When strolling the streets of Paris and stopping into a cozy neighborhood cafe, you’ll want to be armed with some key French vocabulary to have a more authentic experience. Even just knowing a few basic French phrases can make all the difference in engaging with the locals and staff.
In this blog post, You’ll learn key terminology for drinks, food, and polite conversation. Whether you’re looking to improve your French skills or want to blend in better during your upcoming trip to France, this beginner’s guide will get you started with the basics.
Here are some examples of how to order drinks in French at a bar or cafe:
- Je voudrais une bière, s’il vous plaît. (I would like a beer, please.)
- Un verre de vin rouge/blanc/rosé, s’il vous plaît. (A glass of red/white/rosé wine, please.)
- Je prendrai un cocktail maison. (I’ll have a house cocktail.)
- Pouvez-vous me recommander une boisson locale? (Can you recommend a local drink?)
- Auriez-vous du champagne? (Do you have any champagne?)
- Un expresso/café allongé, s’il vous plaît. (An espresso/elongated coffee, please.)
- Un café au lait/cappucino, sil vous plaît. (A cafe au lait/cappuccino, please.)
- Je voudrais un jus de fruit frais. (I would like a fresh fruit juice.)
- Avez-vous des cocktails sans alcool? (Do you have non-alcoholic cocktails?)
- De l’eau pétillante/plate, s’il vous plaît. (Some sparkling/still water, please.)
The key is to use “Je voudrais” (I would like) when ordering. And remember to say “please” (s’il vous plaît) to be polite!
Placing Food Orders
Here are some useful phrases for placing food orders in French at a cafe or restaurant:
- Je vais prendre un croissant, s’il vous plaît. (I’ll have a croissant, please.)
- Pourriez-vous me préparer un sandwich au jambon ? (Could you make me a ham sandwich?)
- Quels sont les plats du jour ? (What are today’s specials?)
- Est-ce que vous avez des plats végétariens ? (Do you have any vegetarian dishes?)
- Je voudrais une salade niçoise. (I would like a Niçoise salad.)
- Est-ce que ce plat contient des fruits de mer ? (Does this dish contain seafood?)
- Je suis allergique aux arachides/au gluten. (I’m allergic to peanuts/gluten.)
- Pas trop cuit pour le steak, s’il vous plaît. (On the rare side for the steak, please.)
- Et un verre d’eau, s’il vous plaît. (And a glass of water, please.)
- Avez-vous des desserts maison ? (Do you have homemade desserts?)
- La note, s’il vous plaît. (The check, please.)
Be sure to say please (s’il vous plaît) and thank you (merci) when ordering!
Interacting with the Staff
Here are some useful French phrases for interacting with staff at a cafe or restaurant:
- Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous m’apporter l’addition? (Excuse me, could you bring me the bill?)
- Pourriez-vous m’indiquer où sont les toilettes, s’il vous plaît? (Could you tell me where the restroom is, please?)
- Est-ce que je peux payer par carte de crédit? (Can I pay by credit card?)
- Avez-vous une terrasse extérieure? (Do you have an outdoor terrace?)
- Le service était excellent, merci beaucoup. (The service was excellent, thank you very much.)
- J’ai bien aimé ce plat, mes compliments au chef! (I really enjoyed this dish, my compliments to the chef!)
- Pourrais-je avoir un peu plus d’eau, s’il vous plaît? (Could I have some more water, please?)
- Je voudrais faire une réclamation, ce plat n’est pas bon. (I would like to complain, this dish is not good.)
- Pourrais-je avoir l’addition, s’il vous plaît? (May I have the check, please?)
- Merci pour votre aide et votre service. (Thank you for your help and service.)
Engaging in Conversations
Here are some conversational phrases in French to use at a bar or café:
- Bonjour, quel est votre cocktail préféré ? (Hello, what’s your favorite cocktail?)
- D’où venez-vous ? J’adore votre accent ! (Where are you from? I love your accent!)
- Quels sont les endroits incontournables à visiter dans cette ville ? (What are the must-see places in this city?)
- Quel est votre plat français préféré ? J’aimerais goûter la cuisine locale. (What’s your favorite French dish? I’d like to try the local cuisine.)
- Avez-vous des recommandations pour les meilleurs bars ou cafés aux alentours ? (Do you have recommendations for the best local bars or cafes nearby?)
- Que pensez-vous de ce vin ? Il est délicieux ! (What do you think of this wine? It’s delicious!)
- J’adore l’ambiance ici, c’est très charmant. (I love the atmosphere here, it’s very charming.)
- Ça vous dérange si je m’assois ici ? (Do you mind if I sit here?)
The key is to ask open-ended questions to get conversations started. Don’t be afraid to give a compliment too!
Example conversation in French between a barman and a customer
Here is an example conversation in French between a barman and a customer ordering drinks, with English translations:
- Barman: Bonjour Monsieur, bienvenue. Que désirez-vous boire ?
(Hello Sir, welcome. What would you like to drink?) - Client: Bonjour. Je voudrais un expresso s’il vous plaît.
(Hello. I would like an espresso please.) - Barman: Très bien. Aimeriez-vous quelque chose d’autre ?
(Very good. Would you like anything else?) - Client: Oui, je vais aussi prendre un croissant.
(Yes, I’ll also have a croissant.) - Barman: D’accord, un expresso et un croissant. Je vous apporte ça tout de suite.
(Okay, one espresso and one croissant. I’ll bring that right over.) - Client: Merci beaucoup.
(Thank you very much.) - Barman: Je vous en prie. Voici votre commande. Bon appétit !
(You’re welcome. Here is your order. Enjoy your meal!) - Client: Merci.
(Thank you.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, being armed with even just a few key French phrases can greatly enhance your experience visiting a cafe or bar in France. By knowing how to politely order drinks and food, interact with staff, and engage in casual conversation, you’ll be able to blend in seamlessly.
Start by mastering essential vocabulary for coffee, wine, beer, and other beverages. Learn to state your requests using “Je voudrais” and always say “s’il vous plaît” to be polite. Ask about daily specials, recommendations, and anything you might need during your visit.
Exchange pleasantries with locals, servers, and fellow patrons to practice your conversational French. Compliment the cozy atmosphere, inquire about must-see spots, or simply say “Bonjour” and “Au revoir”.
The next time you’re at a French cafe, put these phrases to use for a more authentic, enriched experience. In no time, you’ll be conversing with ease and comfort in French. So grab an espresso and croissant, and immerse yourself in the language and culture. À bientôt!
