50 French Phrases That Helped Me Feel at Home in Paris

50 French Phrases That

Helped Me Feel at Home in Paris

BY: Elisha PUBLISHED: 02 Dec ’24 UPDATED: 02 Dec’24

Moving to Paris felt like stepping into a painting—everything I’d ever dreamed of and more. As a first-generation Persian-American raised in the United States, this city was worlds apart from my childhood but somehow felt like home.

It wasn’t just the cobblestone streets, the Seine, or the irresistible pastries; it was the language that truly brought Paris to life for me.

Learning French became my key to unlocking the soul of this city. With each phrase I practiced, I felt less like a visitor and more like a local. These 50 phrases became my survival guide, helping me build connections, navigate the city, and feel at ease in my Parisian life.

Greetings and Goodbyes: Opening and Closing Every Interaction

The French place great importance on polite greetings and goodbyes. Saying Bonjour with sincerity (is an insider MUST! Check out one of my favorite books on this: The Bonjour Effect) or wishing someone Bonne soirée as you part ways can leave a lasting impression of warmth.

Bonjour. (Hello / Good morning.)
Bon après-midi. (Good afternoon.)
Bonsoir. (Good evening.)
Comment allez-vous ? (How are you?)
Au revoir. (Goodbye.)
Bonne journée ! (Have a nice day!)
Bonne soirée ! (Have a nice evening.)
Dormez bien. (Sleep well.)
Faites de beaux rêves. (Sweet dreams.)
J’espère vous revoir ! (I hope to see you again!)

Introductions and Manners: The Art of Politeness

First impressions are everything in Paris, and politeness is woven into every interaction. These phrases helped me feel gracious and confident, even when my French wasn’t perfect.

Parlez-vous anglais ? (Do you speak English?)
Je suis désolé(e), je ne parle pas bien français. (I’m sorry, I don’t speak French well.)
S’il vous plaît. (Please.)
Merci bien ! (Thank you very much!)
C’était un plaisir de vous rencontrer. (It was a pleasure meeting you.)
C’était un plaisir de parler avec vous. (It was a pleasure speaking with you.)
Merci pour votre hospitalité. (Thank you for your hospitality.)
Je viens de [pays]. (I am from [country].)
Excusez-moi, j’ai une question. (Excuse me, I have a question.)

Dining and Ordering: Paris on a Plate

Whether I was savoring a delicious pain au chocolat or enjoying a leisurely dinner, these phrases made me feel like I belonged at every café and restaurant.

Je voudrais… (I would like…)
Un verre d’eau, s’il vous plaît. (A glass of water, please.)
Un café, s’il vous plaît. (A coffee, please.)
Un verre de vin, s’il vous plaît. (A glass of wine, please.)
L’addition, s’il vous plaît. (Could we have the bill, please?)
Bon appétit ! (Enjoy your meal!)
Santé ! (Cheers!)
C’était délicieux. (It was delicious.)

Getting Help and Directions: Finding My Way

Lost? Needing a recommendation? Paris can feel like a maze, but these phrases turned confusion into discovery.

Pouvez-vous me montrer la direction de… (Can you please point me in the direction of…)
Je cherche… (I’m looking for…)
Pourriez-vous me dire où sont les toilettes, s’il vous plaît ? (Could you please tell me where the restroom is?)
Pourriez-vous me prendre en photo, s’il vous plaît ? (Could you take a photo of me, please?)
Pouvez-vous me montrer sur la carte ? (Can you show me on the map?)
Avez-vous des recommandations de lieux à visiter ? (Do you have any recommendations for places to visit?)
À quelle heure ça ouvre/ferme ? (What time does it open/close?)

Shopping: Mastering the Markets and Boutiques

Parisian shopping is an experience – whether you’re browsing luxury boutiques or the vibrant stalls of Marché d’Aligre. These phrases helped me navigate with charm and confidence.

Combien ça coûte ? (How much does this cost?)
Je regarde juste, merci. (I’m just looking, thank you.)
J’aime beaucoup ça. (I really like this.)

Expressing Enjoyment and Connection: Embracing the Joy of Paris

Living in Paris is about savoring the little moments, and these phrases let me express my appreciation for the beauty and joy around me.

Oui, je profite bien de mon séjour à Paris ! (Yes, I am enjoying my time in Paris!)
J’adore Paris ! (I love Paris!)
Votre ville est magnifique ! (Your city is beautiful!)

Warm Compliments and Making Connections: Building Relationships

The French value thoughtful compliments and meaningful connections. These phrases helped me make friends, spark conversations, and show appreciation.

Vous êtes magnifique. (You are beautiful.)
Vous avez un sourire charmant. (You have a lovely smile.)
Vous êtes très gentil(le). (You are very kind.)
J’adore votre style. (I love your style.)
Ça vous dirait de sortir prendre un verre de vin ? (Would you like to go out for a glass of wine?)
Aimeriez-vous qu’on échange nos Instagram ? (Would you like to exchange Instagrams?)
Voudriez-vous qu’on se retrouve pour un café un de ces jours ? (Would you like to meet for coffee sometime?)
Je vous trouve très intéressant(e). (I find you very interesting.)
Votre boutique est charmante. (Your shop is charming.)
Merci pour votre recommandation; c’est parfait ! (Thank you for your recommendation; it’s perfect!)

Why These Phrases Matter

Each of these 50 phrases represents a small victory—a moment when I felt a little more at home in Paris. Whether I was navigating a new arrondissement, ordering my favorite pastry, or simply exchanging pleasantries with a neighbor, these words helped me connect with the heart of this city – the People!

If you’re embarking on your own journey to learn French, I hope these phrases become your lifeline, as they were for me. Embrace them, practice them, and let them unlock the magic of Paris for you.

Your Turn:

Which French phrases have made you feel at home in Paris—or anywhere in the world? Share your favorites in the comments below.

Bisous, Bisous,

The Frenched Persian-American 🤗