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🗣️🤏🇫🇷

How to Say ‘I speak a little French’ in French

Je parle un peu français

zhuh parl uhn puh frahn-say

[zhuh parl uhn puh frahn-say]

🇫🇷 In France: Saying this early on often makes people slow down and be more patient with you. Many will also kindly answer in French rather than switching to English.

Phrase Breakdown

Je parle

zhuh parl

I speak

Subject plus verb: 'zhuh parl'. The final 'e' is silent.

Example

Je parle anglais.

I speak English.

Words in this phrase

Je

[zhuh]

I

Pronoun used by the speaker to identify themselves.

Example

Je suis content.

I am happy.

parle

[parl]

speak

Imperative form telling someone to speak.

Example

Parle simplement devant le jury.

Speak simply in front of the jury.

un peu français

uhn puh frahn-say

a little French

'Un peu' means 'a little'. 'Français' sounds like 'frahn-seh'.

Example

Je comprends un peu français.

I understand a little French.

Words in this phrase

un

[uhn]

a / an

Masculine singular indefinite article.

Example

Un supplément peut être ajouté la nuit.

A surcharge can be added at night.

peu

[puh]

little; a bit

Used with 'un' to express a small degree.

Example

Je me sens un peu triste aujourd'hui.

I feel a little sad today.

français

[frahn-say]

French

Refers to the French language; can also mean French in nationality or style.

Example

Quand on parle vite, je précise « Je parle un peu français ».

When people speak quickly, I explain “I speak a little French.”

Related guides

How to Learn to Speak French, Not Just Read ItWhy reading French doesn't make you speak it, and a practical way to learn to speak French: real conversations, speaking out loud from day one, and practice with people.“Do You Speak English?” in French, and What to Say When You Don't Speak FrenchHow to say “do you speak English?” in French politely, what you'll hear back, and the phrases for “I don't speak French” and “can you repeat that?”, with audio.

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