The Top 40 Expressions in French

What they mean

Learning a new language can be challenging, especially when understanding idioms and expressions unique to that language. In French, many phrases and words are commonly used in daily conversation, and understanding their meaning can help you navigate basic conversations with French speakers. Regarding French terms, it’s important to note that their literal meaning may not always match the English translation. For example, “Bonne nuit” may be translated as “good night” in English, but the literal meaning is “good evening.” Native French speakers may use this expression to say goodbye or wish someone a restful evening before going to bed. As an English speaker, it can be helpful to remember that some words may not have a direct translation, making it essential to understand the context in which they are used. For example, “mon petit chou” (my little cabbage) is a French expression of endearment for a particular person, such as a significant other or a close friend. This phrase doesn’t have an English equivalent, so it’s essential to understand the cultural context in which it is used.

Whether you’re a beginner in French conversation or an experienced French speaker, you must know common phrases and expressions used in various situations, such as for special occasions or when navigating the city center. In addition, understanding common French words for accommodation and food and drink can make traveling in French-speaking countries much more accessible. Knowing the meaning of common French expressions can make communicating with French speakers more comfortable and enjoyable.

The 40 expressions

Here are 40 common expressions in French:

• À bientôt – See you soon
• À la prochaine – Until next time
• À tout à l’heure – See you later
• Avoir du pain sur la planche – To have a lot on your plate
• Ça ne fait rien – It doesn’t matter
• Ça y est – That’s it, done
• C’est la vie – That’s life
• Comme ci, comme ça – So-so
• Comment ça va? – How are you?
• De rien – You’re welcome
• Donner un coup de main – To lend a hand
• Enchanté – Nice to meet you
• Être en train de – To be in the process of
• Faire la grasse matinée – To sleep in
• Il faut que je file – I have to go
• J’ai faim – I’m hungry
• J’ai soif – I’m thirsty
• Je ne comprends pas – I don’t understand
• Merci (Thank you)
• Je t’aime – I love you

• La vie en rose – Life through rose-colored glasses
• Le coup de foudre – Love at first sight
• Les doigts dans le nez – Effortlessly
• Les jeux sont faits – The die is cast
• Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much
• Mince – Darn!
• Mon petit chou – My little cabbage (a term of endearment)
• Ne quittez pas – Hold on (on the phone)
• Oui, bien sûr – Yes, of course
• Pas de problème – No problem
• Peut-être – Maybe
• Quoi de neuf? – What’s new?
• Rien ne va plus – No more bets (at a casino)
• S’il vous plaît – Please
• Tant pis – Too bad
• T’es mignon(ne) – You’re cute (a term of endearment)
• Tout à fait – Absolutely
• Tout va bien – Everything is fine
• Un coup de foudre – A thunderbolt (sudden love)
• Vive la France! – Long live France!

When to use them

Standard Greetings and Social Expressions

Romantic Expressions and Terms of Endearment

French is often called the language of love and with good reason. It’s a language that oozes with romance, passion, and intimacy. In this section, we will explore some of the most common romantic expressions and terms of endearment used in French.
Je t’aime – I love you. This is perhaps the most well-known and commonly used expression of love in French. It’s a simple yet powerful phrase conveying deep emotion.
Mon amour – My love
This term of endearment is used to refer to a loved one. It’s often used as a pet name or a term of endearment between romantic partners.
Ma chérie/ Mon chéri – My darling
Like ‘mon amour,’ this term of endearment is used between romantic partners. ‘Ma chérie’ is used for women, while ‘mon chéri’ is used for men.
Je t’adore – I adore you
This expression is a slightly less intense version of ‘je t’aime.’ It conveys a sense of strong affection or admiration towards someone.
Mon petit cœur – My little heart
This is a sweet and affectionate endearment term often used between romantic partners. It’s an expression of love and endearment.
Mon ange – My angel
This expression is often used to refer to someone significant to you. It’s an expression of love, admiration, and affection.
Bisous – Kisses
This is a common way to sign off a message or letter between romantic partners or close friends. It’s an affectionate way to say goodbye or express love.

Essential Phrases for Travel and Directions

Traveling to a new country can be overwhelming, but having key phrases under your belt can make all the difference. Here are some essential French words for travel and directions:

• Où est la gare? (Where is the train station?)
• Je cherche la rue Saint-Jacques. (I’m looking for Saint-Jacques Street.)
• Comment puis-je aller à l’aéroport? (How can I get to the airport?)
• Est-ce que vous pouvez m’indiquer le chemin? (Can you show me the way?)
• Combien coûte le ticket de métro? (How much does the subway ticket cost?)
• À quelle heure part le train pour Lyon? (What time does the train to Lyon leave?)
• Est-ce que vous avez une carte de la ville? (Do you have a map of the city?)
• Pouvez-vous m’aider à porter mes bagages? (Can you help me with my luggage?)
• Je voudrais acheter un billet de bus, s’il vous plaît. (I would like to buy a bus ticket, please.)
• La station de métro la plus proche est à cinq minutes à pied. (The nearest subway station is a five-minute walk away.)

With these phrases, you’ll be able to navigate through any city in France with ease. Remember to speak confidently and politely, and you’ll make a great impression on the locals. Bon voyage!

Expressions of Politeness and Gratitude

In French culture, showing politeness and gratitude in your interactions with others is essential. These expressions can be used in formal and informal settings to show respect and appreciation. Here are some standard terms:

1. Merci (Thank you)
2. Je vous en prie (You’re welcome)
3. S’il vous plaît (Please)
4. Excusez-moi (Excuse me)
5. Pardon (Pardon me)
6. Comment allez-vous? (How are you?)
7. Bienvenue (Welcome)
8. Félicitations (Congratulations)

10. Je vous remercie de votre aide (Thank you for your help)
When using these expressions, paying attention to the context and level of formality is essential. For example, “comment allez-vous?” would be appropriate in a formal setting, while “comment ça va?” would be more appropriate in an informal setting. Similarly, “je vous remercie de votre aide” is more formal than “merci pour votre aide.”
You can show respect and appreciation to those around you in French-speaking countries using these expressions. Learning a few polite phrases when visiting a new culture is always a good idea.

Time and Daily Routine Phrases

One of the essential aspects of language learning is expressing your daily routine and talking about time. Whether you’re planning your schedule for the day or describing what you did yesterday, these phrases will come in handy:

1. Quelle heure est-il? – What time is it?
2. À quelle heure? – At what time?
3. Je me lève à sept heures – I wake up at seven o’clock.
4. Je me couche à onze heures – I go to bed at eleven o’clock.
5. Je prends mon petit-déjeuner à huit heures – I have breakfast at eight o’clock.
6. Je déjeune à midi – I have lunch at noon.
7. Je dîne à sept heures – I have dinner at seven o’clock.
8. Je travaille de neuf heures à cinq heures – I work from nine to five.
9. Je suis en retard – I am late.

10. Je suis en avance – I am early.
11. Je suis à l’heure – I am on time.
12. Hier, j’ai travaillé toute la journée – Yesterday, I worked all day.
13. Aujourd’hui, je vais faire du sport – Today, I am going to do sports.
14. Demain, je vais me reposer – Tomorrow, I am going to rest.
Learning these phrases will help you talk about your daily routine in French. You can also ask others about their schedules and time of activities. Use them in everyday conversation, and watch as your language skills improve.

Idioms and Figurative Expressions in French

One of the most exciting aspects of the French language and culture is the idioms and figurative expressions. These expressions are unique and often require some cultural knowledge to understand. Here are some common ones:

1. Faire la grasse matinée – to have a lie-in
2. Avoir le cœur sur la main – to be generous
3. Être dans la lune – to be absent-minded
4. Appeler un chat un chat – to call a spade a spade
5. Avoir un poil dans la main – to be lazy
6. C’est la fin des haricots – it’s the end of the line
7. Manger sur le pouce – to eat on the go
8. Les doigts dans le nez – with ease
9. Se mettre sur son 31 – to dress up

10. Tomber dans les pommes – to faint
These expressions are often used in everyday conversation, so it’s essential to be familiar with them to understand the meaning of a conversation.
It’s important to note that some of these expressions may have different meanings in different contexts. It’s also worth noting that some of these expressions are old and may not be used frequently in modern conversation.

Learning idioms and figurative expressions is an excellent way to improve your French language skills. Not only do they add color and nuance to your conversations, but they also give you insight into the cultural values and traditions of the French people.

Expressions for Food and Drink

Whether you’re a foodie or enjoy eating out, there are many expressions in French that you’ll want to know when talking about food and drink. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Bon appétit! (enjoy your meal!)
• Je vais prendre (I’ll have…)
• L’addition, s’il vous plaît (the bill, please)
• La carte (the menu)
• Le plat du jour (the daily special)
• Une bouteille de vin (a bottle of wine)
• Du fromage (cheese)
• Une baguette (a baguette)
• Une tasse de café (a cup of coffee)
• Une carafe d’eau (a pitcher of water)
• La cuisine française (French cuisine)
• Les fruits de mer (seafood)
• Un croissant (a croissant)
• Un café au lait (coffee with milk)
• Les vins français (French wines)
• Les plats traditionnels (traditional dishes)

By learning these expressions, you can confidently order food and drink at a French restaurant or café. Bon appétit!