Polite Phrases and Expressions for French Conversations

Talking in French is fun, but being polite makes it even better. Using kind words and phrases can show good manners and make conversations pleasant. Here are some polite expressions you can use every day.

Important Polite Expressions

1. Greetings

   • Bonjour (Good morning/Hello)
   • Bonsoir (Good evening)
   • Salut (Hi - for friends)

2. Thank You

   • Merci (Thank you)
   • Merci beaucoup (Thank you very much)
   • Je vous en prie (You're welcome - more formal)

3. Please

   • S'il vous plaît (Please - more formal)
   • S'il te plaît (Please - for friends)

4. Excuse Me / Pardon

   • Excusez-moi (Excuse me - more formal)
   • Pardon (Sorry)

5. Asking for Help

   • Pouvez-vous m'aider, s'il vous plaît? (Can you help me, please?)
   • Pourriez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît? (Could you repeat, please?)

Talking with Others

When you use these polite phrases, it helps make friends and shows you care. Here are examples of how to use them in everyday conversations:

• Meeting Someone:

  • Bonjour! Je m'appelle Julie. Et vous?
    (Hello! My name is Julie. And you?)
  • Enchanté(e)!
    (Nice to meet you!)

• During a Conversation:

  • Comment ça va?
    (How are you?)
  • Ça va bien, merci. Et vous?
    (I’m good, thank you. And you?)

• Asking for Favors:

  • Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous me dire où est la gare, s'il vous plaît?
    (Excuse me, can you tell me where the train station is, please?)

Sharing Likes and Dislikes

When you talk about what you like or don't like, using polite words makes your ideas nice:

• J’aime (I like) and Je n’aime pas (I don’t like)

For example:

• J’aime le chocolat, mais je n’aime pas les épinards.
  (I like chocolate, but I don’t like spinach.)

Summary

By using these polite phrases, you can improve your French speaking skills and show respect to others. Practice them in your conversations to feel more comfortable and confident when speaking French!