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Scene illustrating a French-language basic expressions conversation

Key Phrases

S'il vous plaît

Please

J'ai besoin d'aide

I need help

Délicieux !

Delicious!

Skills You'll Learn

Basic courtesy expressions

Expressions de courtoisie de base

Asking for assistance

Demander de l'aide

Expressing delight in taste

Exprimer le plaisir du goût

Lesson Vocabulary & Phrases

👍

Oui

wee

Yes

💬 The French 'oui' is a high-pitched, enthusiastic affirmation.

🇫🇷 French people often nod their head while saying 'oui'.

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🚫

Non

noh(n)

No

💬 Pronounce it like 'no' but with a nasal tone.

🇫🇷 'Non' is often accompanied by a slight shake of the head.

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🙏

S'il vous plaît

s eel vooh pleh

Please

💬 Literally means 'if it pleases you', used for politeness.

🇫🇷 Using 's'il vous plaît' is key in French culture to show respect.

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🙏

Merci

mehr-see

Thank you

💬 Short and sweet, ending like 'sea'.

🇫🇷 Always say 'merci' to show appreciation. It's considered impolite not to.

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👍🙂

De rien

duh ree-an

You're welcome

💬 Literally means 'of nothing', used to accept thanks.

🇫🇷 A humble way to accept gratitude.

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🙏

Excusez-moi

ehk-skew-zay mwah

Excuse me

💬 Useful to get attention or apologize before bumping into someone.

🇫🇷 Used even in casual situations to navigate through tight spaces politely.

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🙏

Désolé

day-zoh-lay

Sorry

💬 It's more formal than 'pardon'.

🇫🇷 Using 'désolé' shows sincerity and politeness in apologies.

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💰❓

Combien de

kohm-byain duh

How much

💬 Use it for both quantity and price inquiries.

🇫🇷 Followed by the object or service you're asking about.

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🆘❓

Aidez-moi

eh-day mwah

Help me

💬 A direct way to ask for help.

🇫🇷 In emergencies, this phrase is powerful and draws immediate attention.

See breakdown →
🚀

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