5 min read

73 Basic French Phrases for Your Next Trip to Canada 🍁🇨🇦

Learn 73 essential French phrases for your trip to Canada and blend in like a local! Perfect for travelers wanting to enhance their Canadian adventure.

Tobi Miles

March 30, 2024

Find me on Twitter

73 Basic French Phrases for Your Next Trip to Canada 🍁🇨🇦

Bonjour, mes amis! 🙌 Ready to explore the magnificent land of maple syrup, hockey, and poutine? Canada is a bilingual country, and while English is widely spoken, knowing some French phrases will make your trip to the Great White North even more enjoyable. In this ultimate guide, we'll arm you with 73 essential French expressions that'll have you blending in with the locals faster than you can say "oui oui, baguette!" 🥖 So, let's dive in and discover the magic of the French language, Canadian-style! 😎

Greetings and Pleasantries 🤝

Bonjour! (bohn-zhoor) - Hello!
Salut! (sah-loo) - Hi!
Au revoir! (oh ruh-vwahr) - Goodbye!
Bonne journée! (bun zhoor-nay) - Have a good day!
Bonne nuit! (bun nwee) - Good night!
Comment allez-vous? (koh-mahn tah-lay voo) - How are you?
Je vais bien, merci. (zhuh vay bee-ahn, mair-see) - I'm doing well, thanks.
Et vous? (ay voo) - And you?
Enchanté(e)! (ahn-shahn-tay) - Nice to meet you!
S'il vous plaît. (seel voo play) - Please.
Merci beaucoup! (mair-see boh-koo) - Thank you very much!
De rien. (duh ree-ahn) - You're welcome.
Excusez-moi. (eks-koo-zay mwah) - Excuse me.
Pardon. (pahr-dohn) - Pardon me.
Je suis désolé(e). (zhuh swee day-zoh-lay) - I'm sorry.

Navigating the City 🏙️

When exploring the vibrant cities of Canada, like Montreal or Quebec City, these phrases will come in handy:

Où est...? (oo ay) - Where is...?
la gare (lah gahr) - the train station
l'aéroport (lah-ay-roh-pohr) - the airport
le métro (luh may-troh) - the metro
l'hôtel (loh-tel) - the hotel
le restaurant (luh rehs-toh-rahn) - the restaurant
le musée (luh moo-zay) - the museum
le parc (luh pahrk) - the park
la banque (lah bahnk) - the bank
la pharmacie (lah fahr-mah-see) - the pharmacy
Je suis perdu(e). (zhuh swee pehr-doo) - I'm lost.
Pouvez-vous m'aider? (poo-vay voo meh-day) - Can you help me?
Continuez tout droit. (kohn-tee-noo-ay too drwah) - Go straight ahead.
Tournez à gauche. (toor-nay ah gohsh) - Turn left.
Tournez à droite. (toor-nay ah drwaht) - Turn right.

Dining Out 🍽️

No trip to Canada is complete without indulging in some delicious local cuisine. Here's how to order like a pro:

Je voudrais... (zhuh voo-dray) - I would like...
le menu (luh meh-noo) - the menu
l'entrée (lahn-tray) - the appetizer
le plat principal (luh plah prahn-see-pahl) - the main course
le dessert (luh deh-sehr) - the dessert
une poutine (oon poo-teen) - a poutine (a must-try Canadian dish!)
un sandwich au smoked meat (uhn sahnd-weesh oh smohkd meet) - a smoked meat sandwich (a Montreal specialty)
un sirop d'érable (uhn see-roh day-rahbl) - maple syrup
un verre d'eau (uhn vehr doh) - a glass of water
un café (uhn kah-fay) - a coffee
un thé (uhn tay) - a tea
une bière (oon bee-ehr) - a beer
L'addition, s'il vous plaît. (lah-dee-syohn, seel voo play) - The bill, please.

Shopping and Money 💰

Whether you're browsing trendy boutiques or picking up souvenirs at a local market, these phrases will make your shopping experience a breeze:

Combien ça coûte? (kohm-byahn sah koot) - How much does this cost?
C'est trop cher! (seh troh shehr) - That's too expensive!
Je cherche... (zhuh shehrsh) - I'm looking for...
une carte postale (oon kahrt poh-stahl) - a postcard
un aimant (uhn eh-mahn) - a magnet
un t-shirt (uhn tee-shuhrt) - a t-shirt
un chapeau (uhn shah-poh) - a hat
une écharpe (oon ay-shahrp) - a scarf
Je peux payer par carte de crédit? (zhuh puh pay-yay pahr kahrt duh kray-dee) - Can I pay by credit card?
Je peux payer en espèces? (zhuh puh pay-yay ahn ehs-pess) - Can I pay in cash?
Je voudrais un sac, s'il vous plaît. (zhuh voo-dray uhn sahk, seel voo play) - I would like a bag, please.

Cultural Customs and Etiquette 🎭

Canadians are known for their politeness and hospitality, so it's important to respect local customs and etiquette:

Bonjour! Ça va? (bohn-zhoor! sah vah?) - Hello! How's it going? (A common greeting in Quebec)
C'est bon, là! (seh bohn, lah!) - It's all good, buddy! (A casual way to say "no worries")
Je me souviens. (zhuh muh soo-vyahn) - I remember. (The official motto of Quebec)
Merci d'avance! (mehr-see dah-vahns) - Thanks in advance! (A polite way to end an email or request)
Bonne fête! (bun feht) - Happy birthday!
Bonne année! (bun ah-nay) - Happy New Year!
Joyeux Noël! (zhwah-yuh noh-ehl) - Merry Christmas!
Santé! (sahn-tay) - Cheers! (Used when toasting drinks)

Flirting and Romance 💕

If you find yourself smitten with a charming Canadian, these flirty phrases might come in handy:

Tu es très beau/belle. (too eh treh boh/behl) - You're very handsome/beautiful.
Tu as de beaux yeux. (too ah duh boh zyuh) - You have beautiful eyes.
Je t'aime. (zhuh tem) - I love you.
Veux-tu sortir avec moi? (vuh-too sohr-teer ah-vehk mwah) - Do you want to go out with me?
On peut prendre un verre ensemble? (ohn puh prahn-druh uhn vehr ahn-sahm-bluh) - Can we grab a drink together?
Tu me plais beaucoup. (too muh pleh boh-koo) - I really like you.
Embrasse-moi! (ahm-brahs-mwah) - Kiss me!

Insults and Things to Avoid ⚠️

While Canadians are generally friendly and easygoing, there are a few things you should avoid saying to keep the peace:

Ne me dis pas quoi faire! (nuh muh dee pah kwah fehr) - Don't tell me what to do!
Ta gueule! (tah guhl) - Shut up!
C'est quoi ton problème? (seh kwah tohn proh-blehm) - What's your problem?
T'es vraiment stupide. (teh vray-mahn stoo-peed) - You're really stupid.

FAQ ❓

Q: Do I really need to know French to visit Canada?A: While it's not essential, knowing some basic French phrases can enhance your experience, especially in predominantly French-speaking regions like Quebec.

Q: What should I do if I accidentally offend someone in French?A: Simply apologize sincerely using phrases like "Je suis désolé(e)" or "Excusez-moi," and most Canadians will be understanding.

Q: Can I get by with just English in major cities?A: Absolutely! Most Canadians in major cities are bilingual and will happily switch to English if needed.

Q: What's the best way to practice my French while in Canada?A: Don't be afraid to strike up conversations with locals, even if your French isn't perfect. Canadians are known for their friendliness and will appreciate your effort to learn their language.

There you have it, folks! 73 essential French phrases to help you navigate, dine, shop, flirt, and faux-pas your way through Canada like a true pro. Remember, the key to mastering any language is practice, so don't be afraid to put your new skills to the test. And if all else fails, just smile, say "merci," and enjoy the ride! 😄🇨🇦

Bonne chance et bon voyage! 🌟

Tobi Miles

Article updated:

March 30, 2024

A nomadic wordsmith savoring the world's flavors and penning stories that turn every journey into an epic.

Find me on Twitter

*Terms apply. To participate, enter your email to sign up for the newsletter . You must be 18+ and be a resident of the US. No purchase necessary. Begins January 1st and ends February 28th, 2024. Winner announced on March 31st. For full rules and regulations, visit our Terms & Conditions page. Data processed according to our Privacy Policy.

Is Porter Airlines Safe? Unveiling What Every Nervous Traveler Needs to Know

When planning a trip, safety always comes first, right? You're probably wondering about Porter Airlines and how safe it is to fly with them. Well, you're not alone in pondering this. With its cozy cabins and convenient routes, Porter Airlines has caught the eye of many travelers. But let's face it, the charm only goes so far if safety's on the line.

Is Biman Bangladesh Airlines Safe? Unveiling the Truth for Anxious Flyers

When you're planning a trip, especially one that takes you across borders, the safety of your chosen airline is a top priority. You've probably come across Biman Bangladesh Airlines in your search for flights, and it's natural to wonder about its safety record. After all, you're entrusting them with your most precious cargo: you and your loved ones.

Is Compass Airlines Safe? Uncovering What Every Traveler Must Know

When you're planning your next trip and considering flying with Compass Airlines, it's natural to wonder about their safety record. After all, ensuring a safe journey is at the top of everyone's list. But diving into the world of airline safety can feel like navigating through a maze. Don't worry; we've got you covered.

Is Luxair Safe? Unveiling What Really Matters to Nervous Flyers

When planning your next trip, you're likely scrolling through countless options, wondering which airline will get you there safely and comfortably. Luxair, Luxembourg's flag carrier, often pops up as a top choice for European destinations. But in the sea of airlines, you might ask yourself, "Is Luxair safe?"

Is Air Transat Safe? Discover What Flyers Need to Know Before Boarding

When you're planning your next getaway, the safety of the airline you choose is probably at the top of your mind. And if Air Transat's on your radar, you're likely wondering, "Is it really safe?" Well, you're not alone in asking that question. Safety is a big deal, and it's okay to want to dig a little deeper before booking your flight.

August Escapes: Top National Parks & Hidden Gems to Explore

August's here, and it's the perfect time to pack your bags for an adventure. Whether you're into sunny beaches or cool mountains, there's a spot just waiting for you to explore. Imagine dipping your toes in crystal-clear waters or hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views. Sounds awesome, right?

February Gems: Top Unspoiled Destinations for Your Winter Escape

February might seem like a sleepy month, but it's actually a great time to explore some cool spots around the world. While some folks are still shaking off the holiday buzz, you could be packing your bags for an adventure. Whether you're into sunny beaches or snowy mountains, there's a perfect February destination waiting for you.

Ultimate Guide: Top Family-Friendly Cities in Canada - Beyond Calgary's Charm

Deciding where to plant your family's roots in Canada? You're in luck because Canada's packed with fantastic spots that are perfect for families. From coast to coast, each place offers its own unique blend of culture, safety, and fun activities that'll keep everyone from toddlers to teens engaged and happy.