So, You Want to Speak French?

So maybe your took French in high school (God . . . how many years ago?) or maybe you dedicated yourself to learning Spanish instead. Yet here you are, about to take a trip to France, and still are not sure how to ask where the restroom is located. While that accent will take many months (and likely many glasses of vino).

Watch TV

Because the average American spends approximately 34 hours a week watching television, this is great opportunity to switch on some French soaps, or even the French dubbed version of your favorite show (“Friends,” anyone?). Hearing how natives speak will give you a better feel for the accent, and the visual aid of watching the show will help you understand what they’re discussing. Even putting on the French subtitles while you’re watching Netflix will help you learn spelling and sentence structure.

Find Commonalities

Did you know that 45% of all English words come from a French origin? Having similar words-even if the French version sounds oh so sophisticated- helps when trying to communicate your thoughts. For a complete (and quite lengthy) list, check out this Wikipedia page . Even if you don’t read it all, it’ll give you a good idea of how much the English and French languages have in common.

Pronunciation

Now that you know how many English words are from French descent, it’s time to realize how many French pronunciations we use as well! Think about words such as: déjà vu, bourgeois, comprise, brochure, filet mignon, chauffeur, lingerie, and encore. And then there are words you should be sure to not pronounce the last letters: faux pas, buffet, coup, and laissez-faire, vis-à-vis and bon appétit. Also know that wherever you see a circumflex (the little ^ above letters), that indicates that an “s” used to be in its place. So for words like hôpital translate to “hospital” in English.

Know the Important Stuff

Do you speak English? Parlez-vous anglais? Par – lay vooz ah(n)-glay?)

Please speak slowly. Parlez lentement, s’il vous plait. Par-lay lawn-teh-mont, seal voo play.

Where are the restrooms? Où sont les toilettes? Oo soh(n) lay twa-let?

Can you help me? Pouvez-vous m’aider? Poo-vay voo meh – day?

I would like . . . Je voudrais . . . Zhuh voo draay

How much does it cost? Combien ca coute? Cohhm bee-en sah coote?

I am looking for the metro. Where is the nearest stop? Je cherche le métro. Où est l’arrêt le plus près? Ja sar-shay le met-ro. Ew a lar-ette le plu prie?

Know that saying “excuse-moi” is asking for someone’s attention. If you bump into someone or are trying to get by them, say “pardon.”

We hope you will find these pointers useful on your next trip abroad (or your next trip to the French restaurant up the street)!