Language in Paris: Everything you need to know
Whether you’re planning a trip to the City of Light or you’re simply curious about the language spoken in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it’s helpful to use some simple French language in Paris.
The French language is beautiful and some basic phrases can help you whether you are checking in to a hotel, eating at a restaurant, using public transport or seeking help during your trip to Paris.
What Are The Top Languages Spoken In Paris
The official language of France is French, of course. However, you’ll find that a number of other languages are spoken throughout the city. According to a 2013 study, these are the most common languages spoken in Paris:
– French: 82.2%
– Arabic: 2.4%
– Portuguese: 1%
What About Other Languages Spoken In Paris
In addition to French and English, you’ll find that a number of other languages are spoken throughout the city. Some of the most common include:
– Spanish: 1.8%
– Italian: 1.4%
– German: 1%
Do People In Paris Speak English
You may be relieved to know that English is actually the most commonly spoken language among foreign language speakers in Paris. In fact, a whopping 37% of people in Paris report speaking English as their second language.
This means that you’ll have no trouble finding someone who can help you with directions or answer any questions you may have during your stay in the city.
It is also acceptable to post letters, parcel and other mail items address in English.
Can You Get Around Paris Without Speaking French
While it’s certainly helpful to know some French when visiting Paris, it’s not absolutely necessary.
Thanks to the large number of people who speak English, you should be able to get by without speaking a word of French.
Of course, learning even a few basic phrases will help you make the most of your experience in the city.
And who knows, you may even find yourself picking up a few words of French along the way.
Common French Phrases to use in Paris
Here are a few essential French phrases that will come in handy during your first (or hundredth) time in Paris:
– Bonjour (hello)
– Au revoir (goodbye)
– S’il vous plaît (please)
– Merci (thank you)
– Oui (yes)
– Non (no)
– Pardon (excuse me/sorry)
With these key phrases in your repertoire, you’ll be able to navigate your way around Paris with ease. Bon voyage!
French Phrases to use in the Restaurant
If you’re planning on dining out in Paris, it’s helpful to know a few key French phrases that will come in handy in the restaurant. Here are a few of the most useful:
– Je voudrais une table pour deux, s’il vous plaît (I would like a table for two, please)
– Le menu, s’il vous plaît (The menu, please)
– Je prendrai… (I’ll have…)
– Merci beaucoup (Thank you very much)
– Bon appétit! (Enjoy your meal!)
French phrases to use on public transport
Getting around Paris is easy with the city’s efficient public transport system. If you’re planning on using buses, trams or the metro, here are a few key French phrases that will come in handy:
– Où est…? (Where is…?)
– Un ticket pour…, s’il vous plaît (One ticket to…, please)
– La prochaine station, s’il vous plaît? (The next stop, please?)
– Merci (Thank you)
French Phrases to use when you need help
If you find yourself in need of assistance during your time in Paris, here are a few key French phrases that will come in handy:
– J’ai besoin d’aide, s’il vous plaît (I need help, please)
– Où est le toilette? (Where is the toilet?)
– Je cherche… (I’m looking for…)
– Pouvez-vous m’aider, s’il vous plaît? (Can you help me, please?)
French phrases to use at a hotel
If you’re planning on staying in a hotel during your time in Paris, it’s helpful to know a few key French phrases that will come in handy. Here are a few of the most useful:
– Je voudrais une chambre pour deux personnes, s’il vous plaît (I would like a room for two people, please)
– Je voudrais une chambre avec une douche, s’il vous plaît (I would like a room with a shower, please)
– Combien coûte une nuit? (How much does a night cost?)
– Je reste pour…nuits (I will stay for…nights)
– Merci beaucoup (Thank you very much)
Language in Paris when in a taxi
If you’re planning on taking a taxi during your time in Paris, it’s helpful to know a few key French phrases that will come in handy. Here are a few of the most useful:
– Où est…? (Where is…?)
– Combien coûte la course jusqu’à…? (How much does the ride to…cost?)
– S’il vous plaît, prenez-moi à… (Please take me to…)
– Merci beaucoup (Thank you very much)
Language in Paris when shopping
If you’re planning on doing some shopping during your time in Paris, it’s helpful to know a few key French phrases that will come in handy. Here are a few of the most useful:
– Je cherche… (I’m looking for…)
– Combien coûte ce…? (How much does this…cost?)
– Je voudrais payer par carte de crédit, s’il vous plaît (I would like to pay by credit card, please)
– Merci beaucoup (Thank you very much)
Language in Paris when at the bank
If you need to visit a bank during your time in Paris, it’s helpful to know a few key French phrases that will come in handy. Here are a few of the most useful:
– J’ai besoin de… (I need…)
– Combien coûte…? (How much does…cost?)
– Je voudrais retirer de l’argent, s’il vous plaît (I would like to withdraw money, please)
– Merci beaucoup (Thank you very much)
Days of the week in French
Monday: lundi
Tuesday: mardi
Wednesday: mercredi
Thursday: jeudi
Friday: vendredi
Saturday: samedi
Sunday: dimanche
Months of the year in French
January: janvier
February: février
March: mars
April: avril
May: mai
June: juin
July: juillet
August: août
September: septembre
October: octobre
November: novembre
December: décembre
Numbers in French
It’s also helpful to know a few key numbers in French. After all, you’ll need to be able to tell your taxi driver how many people are in your party or ask the waiter for the check at the end of your meal.
Here are a few essential French numbers that you should know:
– 1 (un)
– 2 (deux)
– 3 (trois)
– 4 (quatre)
– 5 (cinq)
– 6 (six)
– 7 (sept)
– 8 (huit)
– 9 (neuf)
– 10 (dix)
Here are a few key language tips to keep in mind when speaking French in Paris:
– The French language has many different dialects, but the most commonly spoken form in Paris is known as Parisian French.
This dialect is characterized by a more clipped pronunciation and certain slang words and expressions that you may not be familiar with.
– In addition to French, you’ll also hear a lot of other languages spoken in Paris, including English, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese.
Many people in the city are multilingual, so don’t be surprised if you hear several languages being spoken at the same time.
– When speaking French in Paris, it’s important to be polite and respectful.
This includes using formal language when speaking to strangers or people in positions of authority, such as police officers, store clerks, and waiters.
– Parisians are known for being fashion-conscious, so it’s important to dress well when speaking to them.
This doesn’t mean that you need to be wearing the latest designer clothes, but you should make an effort to look presentable and put-together.
– If you’re not sure how to say something in French, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Many people in Paris are happy to help tourists with their language skills, and they’ll appreciate your efforts to speak their language.
Popular French Courses in Paris
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced French speaker, there’s a language course in Paris that’s perfect for you. Here are a few of the most popular courses:
– The Alliance Française de Paris offers language courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced.
They also offer specialized courses for business French and preparation for the DELF/DALF exams.
– The Paris Language Institute offers language courses for all levels, as well as business French and DELF/DALF exam preparation.
– The Sorbonne University offers language courses for all levels, with a focus on literature and culture. They also offer business French and DELF/DALF exam preparation.
– The Institut Catholique de Paris offers language courses for all levels, with a focus on Catholic culture and history. They also offer business French and DELF/DALF exam preparation.
No matter what your level of French is, there’s a language course in Paris that’s perfect for you
Wrap Up: Language in Paris
Learning even a few basic French phrases will go a long way towards making your time in Paris more enjoyable.
With a little practice, you’ll be speaking like a native in no time!
FAQs: Language in Paris
What is the most commonly spoken language in Paris?
The most commonly spoken language in Paris is French, but you’ll also hear other languages such as English, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese.
Do I need to speak French to visit Paris?
No, you don’t need to speak French to visit Paris, but it’s helpful to know a few basic phrases. Many people in the city are multilingual, so you can get by speaking English in most situations.
What are some helpful French phrases for visitors to Paris?
Some helpful French phrases for visitors to Paris include :
J’ai besoin de… (I need…)
Où est…? (Where is…?)
Merci beaucoup (Thank you very much)
What is the Parisian dialect of French?
The Parisian dialect of French is characterized by a more clipped pronunciation and certain slang words and expressions that you may not be familiar with.
Related Posts:
Visiting Paris for the first time
The Ultimate Guide to the 11 Top Things to Do in Paris
How to spend one day in Paris: The best 24 hour Paris Itinerary
How to spend 3 days in Paris: The Perfect Paris Itinerary