Useful French Phrases for Beginning Speakers: Emergencies, Seasonal Greetings, Special Occasions, and More

This week we’re going to provide several more phrases that are useful for entry-level French language learners. These are common expressions that can you use frequently and in a wide variety of situations. For convenience, we’ve grouped the phrases by the situations in which they are used: emergencies, seasonal greetings, and special occasions. We’ve also include a few additional useful phrases that aren’t easily categorized.

 

If you’re struggling with common phrases any other facet of the French language, you can contact the Language Island in Atlanta. Our highly-qualified teachers offer classes that are custom-tailored to your individual needs.

 

Emergencies

Au secours! – Help!

À l’aide! – Help!

Arrêtez! – Stop!

Au feu! – Fire!

Appelle la police! – Call the police! (informal)

Appelez la police! – Call the police! (formal)

 

Seasonal Greetings

Joyeux Noël! – Merry Christmas!

Bonne Année! – Happy New Year!

Joyeux Noël et bonne année – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Bonne fête de Hanoukka! – Happy Hanukkah!

Joyeuses fêtes! – Happy holidays!

Joyeuses Pâques – Happy Easter

Bonne fête! – Happy Bastille Day!

 

Special Occasions

Joyeux anniversaire – Happy birthday, happy anniversary

Bon anniversaire – Happy birthday

Bonne fête – Happy birthday (Quebec only)

Heureux anniversaire de marriage – Happy wedding anniversary

Santé!, À votre santé! – Cheers!

 

Bon rétablissement – Get well soon (lit. a wish for a “good recovery)

Bonne journée! – Have a good day!

Bon appétit! – Enjoy your meal!

Bon voyage! – Have a Nice trip!

 

Miscellaneous

Où sont les toilettes – Where is the toilet (bathroom)?

Je voudrais… – I would like…

Avez-vous… – Do you have…

Ça coûte combien? – How much does this cost?

Je t’aime – I love you (informal)

Tu me manques – I miss you (informal)

Vous me manquez – I miss you (formal or plural)

Je veux être avec toi – I want to be with you

 

Allons-y! – Let’s go!

Bonne chance! — Good luck!