Moving to a new country comes with many challenges, especially when you do not speak the local language fluently. Learning common French vocabulary and phrases can help make the transition smoother when relocating to France or other French-speaking places. This article will cover useful terminology and expressions for daily life situations.
Greetings and Polite Expressions
- Bonjour – Hello/Good day
- Bonsoir – Good evening
- Au revoir – Goodbye
- S’il vous plaît – Please
- Merci – Thank you
- De rien – You’re welcome
- Excusez-moi – Excuse me
- Pardon – Sorry/Pardon me
Asking for Directions
- Où est…? – Where is…?
- Comment aller à…? – How do I get to…?
- À gauche – Left
- À droite – Right
- Tout droit – Straight ahead
- Le coin – Corner
Ordering Food and Drinks
- Un café, s’il vous plaît – A coffee, please
- L’addition – The check/bill
- Le menu – Menu
- Commander – To order
In this blog post, You’ll learn key terminology for drinks, food, and polite conversation, French Phrases to Use at a Bar or Café.
Shopping and Market Vocabulary
- Le marché – Market
- L’épicerie – Grocery store
- Combien ça coûte ? – How much does this cost?
Using these French words and phrases for common daily life situations will help you get by as you adjust to your new surroundings. You’ll be able to navigate basics like greeting people, asking for directions, ordering food, and doing shopping. Learning the fundamental vocabulary will make a big difference in your ability to settle into French-speaking regions.
Navigating Public Transportation
Transportation Terminology
- Le métro – Subway/Metro
- L’autobus – Bus
- L’arrêt de bus – Bus stop
- Le quai – Platform
- Le billet – Ticket
Buying Tickets
- Un billet pour… – A ticket for…
- Aller simple – One-way
- Aller-retour – Round-trip
Asking for Help
- Où est le guichet ? – Where is the ticket office?
- Je voudrais acheter un billet – I would like to buy a ticket
- Quel quai pour le train à…? – Which platform for the train to…?
Knowing the French terms for public transport options, ticketing, and how to ask for assistance will make using buses, metros, trains and more much smoother as you get around your new city. With this vocabulary, you can easily navigate to work, school, or social events.
Finding Accommodation
Types of Accommodation
- L’appartement – Apartment
- Le studio – Studio apartment
- L’appartement partagé – Shared flat
- L’annonce immobilière – Housing ad
- La caution – Deposit
Rental Terms and Contracts
- Le bail – Lease
- Le loyer – Rent
- Toutes charges comprises – All charges included
- Les charges – Utilities
Furniture and Household Items
- Le lit – Bed
- L’armoire – Wardrobe
- La table – Table
- La chaise – Chair
Knowing the vocabulary for housing, rental agreements, and furniture will help you find and set up your new living situation in a French-speaking region. With the key terms, you can understand rental listings, contracts, and furnish your space.
Dealing with Administrative Tasks
Visa and Immigration Terms
- Le permis de travail – Work permit
- Travailleur immigré – Immigrant worker
- Le permis de séjour – Residence permit
- Titre de séjour – Residence permit
- Carte de séjour – Residence card
- Émigration – Emigration
- Réfugié – Refugee
- Passeport – Passport
- Regroupement familial – Family reunification
- Intégration – Integration
- Sans-papiers – Undocumented immigrants
Opening a Bank Account
- Le compte courant – Checkings account
- Le compte d’épargne – Savings account
- La carte bancaire – ATM card
Registering with Local Authorities
- La mairie – Town hall
- Justificatif de domicile – Proof of address
When moving to France or other French-speaking regions, you’ll need to complete administrative tasks like getting visas, opening bank accounts, and registering with local authorities. Knowing the key vocabulary will make navigating bureaucracy much easier.
Socializing and Making Friends
Meeting New People
- Rencontrer – To meet
- On se retrouve pour un verre ? – Let’s meet for a drink?
Joining Social Groups
- Le club de lecture – Book club
- L’équipe de foot – Soccer team
Celebrations and Festivals
- La fête – Party
- Fêter – To celebrate
- Bon anniversaire ! – Happy birthday!
Making new friends and meeting people is an important part of settling into a new country. Knowing French terms for social gatherings, clubs, celebrations and more will help you expand your network and adjust to the culture.
Conclusion
Learning French vocabulary and expressions associated with moving to France or other French-speaking regions can help you better integrate and adjust to your new home. Focus on key terms for daily tasks, transportation, housing, administration procedures, meeting people and joining local groups. With some language skills, you’ll be set up for an exciting new start abroad.
