Your first conversations in French
A real-world French cheat sheet
Practice, not perfection
Many French learners think they need to be fluent before they can start having conversations. The reality is the opposite: you become more comfortable by using the language.
Quebecers are generally welcoming, and many people are genuinely happy when they see someone making an effort to speak French. Most people understand that you're learning and will often help you find the words you need.
Your goal is to communicate, connect with people and build confidence one conversation at a time.
Your first language goals in Quebec
Don't wait until your French is perfect!
Start with small wins:
- Say hello and thank you in French every day
- Order something in French
- Ask one question in French
- Have a short conversation
- Attend a conversation group or book a 1:1 practice session
The most important skill: Keeping the conversation going
Strong language learners know how to manage conversations when they don't understand everything.
You don't need to know every word. You need strategies to:
- Ask someone to repeat themselves
- Ask someone to slow down
- Explain when you do not understand
- Find another way to say something
- Keep trying instead of giving up
These skills are called conversation repair strategies, and they are a normal part of learning any language.
Phrases to get started
Bonjour!
Hello!
Salut!
Hi! (informal)
Bonjour, j’aimerais...
Hello, I would like...
Excusez-moi, est-ce que je peux vous poser une question?
Excuse me, can I ask you a question?
Je parle un peu français.
I speak a little French.
Je suis en train d’apprendre le français.
I am learning French.
Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement, s’il vous plaît?
Could you speak more slowly, please?
Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?
Could you repeat, please?
Je n’ai pas compris.
I did not understand.
Je comprends, mais je cherche mes mots.
I understand, but I am looking for my words.
Comment dit-on ___ en français?
How do you say ___ in French?
Asking for something
Excusez-moi, où est...?
Excuse me, where is...?
Je cherche...
I am looking for...
Examples:
- Je cherche du lait.
- Je cherche la section des produits ménagers.
Paying
C’est combien?
How much is it?
Je peux payer par carte?
Can I pay by card?
Avez-vous un sac?
Do you have a bag?
Merci, bonne journée!
Thank you, have a good day!
Ordering
Je voudrais...
I would like...
Je vais prendre...
I will have...
Pour moi, ce sera...
For me, it will be...
Examples:
- Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît.
- Je vais prendre le sandwich.
Asking questions
Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez?
What do you recommend?
Est-ce que c’est épicé?
Is it spicy?
Est-ce que je peux avoir de l’eau?
Can I have some water?
Excusez-moi, comment je peux aller à...?
Excuse me, how can I get to...?
C’est loin d’ici?
Is it far from here?
Je dois descendre où?
Where should I get off?
Pouvez-vous me montrer sur la carte?
Can you show me on the map?
Mistakes are part of learning. These phrases help you continue instead of stopping.
Je veux dire...
I mean...
Je ne connais pas le mot, mais...
I do not know the word, but...
(Then describe what you mean!)
Est-ce que cette phrase est correcte?
Is this sentence correct?
Sometimes people switch to English when they hear an accent or notice someone is learning. This does not mean your French is bad. They may simply be trying to help or make the conversation easier.
If you want to continue practising French, you can say:
Je pratique mon français. Est-ce qu’on peut continuer en français?
I am practising my French. Can we continue in French?
Je comprends mieux si on parle un peu plus lentement.
I understand better if we speak a little more slowly.