Simple French Phrases
From LoveToKnow French
Learning French always begins with some simple French phrases and an attempt to pronounce them in a somewhat French-like manner. Unfortunately, French pronunciation takes quite some time and effort to achieve, but learning the most basic French phrases can be done in no time.
Where to Begin?
Getting your feet wet can be a daunting task; however, jumping right in without hesitation is the best way to begin learning simple French phrases. An important piece of advice is to start with hearing the phrases before you attempt to read them. French pronunciation is quite different from English pronunciation, so investing in a phrase dictionary is not always the best way to start. Instead, invest in a beginner level French audio course, such as Learn French Now!, or find websites with links to basic phrases that have audio files to listen to. Learn French Language Software is a good example of such a site.
Listening to the phrases is more important in the beginning stages of learning French. You can worry about learning to read and write them later. After all, are you more likely to say 'Good Morning' to someone, or to write it?
Some Simple French Phrases
Perhaps you already know some words in French, like bonjour and merci. There are many more simple phrases that you can pick up. For example, there are a lot of different ways to say "thank you" in French and to say "you're welcome" in French.
In the beginning stages of learning French, you'll also want to pick up words for important things and concepts. For example, you might look up in your dictionary that the word for 'bread' is pain, but if you go into a bakery and ask for pain, you will only receive a blank stare. While the English word is a general one, in France, bread is a kind of art. You therefore have to ask for exactly which type of bread that you want; there is no default 'bread' in France. If you want a baguette, that's exactly what you have to ask for. If you prefer whole grains, ask for a baguette aux céréales.
You'll probably need to know how to ask where the bathroom is: Où sont les toilettes? and know how to introduce yourself: Je m'appelle _______. All in all, there are plenty of simple phrases to begin learning French.
Basic Phrases in French
You will find that the most basic phrases that will allow you to function on a daily basis in a Francophone country are the ones you learn the fastest because you will practice them constantly. After you've had a few confidence building experiences, you'll find that you'll at least be able to get around with ease.
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