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<div class="pg_page_title">French Vocabulary - Be Polite</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">French Vocabulary - Be Polite</div>


Hi [https://polyglotclub.com/language/french French] learners! 😊<br>In this lesson, we will learn how to be polite in French. As you may already know, being polite is essential in French culture. It is important to use polite expressions such as "please" and "thank you" in everyday conversations.  
Hi [https://polyglotclub.com/language/french French] learners! 😊<br>In this lesson, we will learn some polite French vocabulary, as well as cultural tips on how to be polite in France. Remember, being polite is always appreciated and can make a big difference in your interactions with native speakers.


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== Polite Expressions ==
==Why Being Polite is Important in French Culture==
In French culture, politeness is an essential part of communication. It is expected to use polite expressions when addressing strangers or formal situations. French people pay attention to the tone, choice of words and expressions used, and gestures to express their politeness.


Some of the basic polite expressions in French are:
==Basic Polite French Vocabulary==
Here is some basic polite French vocabulary that you can use in different situations:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|Merci |mɛʁ.si |Thank you |-
|French||Pronunciation||English Translation
|S'il vous plaît |sil vu plɛ |Please |-
|--
|Excusez-moi |ɛk.sky.ze mwa |Excuse me |-
|Bonjour||bohn-zhoor||Hello/Good morning/Good afternoon
|Pardon |paʁ.dɔ̃ |Sorry / Pardon me |-
|--
|Je vous en prie |ʒə vu zɑ̃ pʁi |You're welcome / My pleasure |}
|Comment allez-vous?||kom-mohn-tah-lay-voo?||How are you?(formal)
|--
|Enchanté(e)||ahn-shahn-tey||Nice to meet you(Formal)
|--
|Je vous en prie||juh-voo-zahn-pree||You're welcome (formal)
|--
|Pardon||pahr-dohn||Excuse me
|--
|Merci||mehr-see||Thank you
|--
|Au revoir||oh-re-vwahr||Goodbye
|}


The above expressions are most commonly used in everyday situations such as asking for something, thanking someone, or apologizing.
Use these words constructively in everyday situations will not only make you sound polite but also make you feel like you belong in the French language.


Here are some additional polite expressions that can come in handy:
==Expressions to be Polite==
Besides basic polite French vocabulary, there are some expressions that you need to use to be polite in French culture. Here are some expressions that are used to be polite in French:


{| class="wikitable"
===Saying Please & Thank You===
|Bonne journée |bɔn ʒuʁ.ne |Have a nice day |-
To attract someone's attention or ask for something in a formal context, use "s'il vous plaît," which means "please" in French. Always accompany a request with "s'il vous plaît" or "please" in English.
|Bon appétit |bɔn a.pe.ti |Enjoy your meal |-
|À bientôt |a bjɛ̃to |See you soon |-
|Au revoir |o ʁə.vwaʁ |Goodbye |-
|Bonne soirée |bɔn swa.ʁe |Have a nice evening |}


## Activity
To express gratitude or say "thank you" in French, you can use "merci." It is essential to express your appreciation in French culture.


* Person 1: Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous m'aider s'il vous plaît ? (Excuse me, can you please help me?)
===Apologizing in French===
* Person 2: Oui, bien sûr. Je vous en prie. (Yes, of course. You're welcome.)
To apologize in French, you can use "pardon" or "excusez-moi." Both expressions are interchangeable and mean the same.


== Politeness in Verbs ==
To apologize in a more formal context, use "je suis désolé(e)" which means "I'm sorry" in French.


In addition to polite expressions, it is important to use polite verb forms when addressing someone formally. Typically, we use the "vous" form instead of "tu" to address someone in a formal manner.
===Introducing Yourself in French===
To introduce yourself in a formal context, you can use "je suis" which means "I am" in French. Followed by your name or your profession.


For example, instead of saying "tu es" (you are) to someone you don't know well or someone who is your elder, you would say "vous êtes" (you are) to show respect.
"Enchanté(e)" which we introduced earlier, is another expression that you can use when introducing yourself in a formal situation. It means "nice to meet you."


Here is a dialogue to help you understand how to use polite verb forms:
===Expressing Gratitude===
To express gratitude in French use "merci beaucoup." This expression means "thank you very much."


* Person 1: Bonjour, comment allez-vous aujourd'hui ? (Good morning, how are you today?)
===Wishing Someone Well===
* Person 2: Bonjour, je vais bien, merci. Et vous ? (Good morning, I'm doing well, thank you. And you?)
When you want to wish someone the best, use "bonne chance." This expression means "good luck!"
* Person 1: Je vais bien aussi, merci. (I'm doing well too, thank you.)


## Activity
==Politeness in French Culture==
Now that you have learned some basic French vocabulary and expressions to be polite in French, we will show you how to use them correctly in cultural contexts.


Practice using "vous" instead of "tu" in the following sentences:
===Greeting People in France===
In France, when you arrive at a gathering or a formal event, it's essential to greet the host and the guests. It is also polite to shake hands or give a kiss on each cheek (depending on the region) when greeting someone in France.


1. Tu es étudiant. (You are a student.)
When leaving, be sure to say goodbye to everyone and thank them for their company. Making an effort in greeting people, even if you don't know them well, is appreciated in French culture.
2. Tu parles français. (You speak French.)
3. Tu habites à Paris. (You live in Paris.)


Now, try using the polite form:
===Dining in France===
When you are invited to someone's home for dinner, it's customary to bring a bottle of wine or chocolates as a gift for the host.


1. Vous êtes étudiant. (You are a student.)
Table manners are essential in French culture. Use "s'il vous plaît" to request something and "merci" to thank the host or hostess.
2. Vous parlez français. (You speak French.)
3. Vous habitez à Paris. (You live in Paris.)


== Politeness in Questions ==
When dining, it is common in France to keep your hands on the table, rest your wrists on the table, and keep your elbows close to your sides. Avoid using toothpicks in public places, it can be seen as impolite.


When asking someone for something or asking a question, it is important to use polite forms as well.  
===Showing Respect in French Culture===
Respect is critical concerning French culture. French people are proud of their language and their culture. Always make an effort to speak French as much as possible when interacting with native speakers. It shows that you respect their culture and makes them more willing to engage with you.


Some examples of polite questions are:
==Dialogue==


{| class="wikitable"
*Person 1: Bonjour. Comment allez-vous? (Hello. How are you?)
|Est-ce que vous pouvez m'aider, s'il vous plaît ? |Can you help me, please? |-
*Person 2: Bonjour. Ça va, merci. Et vous? (Hello. I'm fine, thank you. And you?)
|Pourriez-vous m'indiquer le chemin, s'il vous plaît ? |Could you tell me the way, please? |-
*Person 1: Ça va bien, merci. (I'm well, thank you.)
|Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous répéter la question ? |Excuse me, could you repeat the question? |}
*Person 2: Enchanté(e). (Nice to meet you.)
*Person 1: Enchanté(e) également. (Nice to meet you too.)


## Activity
==Conclusion==


* Person 1: Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous me dire l'heure, s'il vous plaît ? (Excuse me, could you tell me the time, please?)
In this lesson, we have learned how to be polite in French. Politeness is an essential part of French culture and should be used in all contexts. We have learned basic French vocabulary, expressions to be polite when apologizing, introducing yourself, and wishing someone the best.
* Person 2: Oui, bien sûr. Il est 10 heures et demie. (Yes, of course. It's 10:30.)


== Politeness in Emails ==
It is also essential to remember the cultural context when using these expressions. Make an effort to show respect and engage with native speakers as much as possible.


In French culture, it is important to use formal language in emails, especially in professional settings.
To improve your [[Language/French|French]] [[Language/French/Vocabulary|Vocabulary]], you can also use the [https://polyglotclub.com Polyglot Club] website. [https://polyglotclub.com/find-friends.php?search=send&d=0&f=36&offre1=42 Find native speakers] and ask them any [https://polyglotclub.com/language/french/question questions]!


When writing an email to someone you don't know or someone in a position of authority, it is best to use the polite form and avoid using contractions such as "j'ai" (I have) or "je suis" (I am).
<hr>➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.<br>➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
 
Here are some examples of polite language you can use in emails:


* Bonjour Monsieur / Madame, (Hello Sir / Madam,)
* Je vous prie de bien vouloir m'excuser pour ce dérangement. (I apologize for any inconvenience.)
* Veuillez agréer, Monsieur / Madame, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées. (Sincerely, Sir / Madam,)
## Activity
Write an email in French to a company, asking for information about a product or service they offer. Use polite expressions and verb forms, and follow the appropriate email format.
== Conclusion ==
Being polite is an essential part of French culture. It is important to use polite expressions and verb forms when addressing someone formally or in professional settings. If you want to improve your French vocabulary, you can also use the [https://polyglotclub.com Polyglot Club] website. [https://polyglotclub.com/find-friends.php?search=send&d=0&f=36&offre1=42 Find native speakers] and ask them any [https://polyglotclub.com/language/french/question questions]!<br>
Remember to always be courteous and polite in your interactions with others. Merci beaucoup! Thank you very much!
<hr>➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.<br>➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎


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|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to be polite in French. Being polite is essential in French culture. Learn how to use polite expressions and verb forms when addressing someone formally or in professional settings
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Revision as of 12:15, 3 March 2023

French-Language-PolyglotClub.png
French Vocabulary - Be Polite

Hi French learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn some polite French vocabulary, as well as cultural tips on how to be polite in France. Remember, being polite is always appreciated and can make a big difference in your interactions with native speakers.

Why Being Polite is Important in French Culture

In French culture, politeness is an essential part of communication. It is expected to use polite expressions when addressing strangers or formal situations. French people pay attention to the tone, choice of words and expressions used, and gestures to express their politeness.

Basic Polite French Vocabulary

Here is some basic polite French vocabulary that you can use in different situations:

French Pronunciation English Translation
Bonjour bohn-zhoor Hello/Good morning/Good afternoon
Comment allez-vous? kom-mohn-tah-lay-voo? How are you?(formal)
Enchanté(e) ahn-shahn-tey Nice to meet you(Formal)
Je vous en prie juh-voo-zahn-pree You're welcome (formal)
Pardon pahr-dohn Excuse me
Merci mehr-see Thank you
Au revoir oh-re-vwahr Goodbye

Use these words constructively in everyday situations will not only make you sound polite but also make you feel like you belong in the French language.

Expressions to be Polite

Besides basic polite French vocabulary, there are some expressions that you need to use to be polite in French culture. Here are some expressions that are used to be polite in French:

Saying Please & Thank You

To attract someone's attention or ask for something in a formal context, use "s'il vous plaît," which means "please" in French. Always accompany a request with "s'il vous plaît" or "please" in English.

To express gratitude or say "thank you" in French, you can use "merci." It is essential to express your appreciation in French culture.

Apologizing in French

To apologize in French, you can use "pardon" or "excusez-moi." Both expressions are interchangeable and mean the same.

To apologize in a more formal context, use "je suis désolé(e)" which means "I'm sorry" in French.

Introducing Yourself in French

To introduce yourself in a formal context, you can use "je suis" which means "I am" in French. Followed by your name or your profession.

"Enchanté(e)" which we introduced earlier, is another expression that you can use when introducing yourself in a formal situation. It means "nice to meet you."

Expressing Gratitude

To express gratitude in French use "merci beaucoup." This expression means "thank you very much."

Wishing Someone Well

When you want to wish someone the best, use "bonne chance." This expression means "good luck!"

Politeness in French Culture

Now that you have learned some basic French vocabulary and expressions to be polite in French, we will show you how to use them correctly in cultural contexts.

Greeting People in France

In France, when you arrive at a gathering or a formal event, it's essential to greet the host and the guests. It is also polite to shake hands or give a kiss on each cheek (depending on the region) when greeting someone in France.

When leaving, be sure to say goodbye to everyone and thank them for their company. Making an effort in greeting people, even if you don't know them well, is appreciated in French culture.

Dining in France

When you are invited to someone's home for dinner, it's customary to bring a bottle of wine or chocolates as a gift for the host.

Table manners are essential in French culture. Use "s'il vous plaît" to request something and "merci" to thank the host or hostess.

When dining, it is common in France to keep your hands on the table, rest your wrists on the table, and keep your elbows close to your sides. Avoid using toothpicks in public places, it can be seen as impolite.

Showing Respect in French Culture

Respect is critical concerning French culture. French people are proud of their language and their culture. Always make an effort to speak French as much as possible when interacting with native speakers. It shows that you respect their culture and makes them more willing to engage with you.

Dialogue

  • Person 1: Bonjour. Comment allez-vous? (Hello. How are you?)
  • Person 2: Bonjour. Ça va, merci. Et vous? (Hello. I'm fine, thank you. And you?)
  • Person 1: Ça va bien, merci. (I'm well, thank you.)
  • Person 2: Enchanté(e). (Nice to meet you.)
  • Person 1: Enchanté(e) également. (Nice to meet you too.)

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have learned how to be polite in French. Politeness is an essential part of French culture and should be used in all contexts. We have learned basic French vocabulary, expressions to be polite when apologizing, introducing yourself, and wishing someone the best.

It is also essential to remember the cultural context when using these expressions. Make an effort to show respect and engage with native speakers as much as possible.

To improve your French Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎



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