What basic french should I know before vacationing in Paris?

Question

I'm going to Paris for a week and don't speak ANY french. Please help. I know the hello's and goodbye's but that's it. And I"m leaving in 1 week! Any help would be appreciated. Is it really dorky to carry around a translator? lol

Answer 1

i have been to Pairis before and mostly everybody speaks English. It helps to know how to say "do you speak English", "Where is the...."

and "can I have a" also pleases and thank yous help. Carring around a translator is not dorky but keep in mind that people in Pairis can be s****. and view Americans as loud and obnoxious.Good Luck and Have Fun!

Answer 2

I have been to Paris twice and people know English.  However, do at least say Bonjour if you should have the opportunity to speak to someone.  Merci for Thank You is a good one to know as well.  I have added a link for some general phrases.  Also, some links from  Rick Steves who has written many travel books as well as hosted travel shows on TV. Enjoy your trip.

Answer 3

1) Don't panic, millions of tourists visit Paris withouy knowing a worf of French

2) Say : s'il vous plaît parlez-vous Anglais ? (sil voo play, paalay voo Anglay ? = Please, do you speak English ?) and most people will answer "Yes, a little"

3) Look at this page : http://pour-vous-paris.com/v0_000015.htm

Answer 4

My fav' book is "French for Dummies", it is really helpfull, (well i've never used it since i'm french but i've looked at it, and it is really well done...)

And by the way, walking around with this kind of book showes that you've got a good sense of humour and you will see that you will make contact easily...

Have fun and enjoy your trip !

Bon voyage !

Answer 5

i carried a translator book around when i visited rome and some people were nice enough to teach me some words. lots of people speak english in france too. you should just learn words you need to get around with like where is the bathroom or where is x*x street or stuff like that.

Answer 6

Don't worry many French people speak English.

Answer 7

Bonjour=Hello

Au revoir= G'bye

Merci=Thank you

Sil vous Plait (See Vou Play)= Please

Vous Parlez anglais?=Do you speak English

WC= Toilet

Un billet, sil vous plait= One ticket, please

Oui(wee)=Yes

Non=No

And its NEVER dorky to carry a book translator. I did it when I traveled thru Europe last year, and it HELPED A LOT!

Those are your basics though. Ask if they speak english first and be polite. I learned that anywhere you go, if you speak their native tongue first and ask if they speak english and say thank you and please, things should work out fine. :)  

GOod luck

Answer 8

When people want to wish you to have a nice day, they say "Bon journee".  Good Evening is Bon Soir.  More than anything it's imporant to always greet people and say goodbye when you leave.

Answer 9

Here are some key words :

Bonjour : hello : when entering a shop/restaurant/whatever place in fact, you are supposed to great the people there and they're supposed to great you as well.

Au revoir [o revuar]: good bye

Merci : thank you

S'il vous plaît [seel vu play] : please

Pouvez-vous m'aider? [puvay vu mayday]? Could you help me?

Parlez-vous anglais? [parlay vu anglay] Do you speak English?

Où se trouve + place ? [ooh s troov + name of the place] ?

A droite [a drooat] on the right

A gauche [a gosh] on the left

Tout droit [too drooa] straight ahead

Où sont les toilettes s'il vous plaît? [ooh son lay tooalet seel vooh play] Where are the restrooms please?

Combien? [kombeean ?] how much

Answer 10

There are many answers already with good starting points for what to say.  However, it is imperative that you TRY to say the phrases.  Even though your pronounciation will likely leave a lot to be desired, they will appreciate your effort and will be much more likely to help you.  You're probably going to Paris which is a major city much like New York.  Are New Yorkers famous for being friendly?  No.  So do what you can to show you're really trying.

Answer 11

yeah its good to use a french translator. i used one when i took my french classes. my fav phrase was "je ne sais pas!!!" lol it comes in handy in every situation