Vocabulary Sheet: French Words for Beginners
This vocabulary sheet introduces essential French words and expressions that every beginner needs to start communicating effectively. These foundational phrases will help you navigate everyday situations with confidence.
10 Essential French Expressions
| French Expression | English Translation | Example in French |
|---|---|---|
| Bonjour | Hello / Good morning | Bonjour madame, comment allez-vous ? |
| Merci | Thank you | Merci beaucoup pour votre aide ! |
| S'il vous plaît | Please (formal) | Un café, s'il vous plaît. |
| Excusez-moi | Excuse me | Excusez-moi, où sont les toilettes ? |
| Je ne comprends pas | I don't understand | Désolé, je ne comprends pas le français. |
| Comment ça va ? | How are you? | Salut Pierre ! Comment ça va aujourd'hui ? |
| Au revoir | Goodbye | Au revoir et à bientôt ! |
| Oui / Non | Yes / No | Oui, j'aime le chocolat. Non, je n'aime pas le café. |
| Je m'appelle... | My name is... | Bonjour, je m'appelle Marie. |
| Pardon | Sorry / Pardon me | Pardon, je suis en retard. |
Difficulty Level
A1-A2 — These are foundational expressions for absolute beginners. Learners need to master basic pronunciation, understand the difference between formal (vous) and informal (tu) address, and practice these phrases in simple conversational contexts. These expressions form the building blocks of polite communication in French.
Memory Tip
Remember "The Polite Tourist" scenario: imagine yourself arriving in Paris for the first time. You'd need to say HELLO (Bonjour), ask for things PLEASE (S'il vous plaît), say THANK YOU (Merci), get attention (Excusez-moi), admit confusion (Je ne comprends pas), introduce yourself (Je m'appelle...), check on others (Comment ça va?), apologize (Pardon), agree or disagree (Oui/Non), and say GOODBYE (Au revoir). This mental journey covers all ten expressions!
Practice Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the correct French expression:
1. When entering a shop, you say: ________
2. To ask for something politely: Un croissant, ________
3. To introduce yourself: ________ Sophie.
4. When you don't understand: ________
5. Before leaving: ________
Answers: 1. Bonjour 2. s'il vous plaît 3. Je m'appelle 4. Je ne comprends pas 5. Au revoir
Practice these expressions on my-french.com.
