Amélie · Learn French How to say it in French
Phrase-by-phrase guides: the natural translation, variations, pronunciation, and real example conversations.
Can you help me?
Can you help me in French is pouvez-vous m'aider ? (poo-vay voo may-DAY). Learn the tu version, the polite opener, and how to ask for help in Paris.
Read the phrase guide →Cheers
Cheers in French is Santé! Learn à la tienne vs à la vôtre, tchin-tchin, the eye-contact rule, and the toasting mistakes that make French people wince.
Read the phrase guide →Congratulations
Congratulations in French is félicitations (fay-lee-see-tah-SYOHN) or the quick bravo (brah-VOH). Learn when to use each and how to congratulate warmly.
Read the phrase guide →Excuse me
Excuse me in French is pardon (pahr-DOHN) or excusez-moi (ek-skew-zay-MWAH). Learn when to use each, plus je m'excuse and the Parisian politeness reflex.
Read the phrase guide →Good luck
Good luck in French is bonne chance (bun SHAHNSS). Learn bon courage, and why French actors say merde before a show instead of wishing good luck.
Read the phrase guide →Good morning
Good morning in French is bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR) — there is no literal version. Learn the bonjour rules, bonne journée vs bonjour, and Parisian etiquette.
Read the phrase guide →Good night
Good night in French is bonne nuit — but only at bedtime. Learn the bonne nuit vs bonsoir trap, fais de beaux rêves, and how Parisians actually say goodnight.
Read the phrase guide →Happy Birthday
Happy birthday in French is joyeux anniversaire! Learn bon anniversaire, pronunciation, tu vs vous wishes, and the French birthday traditions behind them.
Read the phrase guide →How are you?
How are you in French is ça va (sah VAH) or comment allez-vous. Learn the tu/vous rules, casual Parisian variations, and how to answer like a local.
Read the phrase guide →How much is it?
How much is it in French is combien ça coûte ? (kom-byan sah KOOT) or c'est combien ? (say kom-BYAN). Learn to ask prices and shop like a local in Paris.
Read the phrase guide →I don't understand
I don't understand in French is je ne comprends pas (zhuh nuh kohn-prahn PAH). Learn the casual version, how to ask someone to slow down, and repeat.
Read the phrase guide →I love you
I love you in French is je t'aime (zhuh TEM). Learn why je t'aime bien means less, where je t'adore fits, and the unwritten rules of French romance.
Read the phrase guide →I'm sorry
I'm sorry in French is désolé (day-zoh-LAY), or désolée if you're a woman. Learn je suis désolé, pardon, and how to apologize sincerely in Paris.
Read the phrase guide →Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas in French is joyeux Noël (zhwah-yuh no-EL). Learn bonnes fêtes, the wider holiday greeting, and how the French celebrate le réveillon.
Read the phrase guide →Nice to meet you
Nice to meet you in French is enchanté (ahn-shahn-TAY), or enchantée if you're a woman. Learn ravi de vous rencontrer and the Parisian intro ritual.
Read the phrase guide →See you later
See you later in French is à plus (ah PLEUSS) or à tout à l'heure (ah-too-tah-LEUR). Learn à bientôt, à plus tard, and which goodbye fits the moment.
Read the phrase guide →Thank you
Thank you in French is merci (mehr-SEE). Learn merci beaucoup, je vous remercie, mille mercis, and the polite reflexes Parisians expect in return.
Read the phrase guide →What time is it?
What time is it in French is quelle heure est-il ? (kel UHR eh-TEEL). Learn casual versions, how to tell time, and the 24-hour clock the French use.
Read the phrase guide →Where is the bathroom?
Where is the bathroom in French is où sont les toilettes ? (oo sohn lay twah-LET). Learn the polite version, why it's always plural, and café etiquette.
Read the phrase guide →You're welcome
You're welcome in French is de rien — but je t'en prie, je vous en prie, and avec plaisir each hit a different register. Learn which one to use and when.
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