (Thank you) - A fundamental word that will always be useful.
• Merci beaucoup (Thank you very much)
• S’il vous plaît (Please) – ‘S’il te plaît’ is the informal version.
• De rien / Il n’y a pas de quoi (You’re welcome / It’s nothing) - Respond politely when someone thanks you. • Excusez-moi / Pardon (Excuse me / Sorry)
• Bonne journée! (Have a nice day!)
• Bonne soirée! (Have a good evening!)
• À bientôt (See you soon) - A sweet way to end conversations. • À tout à l’heure (See you later)

Introductions

• Je m'appelle (My name is) - Followed by your name, of course! • Je suis (I am) - Use this to describe yourself, e.g., "Je suis étudiant" (I'm a student). • Comment tu t’appelle? (What is your name?) – An informal way of asking for a person’s name. • Comment vous vous appelez? – A formal way to ask for a person’s name.

Basic Conversational Questions and Responses

• Ça va? - How are you? / Are you okay?
• Comment ça va? - How’s it going?
• Je vais bien, merci. - I’m fine, thank you.
• Je ne comprends pas. - I don’t understand.
• Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît? - Can you repeat, please?
• Où sont les toilettes? - Where is the bathroom?
• Combien ça coûte? - How much does it cost?
• Je suis perdu(e). - I’m lost.
• Comment on y va? - How do we get there?
• Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît. - I would like a coffee, please. • Où sont les toilettes? – Where are the toilets?

Useful Everyday Expressions

• C’est cool / C’est génial. - That’s cool / That’s awesome.
• Pas de souci / Pas de problème. - No worries / No problem.
• À la vôtre! - Cheers! (When toasting)
• Je me casse / Je me tire. - I’m outta here / I’m leaving (informal).
• Parlez-vous anglais? - Do you speak English? • J’aime… - I like… • Je ne comprends pas – I don’t understand

Tips to Remember These Phrases Easily:

• Practice aloud: Speaking the words helps lock them in memory.
• Use flashcards: Create visual cards with the phrase and meaning.
• Apply daily: Use the phrases at home, with friends, or in text.
• Listen and repeat: Watch French shows or videos and mimic the speakers.
• Keep a phrase journal: Write one new phrase a day and use it.

Mastering these basic French phrases will help you sound more natural and confident while engaging in daily conversations. If you want to expand beyond basic sentences, you can gradually learn famous French idioms and sayings that bring colour and authenticity to your language use. Bonne chance!