Basic Words

1. Oui

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Non

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. S'il vous plaît

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   "Vous" is the polite pronoun; use "s'il te plaît" with friends

4. Merci

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

5. Excusez-moi

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   The standard way to get someone's attention; "Pardon" works too

6. Je suis désolé

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   A female speaker writes "Je suis désolée" — the pronunciation is identical

7. Ça va

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

   Grammar Note

   Covers both "I'm fine" and "it's fine"; to answer an apology, "Ce n'est pas grave"

8. Je ne comprends pas

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Je comprends

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. J'ai fini

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

    Grammar Note

    Tell staff you are done; formed with the passé composé (avoir + finished)

11. Attendez, s'il vous plaît

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    "Attendez" is the imperative for "vous"; use "attends" with friends

12. Un instant

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Un adulte, s'il vous plaît

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Je n'ai pas de réservation

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    In the negative, "une réservation" becomes "de réservation"

15. J'ai une réservation

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Aidez-moi, s'il vous plaît

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "À l'aide !"

17. Encore une fois, s'il vous plaît

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Parlez lentement, s'il vous plaît

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Je parle un peu français

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    Say it early and people will slow down for you

20. Parlez-vous anglais ?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    Inversion is the polite question form; in speech "Vous parlez anglais ?" is also fine

21. ceci

    This

    Usage

    Used to point at something right in front of you

    Grammar Note

    In speech "ça" is by far the most common; "ceci" is slightly more formal

22. cela

    That

    Usage

    Used for something further away; French does not distinguish "that" from "that over there", so both are "cela" ("ça" in speech)

23. ici

    Here

    Usage

    Used to indicate the place where you are

24. là

    There

    Usage

    Used to indicate a place a little away from you

25. là-bas

    Over there

    Usage

    Used to indicate a place far from you

26. moi

    Me

    Usage

    Used to point at yourself

    Grammar Note

    Use "je" as a sentence subject; standing alone, the stressed form "moi" is required

27. vous

    You

    Usage

    Used to point at the person you are speaking to

    Grammar Note

    Use "vous" with strangers and staff; "tu" is for people you know well

28. ensemble

    Together

    Usage

    Used to show that you are with someone or want to do something together

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