Welcome to the Basic Sentences page! This section will help you learn common French sentences used in everyday conversations. Each example includes an English translation and tips on how to use it naturally.
Examples with Translations and Tips
Greetings
Here are simple ways to greet someone in French along with their English meanings.
| French | English | Usage Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bonjour. | Hello. / Good morning. | Use during the day, especially in formal or polite settings. |
| Bonsoir. | Good evening. | Use in the evening or at night. Suitable for formal situations. |
| Salut. | Hi. | Informal greeting among friends or peers. |
| Comment ça va ? | How’s it going? | Casual way to ask someone how they are. |
Introductions
Use these sentences to introduce yourself and ask others for their names.
| French | English | Usage Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Je m’appelle Marie. | My name is Marie. | Use to introduce yourself. |
| Et vous ? | And you? | Polite way to ask “And you?” when meeting someone. |
| Enchanté(e). | Nice to meet you. | Use when meeting someone for the first time. Add “e” if you are female. |
| D’où venez-vous ? | Where are you from? | Polite way to ask someone’s origin. |
Common Questions
These questions will help you gather basic information in French.
| French | English | Usage Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Où est la gare ? | Where is the train station? | Useful for asking directions. |
| Quelle heure est-il ? | What time is it? | Common question to ask for the time. |
| Combien ça coûte ? | How much does it cost? | Use when shopping or inquiring about prices. |
| Parlez-vous anglais ? | Do you speak English? | Helpful if you need to switch languages. |
Translate the English question into French: "Where is the train station?"
Où est la gare ?
"Où est la gare ?" means "Where is the train station?"
Everyday Phrases
Here are some simple sentences for daily interactions.
| French | English | Usage Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Merci beaucoup. | Thank you very much. | Use to express gratitude politely. |
| S’il vous plaît. | Please. | Always useful to be polite when asking for something. |
| Excusez-moi. | Excuse me. | Use to get someone’s attention or to apologize politely. |
| Je ne comprends pas. | I don’t understand. | Useful when you need clarification. |
Translate the English phrase into French: "Thank you very much."
Merci beaucoup.
"Merci beaucoup" means "Thank you very much." It is polite and commonly used.
Useful Verbs and Examples
These sentences show common verbs in context, helping you build your own sentences.
| French | English | Usage Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Je veux un café. | I want a coffee. | “Je veux” means “I want.” Use to express desires politely. |
| Je peux aller aux toilettes ? | Can I go to the bathroom? | Polite way to ask for permission. |
| J’aime la musique. | I like music. | Use “J’aime” to express likes. |
| Je dois partir maintenant. | I have to leave now. | Use “Je dois” to express obligations. |
Tips for Using These Sentences Naturally
- Listen and Repeat: Try saying each sentence aloud to get comfortable with pronunciation.
- Use Context: Repeat sentences in situations where they naturally fit (e.g., greeting before starting a conversation).
- Add Your Details: Swap out names, places, or items to personalize the sentences.
- Be Polite: Using “s’il vous plaît” and “merci” goes a long way in French culture.
- Don’t Worry About Mistakes: The goal is to communicate, not to be perfect.
You’re now ready to use these basic sentences to start speaking French! Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to review this page whenever you need a quick refresher.
Flashcards (1 of 20)
- Usage Tip: Use during the day, especially in formal or polite settings.
- English: Hello. / Good morning.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
