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 mall - 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...
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.
