Learning a language is like opening the door to a whole new world of culture, connection, and confidence. If you’re just starting to learn French, one of the first steps is mastering common phrases that’ll help you engage in everyday conversations. “How are you?” “Goodbye!”—these little expressions go a long way when you’re exploring France or simply trying to impress someone at the café. But where do you begin? This guide breaks it down, starting from how to say goodbye in French to must-know conversational basics.
By the end of this post, you’ll walk away with practical phrases to kickstart your French-speaking confidence and maybe even a few tips to sound like a pro!
How to Say Goodbye in French
The word “goodbye” in any language is a crucial tool for friendly, polite interactions—French is no different. While the go-to phrase is “au revoir,” French has a rich vocabulary of alternative farewells depending on the situation, formality, and mood.
1. “Au revoir” (The Classic Goodbye)
Pronounced as “oh ruh-vwah,” au revoir directly translates to “goodbye.” It’s the safest and most widely understood phrase to use in almost any circumstance. Whether you’re leaving a business meeting or saying farewell to a new friend, this phrase fits the bill perfectly.
Example:
- Formal: Au revoir, Monsieur Durand. À remain! (Goodbye, Mr. Durand. See you tomorrow!)
- Casual: Bon, je dois y aller. Au revoir ! (Okay, I have to go. Goodbye!)
2. “À bientôt” (See You Soon)
Looking forward to seeing someone again soon? Use à bientôt (“ah byan-too”), which means “see you soon.” This phrase is friendly yet appropriate in both formal and informal situations.
Example:
- À bientôt, les amis ! (See you soon, friends!)
3. “Salut” (Bye)
Salut (“sah-loo”) is the casual, quick goodbye among friends or family. Think of it like saying “bye!” in English.
Example:
- Salut, à demain ! (Bye, see you tomorrow!)
4. “Bonne journée” (Have a Nice Day)
For longer goodbyes, consider bonne journée (“bon zhoor-nay”) when you want to wish someone safe travels and a great day.
Example:
- Bonne journée, madame ! (Have a nice day, ma’am!)
5. “Ciao!” (A Borrowed Goodbye)
If you’ve spent time in Paris, you might notice locals borrowing “ciao” from Italian. This informal term is fun, light, and used mostly between close friends.
How to Say “How Are You?” in French
Greeting someone with a warm “how are you?” is another essential skill in French. The phrasing varies depending on the level of formality required.
1. “Comment allez-vous ?” (Formal)
Pronounced “koh-mahn tah-lay voo?” this is the polite way to inquire about someone’s well-being in formal situations. Use this with strangers, elders, or in professional contexts.
Example:
- Bonjour, comment allez-vous ? (Hello, how are you?)
2. “Comment ça va ?” (Informal)
For friends, peers, or casual acquaintances, you can use comment ça va (“koh-mahn sah vah”). It’s a slightly less formal alternative often shortened to just ça va?
Example:
- Salut ! Ça va ? (Hi! How are you?)
3. Responses to “How Are You?”
- Ça va bien, merci ! (I’m doing well, thank you!)
- Pas mal. (Not bad.)
- Comme ci, comme ça. (So-so.)
Other Must-Know Phrases for Beginners
Whether you’re traveling, building connections, or simply practicing speaking French, these phrases will help you feel more at ease in common scenarios.
Greetings and Introductions
- Bonjour ! (Good morning/Hello!)
- Enchanté(e). (Nice to meet you.)
- Je m’appelle [Name]. (My name is [Name].)
- Et toi ? (And you?)
Ordering Food and Drinks
- Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît. (I would like a coffee, please.)
- L’addition, s’il vous plaît. (The bill, please.)
Asking for Help
- Excusez-moi… (Excuse me…)
- Où sont les toilettes ? (Where are the bathrooms?)
- Pouvez-vous m’aider ? (Can you help me?)
Expressing Gratitude
- Merci beaucoup. (Thank you very much.)
- De rien. (You’re welcome.)
Apologies
- Je suis désolé(e). (I’m sorry.)
- Pardon. (Pardon/excuse me.)
Essential Travel Phrases
- Combien ça coûte ? (How much does it cost?)
- C’est à quelle heure ? (What time is it?)
- Je ne parle pas français. (I don’t speak French.)
Tips to Take Your French Speaking Skills Further
Learning phrases is a great start, but truly mastering French takes practice and immersion. Here are a few actionable tips to improve your French communication skills:
- Practice Daily
Dedicate just 10 minutes a day to practicing pronunciation or memorizing vocabulary. Apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone are helpful starting points.
- Watch French Movies and Shows
Expose yourself to authentic French accents and expressions by watching movies or TV shows with subtitles. Netflix and YouTube are great sources.
- Listen to French Podcasts or Music
Tune in to French podcasts designed for language learners or explore French music to build your listening and comprehension skills.
- Find a Conversation Partner
Platforms like iTalki connect you with native speakers who can help you practice your French in real time.
- Immerse Yourself
If possible, travel to a French-speaking country or participate in local French-speaking events near you. Nothing beats real-life practice!
It’s Time to Say “Bonjour to French!”
Learning French doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start with these simple phrases and you’ll feel equipped for basic conversations and cultural exchanges in no time. Take it slow, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the learning process.
Which phrase will you practice first? Leave a comment below and share your French-learning experiences!