Top 50 phrases to get by France: Getting around and shopping
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Key Phrases
Où sont les toilettes?
Where is the bathroom?
Puis-je payer par carte?
Can I pay by card?
Combien ça coûte?
How much?
Skills You'll Learn
Asking for directions
Demander des directions
Inquiring about payment methods
Se renseigner sur les méthodes de paiement
Understanding costs
Comprendre les coûts
Lesson Vocabulary & Phrases
Où est...?
oo eh
Where is...?
💬 Simply add your destination after 'est' to create your question.
🇫🇷 The French are known for helping tourists, so don't hesitate to ask!
See breakdown →Où sont les toilettes?
oo sohn lay twal-et
Where is the bathroom?
🇫🇷 Remember, public restrooms might be rare, and some cafes might charge a small fee.
See breakdown →Où est la station de métro?
oo eh la sta-si-ohn duh may-troh
Where is the metro station?
💬 Use 'la station de métro' for an easy way to find transit in cities.
🇫🇷 Paris metro is highly efficient and the maps are color-coded for ease!
See breakdown →Taxi
tak-see
Taxi
💬 Pronounced 'tahk-see', just like English.
🇫🇷 Official taxis have a bright yellow 'Taxi' sign, ensure it's lit when hailing one.
See breakdown →Gauche
gohsh
Left
💬 Pronounced 'gohsh', practice the nasal sound!
🇫🇷 Direction is important in small streets, don't hesitage to ask for it!
See breakdown →Droite
drwat
Right
💬 Pronounced 'dwat', the 'd' is soft.
🇫🇷 Clear directions are especially useful in Paris with its winding streets.
See breakdown →Tout droit
too drwa
Straight ahead
💬 Means 'straight' but also implies 'keep going'.
🇫🇷 France's bustling alleys often zigzag, so 'tout droit' is common.
See breakdown →Je voudrais aller à...
ʒə vudʁɛ ale a
I want to go to...
💬 Great for taxis! Replace 'à' with your destination.
🇫🇷 Politeness counts: 'Je voudrais', meaning 'I would like', is always appreciated.
See breakdown →Cette adresse
set a-dress
This address
💬 Use 'cette' for feminine nouns, easy way to hand an address.
🇫🇷 Most Parisians will know their way around, don't hesitate to ask.
See breakdown →Learn this vocabulary list the easy way
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