Can you really get by in Paris if you don't speak French?

Question

Can you really get by in Paris if you don't speak French?

Answer 1

I got by for two weeks only knowing very simple basic phrases in French like hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and do you speak english.  One of the other students on my trip had a much more difficult time because she didn't speak even those few words, so my advice is to at least learn those phrases!  I'll even help by posting them below:

hello = bonjour = boh-zhure

goodbye = au revoir = ohr-vwahr

please = s'il vous plait = seel voo play

thank you = merci = mair see

do you speak english = parlez-vouz anglais = pahr-lay-voo-zahn-glay

Once I came back from my trip, I starting taking French classes!

Answer 2

Hi,

Paris is a tourist area, thus for places such as monuments, restaurants, hotels, people are minimum bilingual. Then, to be able to untangle you only in city, thinks of setting a small dictionary of pocket, always very useful. But it is better to learn some base essential from French, way of facilitating your stay.

Then good courage!

Bye

Answer 3

Yes, you can technically get by anywhere without speaking the language.  But it will be really helpful for you to pick up a dictionary or phrase book.

You should know the names of common foods, i.e. tea, coffee, etc., and touristy-type things like ticket, and numbers.  

But please, please don't expect everyone to speak English to you!  Yes, the French take English classes from the time they are very young, and most French people know quite a bit, but just walking up to someone and immediately starting in English is a huge faux-pas.  

If anything, learn how to say, "Do you speak English?"

Answer 4

a lot of frenchs are studiing english at school and forget it two days after what's about your second langage ?

you may have some help from the other tourists or from the shops for tourist

and have an idea of what you want to do and a paper and a pencil for the answer and the question and a map

they may be very friendly if they are not too much stressed by time !

Answer 5

definitely! you will get by.  Many american and british are working in Paris and even after 20 years there, they still don't speak French and they manage! Amazing but true.

On the other hand, you will miss a lot (atmosphere, gossips, and specific info).  Nothing is translated so you will have to be able to read the basic

Answer 6

Sort of. Best to learn a few phrases at the least so that you have more options of activities, food, etc....it's only polite really. You should always learn a bit about a place before you visit.