Speaking English in Paris?

Question

I'm visiting Paris in 4 months and would like to know if I should invest in a language program to learn French? I'm only going to be there 7 days.

Answer 1

No need to do it. You won't have problems with the language, as you will move in touristic places. You will find all the flyers and brochures in English too.

however, it would be really nice if you just learn some basic words, such as:

BONJOUR! = Good morning/afternoon

MERCI = Thank You

DE RIEN = You are welcome

PARDON = sorry

....

I'm sure you'll enjoy in Paris, which is one of my favourite cities!!!

Answer 2

When I was in Paris, I needed very little French. However, if there are things that you know you will need to communicate (such as "I need a map" or "I'm allergic to nuts") you should learn those phrases before you go.

Key phrases fall into several categories:

-Greetings

-Food item names

-Transporation phrases, such as "how do i get to...?"

-Shopping phrases such as "how much"

The only times I really needed to speak french and couldn't were when I needed a map and forgot the word, and when I was ordering crepe toppings and couldn't remember the English translations (I ordered almonds instead of honey, i think).

Answer 3

I would try to learn the basics thats for sure....as pointed out most know some English but can often chose to speak only in French. I took French for a year at school, so know vague basics ( I didn't do too well in the subject ot be honest) but it had been 20 years since I took it, HOWEVER I found it useful as it helped me for general things like ordering food....the menus tend to be all in French....hard to find englsih menus

I took a little phrase book which helped.

I would consider getting to know the French language in BASIC terms....general introductions, times/numbers how do you dos and maybe food,  but I found words like

sortie = exit and "prossima" ( not sure of spelling but sounds like that) for next/near as I asked for instructions on where to go and this word was said on a couple of occasions.

Its not THAT bad getting round in English....you can just smile and nod and then find someone else who speaks english! I loved Paris!

Answer 4

Yes, get Pimsleur's Quick & Simple French.  It's a set of 5 CD's.  The CD will give you all the basic expressions.  English is somewhat understood in Paris but people prefer that you at least greet them in French and say (in french) that you do not speak french well.  If you can learn that before you leave and perfect it while you're here you will do well.

many French speak english but it is considered a little rude to start speaking english to them without some kind of introduction in french.

You'll have more fun and get better service.

the reason I recommend this particlar Pimsleur course is that it is the best designed language course I've seen.  it does not try to cover too much and gives you a simple framework that will allow you to have success.  it is the "two steps forward, one step back approach" and it works!

Answer 5

Though it's easier for an American to visit Paris speaking only English than it is for a Frenchman to visit the US speaking only French, I'd encourage you to learn some French.  If you can take a night course at a local college or language school, you will get a lot more out of your trip.  You might also find your French very helpful if you make a return trip to France.  French is also one of the official languages in Belgium, Switzerland and many other countries.  I speak several languages and imho, French is more similar to English than many other languages.  Especially the nouns.  I studied German for many years and I've only been in the German speaking world for 4 days.  French is a skill that you'll treasure for a lifetime!

Answer 6

Most Parisians speak some English, but they will be very impressed with you if you open in French.

For example, you could say- "Pardonnez-moi Monsieur (Madame, Madamoiselle), je ne comprends pas francais; parlez-vous anglais?"  (Pardon me, Sir (Ma'am, Unmarried girl), I don't understand French; Do you speak English?"

Another VERY useful thing to say at restaurants is "L'addition, s'il vous plait" (Check, please).

Also, in restaurants, if you don't like something that comes in a particular dish, use "sans" to say "without"

Hope this helps and that you have an amazing time in Paris!!!!  You should definitely take a walk through the Marais and stop by La Place des Vosges (Victor Hugo lived on this square, and it's gorgeous).

Answer 7

If you want to learn French, invest the time and money in a French program.  If you want to be a good traveller in France, learn a few key phrases.

I have found that, no matter where you go, it's important and/or helpful to know these phrases:  (I'll give them to you first in English, then in French with pronunciation guide)

Hello  -  Bonjour  -  Bon SHOOR

Goodbye  -  Au Revoir  -  Oh r'VWAHR

Please  -  S'il vous plaît  -. see voo play

thank you  -  Merci  -   MAYR see

You're welcome  -  de rien  - d' r YEN

where is  -  ou est  -  oo ay

how much does it cost  -  combien coutet  -  kohm byen coot

   (and then you point to what you want if you don't know the     name, and sign language gets you a long way in most places)

and the ability to count to ten is extremely helpful

un  -  aen

deux  -  du

trois  -  trwah

quatre  -  kah tr'

cinq  -  sank

seis  -  say

sept  -  seht

huit  -  wheat

neuf  -  nuff   (the vowel sounds like book)

dix  -   dee or dees (depending on the situation.)

These phrases will get you a long way towards getting what you need pleasantly.  Even in Paris.

Answer 8

almost everyone speaks english there.

i went for 2 weeks, and survived.

you'll be fine.  =]

have a great time!

paris is my favorite city in the world.

Answer 9

no anxiety, you will survive !!!

A lot of directions are writing in English, town maps are in english.... but french people speaks french (incredible !! lol !!)

Some people are "rude" as US people says, but don't care,  Have a great journey !!

hope you're enjoy !