French is one of the most popular languages to learn, and there are many reasons why. It is the language of love, fashion, and art, and it is spoken by millions of people all over the world.
Whether you’re planning a trip to France, studying French in school, or just want to expand your vocabulary, here are 100 basic French words to learn.
Basic French Words To Make A Conversation In French?
French Words | English Translation |
Bonjour | Hello |
Merci | Thank you |
Au revoir | Goodbye |
Oui | Yes |
Non | No |
S’il vous plaît | Please |
Excusez-moi | Excuse me |
Pardon | Sorry |
Comment ça va ? | How are you? |
Ça va bien | I’m doing well |
Pas mal | Not bad |
Très bien | Very well |
Merci beaucoup | Thank you very much |
De rien | You’re welcome |
Bienvenue | Welcome |
À bientôt | See you soon |
À demain | See you tomorrow |
Bonne journée | Have a good day |
Bonne soirée | Have a good evening |
Bonne nuit | Goodnight |
These basic French words will help you get by in many everyday situations.
How To Order Food In French?
If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to know some basic French words related to cuisine. French cuisine is famous all over the world, and knowing some basic food-related vocabulary will help you appreciate it even more.
Food-related French Words
French Words | English Translation |
La nourriture | Food |
L’eau | Water |
Le vin | Wine |
Le fromage | Cheese |
Le pain | Bread |
Le café | Coffee |
Le thé | Tea |
Le chocolat | Chocolate |
Le sucre | Sugar |
Le sel | Salt |
When Travelling In France, Speak Like The French Do
If you’re travelling to France or another French-speaking country, you’ll want to know some basic journey-related words. Learn these French words related to geography and travel. You’ll be able to ask for directions and talk about your travel plans with ease.
Geography and Travel-related French Words
French Words | English Translation |
Le temps | Weather |
La plage | Beach |
La montagne | Mountain |
Le parc | Park |
La ville | City |
La campagne | Countryside |
La rivière | River |
La mer | Sea |
La forêt | Forest |
Le lac | Lake |
Learn About French Media, Literature & Entertainment
If you’re interested in French culture and the arts, you’ll want to know some basic French words related to literature, media, and entertainment. France is known for its art and culture, and knowing some basic vocabulary will help you appreciate it even more.
Literature, Media, and Entertainment-related French Words
French Words | English Translation |
Le livre | Book |
Le journal | Newspaper |
La télévision | Television |
Le film | Movie |
La musique | Music |
L’art | Art |
La culture | Culture |
Le spectacle | Show |
Le théâtre | Theater |
La danse | Dance |
Learn French For Smooth Hospital Visits
While you’re at it, you should also know some health and wellness-related French terms in case you need to pay a visit to the hospital. You’ll be able to communicate your symptoms and ask for help with ease.
Health and Wellness-related French Words
French Words | English Translation |
La santé | Health |
Le médecin | Doctor |
L’hôpital | Hospital |
La pharmacie | Pharmacy |
La maladie | Illness |
Le médicament | Medicine |
Le corps | Body |
La douleur | Pain |
Find Accommodations In France Easily
If you’re staying in a French-speaking country for an extended period of time, learn French words related to housing and furniture. You’ll be able to talk about your accommodations and ask for help if something goes wrong.
Housing and Furniture-related French Words
French Words | English Translation |
La maison | House |
L’appartement | Apartment |
La chambre | Bedroom |
La cuisine | Kitchen |
La salle de bain | Bathroom |
Le salon | Living room |
La porte | Door |
La fenêtre | Window |
Le lit | Bed |
Le canapé | Sofa |
What Is A Car Called In French?
If you’re travelling around a French-speaking country, it’s important to know some basic French words related to transportation. You’ll be able to get around with ease and ask for help if you get lost.
Transportation-related French Words
French Words | English Translation |
La voiture | Car |
Le train | Train |
L’avion | Plane |
Le vélo | Bike |
Le bus | Bus |
The Different Sports In French
If you’re interested in leisure activities and sports, you’ll want to know some basic French words related to hobbies and outdoor activities. France is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, and knowing some basic vocabulary will help you enjoy them even more.
Hobbies and Outdoor Activities-related French Words
French Words | English Translation |
Le temps libre | Free time |
Les vacances | Vacation |
Le voyage | Trip |
Le sport | Sport |
La randonnée | Hiking |
La natation | Swimming |
Le ski | Skiing |
Le vélo | Cycling |
Le tennis | Tennis |
Le football | Football |
French: The Language Of Love
French is known as the language of love, and knowing some basic vocabulary will help you express your feelings more effectively.
Interpersonal Relationships and Emotions-related French Words
French Words | English Translation |
La famille | Family |
Les amis | Friends |
L’amour | Love |
Le mariage | Marriage |
La naissance | Birth |
La mort | Death |
La fête | Party |
Le cadeau | Gift |
Le sourire | Smile |
La vie | Life |
The Benefits Of Learning The French Language
There are numerous benefits to learning French, beyond just expanding your vocabulary. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of learning this beautiful language.
Career Advancement
French is widely spoken in business, diplomacy, and international organizations. Learning French can give you an edge in the job market, especially if you’re interested in fields such as fashion, luxury goods, or culinary arts.
Cultural Enrichment
French culture has made significant contributions to the world in the areas of art, literature, music, and cinema. Learning French can help you appreciate and understand the richness of French culture and its impact on the world.
Travel
France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and knowing French can make your travels much more enjoyable and rewarding. You’ll be able to communicate with locals, order food and drinks, and navigate your way around more easily.
Cognitive Benefits
Learning a new language has been shown to have cognitive benefits, including improved memory, problem-solving skills, and creativity. It can also delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline.
Personal Growth
Learning a new language can be a challenging and rewarding experience that can boost your confidence, improve your communication skills, and broaden your perspective on the world.
Final Takeaway
In conclusion, learning some basic French words is a great way to expand your vocabulary and communicate more effectively. Whether you’re travelling to France or just interested in the language and culture, these 100 basic French words will help you get started.
Keep practicing, and you’ll be speaking French in no time!