Language/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. 😎