While most people, especially in the service industries, speak English in Chamonix, it's respectful to try and speak the local language. Here are some useful words or phrases for getting a grasp on the language or brushing up if you've already learned some French in school.
- Salutations, Civilities, and General Necessities
oui, non - yes, no
d'accord, o.k. - o.k.
Bonjour (in the day time), Bonsoir (in the evening), Salut (familiar) - Hello
Ciao(fam), Salut(fam), Bonsoir (good evening), Au revoir (goodbye), A plus tard (until later) A plus (until later, fam), A demain (until tomorrow), A bientôt (see you soon) - Goodbye
Comment allez-vous? Ça va? (fami) Quoi de neuf? (what's up) - How are you?
Très bien, merci - Fine, thank you.
Ça va - et toi? - Pas malI'm fine, and you? Not bad.
Excusez-moi, Pardon - Excuse me / Pardon
S'il vous plaît, s'il te plaît (fam) - Please
Merci - Thank you
Je vous en prie(form); Je t'en prie (fam); de rien (literally = for nothing) - You're welcome
Desolée, Pardon - Sorry
Parlez-vous anglais? - Do you speak English?
Desolée, je ne parles pas français - Sorry, I don't speak French.
Je parle (un peu de) français - I speak (a little) French
Desolee, je ne comprends pas - Sorry, I don't understand.
Bienvenue - Welcome
Je m'appelle... - My name is ...
Comment tu t'appelles ?(fam) - What is your name?
Enchanté - Pleased to meet you.
Puis-je vous présenter... - Can I introduce you to...
See also these Topics:
- General Conversation
- Getting around - Where and When
- Buying your Ski Lift Pass / In the Lift Line
- Mountain and Ski Equipment - in the shop
- Mountain, Ski, and Climbing Terminology
- Mountain Bike Equipment - in the shop
- Talking about the Weather
- In the Bar and Restaurant - ordering and chatting
- Going Shopping - how to buy a baguette and more
Do you think your French is pretty good? Do here a quick test of your French.
Know you'd like to learn more? Try our French Language Courses in Chamonix for beginners through advanced.
