Learning French can feel intimidating at first. New sounds, new words, and the fear of making mistakes can stop many people from speaking. But here’s the truth: you don’t need perfect French to start speaking.
You just need a few simple sentences — the kind real people use every day.
These 10 French sentences are small, practical, and powerful. Use them at home, in shops, at work, or while traveling, and you’ll start feeling more confident, one sentence at a time 🇫🇷
1. Bonjour ! – Hello!
If French had a magic word, this would be it.
Bonjour opens doors — literally and socially. Say it when you enter a shop, meet someone, or start a conversation. It instantly makes you sound polite and respectful. Literally use it anywhere, and people will respond.
Try this today:
Walk into a room and say Bonjour with a smile. It works wonders.
2. Comment ça va ? – How are you?
This is how you show interest in someone , simply and naturally. Meeting someone new? Or old friends? Always ask them if they’re doing well using this phrase.
You don’t need a long answer:
- Ça va bien. (I’m good.)
- Ça va. (I’m okay.)
Real-life moment:
A colleague asks, Comment ça va ?
You smile and say, Ça va, merci.
That’s real French.
3. Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much
Gratitude sounds beautiful in every language ,especially in French. You’ll hear merci everywhere: cafés, offices, streets. Saying it often makes conversations warmer and more natural. So the next time you want to thank someone, say MERCI!
Example
You get served a coffee, say this to the waiter: Merci pour le café.
4. S’il vous plaît – Please
Do you like it when someone is polite with you? We all do, right? Similarly, politeness matters in French culture.
- S’il vous plaît → formal
- S’il te plaît → informal
Even when your French is basic, this word makes everything sound better.
Example:
Un café, s’il vous plaît.
Simple. Polite. Perfect.
5. Excusez-moi – Excuse me
“Excusez-moi” is one of the most useful phrases in French. Use it to get someone’s attention, ask a question, or politely pass through a crowd. If you want to sound even more natural, you can also say “Pardon”, which is very common in everyday French.
Real-life French:
Excusez-moi, je peux passer ?
(Excuse me, can I pass?)
6. Je ne comprends pas – I don’t understand
And that’s okay.Not understanding is part of learning. This sentence isn’t a weakness, it’s a bridge to better communication. Next time you have a doubt, and something isn’t quite clear, make sure to use it.
Helpful add-on:
Je ne comprends pas bien.
(I don’t understand well.)
Say it confidently. People will slow down or help.
7. Pouvez-vous m’aider ? – Can you help me?
You don’t have to do everything alone. Everyone needs help at sometime. This sentence is polite, respectful, and incredibly useful in shops, offices, or on the street. So the next time you want help, you know the phrase.
Example:
Pouvez-vous m’aider, s’il vous plaît ?
Most people will happily help.
8. Combien ça coûte ? – How much does it cost?
Who doesn’t love shopping? For that we need to know the price. This phrase will help you for Shopping, or at cafés, and markets. Use it to ask the price of particular things.
Everyday French:
Combien ça coûte ?
or
C’est combien ?
Say it, point, smile , communication achieved.
9. Je suis désolé(e) – I’m sorry
We all make mistakes. Language learners especially.This sentence helps you stay kind and polite, even when things don’t go perfectly.
Example:
Je suis désolé(e) pour le retard.
(I’m sorry for being late.)
10. À bientôt ! – See you soon!
Wish to meet someone soon again? End conversations on a warm note. Whether it’s a teacher, colleague, or shopkeeper, à bientôt sounds friendly and natural.
Try this:
Merci, à bientôt !
It leaves a good impression every time.
Remember, no one is perfect from day 1. You don’t need perfect grammar. You don’t need a big vocabulary. You just need the courage to start. So now’s the time.
Use one or two of these sentences every day. Repeat them. Make mistakes. Smile. That’s how real French begins. You can also learn French with our teachers at Albert Learning.
