{"id":116722,"date":"2023-03-16T18:24:26","date_gmt":"2023-03-16T22:24:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/casual-everyday-french-phrases-expressions\/"},"modified":"2025-02-16T20:41:31","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T01:41:31","slug":"casual-everyday-french-phrases-expressions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/french\/casual-everyday-french-phrases-expressions\/","title":{"rendered":"110+ Everyday French Phrases"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re looking to sound more like a native French speaker, it’s time to move beyond textbook phrases and into the expressions that make conversations flow naturally.\u00a0<\/p>\n

These 110 French phrases and expressions will help you communicate more effortlessly and sound more authentic in casual settings.<\/p>\n

In addition to the post below, you can also play this clip from our YouTube channel<\/a> at the end of the day to continue learning as you fall asleep:<\/p>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Greetings and Responses<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

1. Bonjour<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Hello \/ Good day (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

This phrase is probably the most common greeting you will hear and can be used in formal and informal situations (although it\u2019s more common in formal situations).<\/p>\n

2. Bonsoir<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0Good evening (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

This phrase is used once people start to leave school or work to go home.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll typically hear it start being used around 5 p.m., but if you\u2019re in doubt you can listen to those around you to see which greeting they\u2019re using.<\/p>\n

3. Ravi de faire votre connaissance.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Happy to make your acquaintance. (formal)<\/p>\n

This is a formal expression you can use when you\u2019re meeting someone for the first time.<\/p>\n

Notice that Ravi<\/em> is masculine<\/a>. In writing, you\u2019ll want to add an e<\/strong>, making it Ravie<\/em>, if you\u2019re a woman. (You won\u2019t hear the difference when it\u2019s spoken.)<\/p>\n

4. Enchant\u00e9<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Charmed<\/p>\n

Feminine: Enchant\u00e9e<\/em>. The same note about the extra e <\/strong>applies here.<\/p>\n

This one\u2019s short and sweet, and much more informal than the previous expression.<\/p>\n

5. Comment vous appelez-vous ?<\/em> \/ <\/em>Comment t\u2019appelles-tu ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0What\u2019s your name? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

The informal version uses tu<\/em> for you<\/em>, instead of vous.<\/em> This also means that the verb will be conjugated differently.<\/p>\n

6. Je m\u2019appelle \u2026<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 I am called ___. \/ My name is ___.<\/p>\n

7. D\u2019o\u00f9 venez-vous ?<\/em> \/ <\/em>D\u2019o\u00f9 viens-tu ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Where are you from? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

8. Comment allez-vous ?<\/em> \/ <\/em>Comment \u00e7a va ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0How are you? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

Both of these basically mean \u201cHow\u2019s it going?\u201d, but the first option is much more formal. Use Comment \u00e7a va<\/em> or just \u00c7a va ?<\/em> with your friends and peer groups.<\/p>\n

9. Je vais bien, merci.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0I\u2019m doing well, thanks.<\/p>\n

10. Oui, \u00e7a va.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 It goes.<\/p>\n

A causal reply to a casual \u00c7a va ?<\/em><\/p>\n

11. \u00c7a va bien ?<\/em> \/<\/em> Tu vas bien ?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 How\u2019s it going?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for some everyday alternatives to the textbook Comment \u00e7a va<\/em>, you can use either of these.<\/p>\n

12. Tout se passe bien.<\/em> \/ <\/em>Tout va bien.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Everything is well. \/ Everything goes well.<\/p>\n

These are some everyday responses to the above questions.<\/p>\n

13. Tout ira bien.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 It will be okay.<\/p>\n

Use this response if things aren\u2019t going well, but you want to reassure the questioner (and practice your future tense<\/a>).<\/p>\n

14. \u00c7a roule ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 How\u2019s it going?<\/p>\n

This is a very colloquial statement, meaning that everything\u2019s great and life\u2019s going well.<\/p>\n

Therefore, in the form of a question, it simply means how\u2019s life<\/em>? It\u2019s used in a similar way as \u00c7a va ?<\/em><\/p>\n

15. Comme d\u2019hab.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Same as always.<\/p>\n

The response to the last question is merely an abbreviation of the phrase comme<\/em> d\u2019habitud<\/em>e,<\/em> meaning as usual<\/em>.<\/p>\n

A common expression, comme d\u2019hab<\/em> can be used in place of the standard comme d\u2019habitude<\/em> in virtually any informal setting.<\/p>\n

16. Tu fais quoi ?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 What are you up to?<\/p>\n

The phrase \u201cWhatcha doin\u2019?\u201d might be the best way to portray the laid-back style of this French phrase.<\/p>\n

This phrase is highly informal, and it\u2019s not recommended that you use it with anyone other than family or close friends.<\/p>\n

How You\u2019re Feeling<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

17. Je suis \u2026 .<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 I am ___.<\/p>\n

To say how you\u2019re really feeling, use Je suis<\/em> with any emotion word<\/a>.<\/p>\n

18. Je suis en pleine forme.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I\u2019m in good shape<\/p>\n

This refers to how you\u2019re feeling physically or health-wise. It\u2019s a good one to use if you\u2019re recovering from an illness.<\/p>\n

19. Je suis de bonne humeur.<\/em> \/ <\/em>Je suis de mauvaise humeur.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I\u2019m in a good mood \/ bad mood<\/p>\n

20. Je suis crev\u00e9.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 I\u2019m dead tired.<\/p>\n

Feminine: Crev\u00e9e<\/em>.<\/p>\n

If fatigu\u00e9(e)<\/em> isn\u2019t strong enough, this is a slangy way to say you\u2019re basically dead on your feet.<\/p>\n

21. J\u2019ai le cafard\u2026<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I\u2019m feeling a little down\u2026<\/p>\n

This is an informal way of expressing your sadness. It literally means, \u201cI have the cockroach,\u201d but to use the verb phrase avoir le cafard<\/em> simply means to be depressed or to feel down.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You can also say \u00c7a me donne le cafard<\/em><\/strong> (that depresses me).<\/p>\n

22. J\u2019ai h\u00e2te !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I can\u2019t wait!<\/p>\n

Use this phrase if you are just too excited to wait. You can specify what you\u2019re excited about by adding\u00a0de<\/em>\u00a0+ an infinitive.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately for French learners, there is no good direct translation for \u201cI\u2019m excited.\u201d Remember that Je suis excit\u00e9(e)\u00a0<\/em>means that you are sexually excited, not\u00a0excited to go on vacation!<\/p>\n

23. Je meurs d\u2019ennui.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I\u2019m dying of boredom.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve probably heard Je m\u2019ennuie<\/em> (I\u2019m bored) before. To express the next level of boredom, you can say Je meurs d\u2019ennui<\/em>.<\/p>\n

24. Bof<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Blah \/ Meh<\/p>\n

You might already be familiar with the phrase Comme ci, comme \u00e7a<\/em> (so-so). To express the same idea more like a native, try Bof<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Asking for Help<\/h2>\n

\"Brown<\/a><\/p>\n

25. J\u2019ai besoin d\u2019aide.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0I need help.<\/p>\n

26. Pourriez-vous m\u2019aider ?<\/em> \/ <\/em>Pourrais-tu m\u2019aider ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Could you help me? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

27. Je me sens mal.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0I don\u2019t feel well.<\/p>\n

28. J\u2019ai une douleur ici.<\/em>\u00a0\u2013<\/i><\/strong>\u00a0<\/i>I have a pain here.<\/p>\n

29. J\u2019ai besoin d\u2019un m\u00e9decin.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0I need a doctor.<\/p>\n

30. Au secours !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Help! (urgent)<\/p>\n

Getting Information and Directions<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

31. Je ne comprends pas.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0I don\u2019t understand<\/a>.<\/p>\n

32. Je ne parle pas beaucoup le fran\u00e7ais.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I don\u2019t speak a lot of French.<\/p>\n

33. Je ne parle qu\u2019un peu fran\u00e7ais.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0I only speak a little French.<\/p>\n

34. Comment on appelle \u00e7a ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0What is that called?<\/p>\n

Just point at what you want, and ask this to find out its French name.\u00a0Voil\u00e0 ! <\/em>(There you go!)<\/p>\n

35. Comment dire \u2026 en fran\u00e7ais ?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 How do I say ___ in French?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re working with someone who speaks English or another language you know well, you can ask them directly for a translation of a word you don\u2019t know in French.<\/p>\n

36. Plus lentement, s\u2019il vous pla\u00eet.<\/em> \/ <\/em>Plus lentement, s\u2019il te pla\u00eet.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0Slower, please. (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

37. O\u00f9 se trouve \u2026 ?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Where is ___?<\/p>\n

The important part of this phrase is\u00a0o\u00f9 se trouve\u00a0<\/em>(where is).<\/p>\n

Just add the name of whatever you\u2019re looking for after that whether it\u2019s le mus\u00e9e<\/em> (the museum), l\u2019h\u00f4tel<\/em> (the hotel) or la gare<\/em> (the train station).<\/p>\n

38. O\u00f9 est …<\/em> ?<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Where is ___?<\/p>\n

This is a slightly less formal\/polite version of the last phrase.<\/p>\n

39. Montre-moi<\/em> \/ Fais voir<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Show me.<\/p>\n

Montre-moi<\/em> is the simplified conversational version of Montre-le-moi<\/em><\/strong> (show it to me). The verb montrer<\/em> (to show) is a logical go-to when asking someone to show you something. It\u2019s best used in writing or when forming a subject-verb sentence:<\/p>\n

Je t\u2019ai montr\u00e9.<\/em> (I showed you.)<\/p>\n

Out in the French-speaking world, you\u2019re more likely to hear someone say Fais voir<\/em><\/strong>. Its literal translation is \u201cmake to see,\u201d but it means \u201cshow me.\u201d It is best used as a command, for when you need to see something immediately.<\/p>\n

40. Je dois aller \u00e0 \u2026 .<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0I need to go to ___.<\/p>\n

41. Pourriez-vous l\u2019\u00e9crire ?<\/em><\/strong> \/ <\/strong><\/em>Pourrais-tu l\u2019\u00e9crire ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Could you write it down? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

Especially when you\u2019re just learning French, it can be difficult to understand what you\u2019re hearing.<\/p>\n

Asking someone to write down the information you need can be an enormous help!<\/p>\n

42. Quelle ligne va \u00e0 \u2026 ?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0Which line goes to___?<\/p>\n

43. Un billet, s\u2019il vous pla\u00eet.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 One ticket, please<\/p>\n

44. C\u2019est \u00e0 gauche.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0It\u2019s to the left.<\/p>\n

45. C\u2019est \u00e0 droite.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0It\u2019s to the right.<\/p>\n

46. C\u2019est \u00e0 c\u00f4t\u00e9 de \u2026 .<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0It\u2019s next to ___.<\/p>\n

47. C\u2019est pr\u00e8s de \u2026 .<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0It\u2019s close to ___.<\/p>\n

48. C\u2019est loin de \u2026 .<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 It\u2019s far from ___.<\/p>\n

Shopping<\/h2>\n

\"Two<\/a><\/p>\n

49. Je cherche … .<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I\u2019m looking for ___.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re shopping for clothes, you can tack on any article of clothing that you\u2019re looking for, like un manteau<\/em> (a coat), une robe<\/em> (a dress), un pantalon<\/em> (a pair of pants), etc.<\/p>\n

50. Je ne connais pas ma taille.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0I don\u2019t know my size.<\/p>\n

51. Combien \u00e7a co\u00fbte ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0How much does that cost?<\/p>\n

52. Puis-je payer avec une carte de cr\u00e9dit ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0May I pay with a credit card?<\/p>\n

53. Puis-je avoir un sac ?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0May I have a bag?<\/p>\n

Eating Out<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

54. J\u2019aimerais voir le menu<\/em>.<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I would like to see the menu.<\/p>\n

55. Est-ce qu\u2019il y a des plats v\u00e9g\u00e9tariens ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Are there vegetarian dishes?<\/p>\n

You can substitute in other preferences, such as\u00a0sans gluten<\/em> (gluten free), after\u00a0plats\u00a0<\/em>(dishes).<\/p>\n

56. Qu\u2019est-ce que vous conseillez ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 What do you recommend?<\/p>\n

57. Nous voudrions commander maintenant.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 We would like to order now.<\/p>\n

58. Je voudrais … .<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I would like ___.<\/p>\n

Simply remember\u00a0je voudrais <\/em>(I would like) and plug in anything you want off the menu after this phrase.<\/p>\n

For example, you can ask for du pain<\/em> (the bread), un steak<\/em> (a steak), une tarte<\/em> (pie) and so on.<\/p>\n

You may hear French people in a hurry using je veux<\/em><\/strong> (I want) instead, as in:<\/p>\n

Je veux un caf\u00e9 ! Vite !<\/em> (I want a coffee! Fast!)<\/p>\n

To be polite, stick with je voudrais<\/em>.<\/p>\n

59. Je vais prendre … .<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I\u2019ll take ___.<\/p>\n

This is another way you can order, once again just inserting what you want from the menu after.\u00a0<\/p>\n

60. L\u2019addition, s\u2019il vous pla\u00eet.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0The bill, please.<\/p>\n

If you happen to be at a restaurant in Qu\u00e9bec, where French is a little different than in Europe<\/a>, you\u2019ll want to ask for la facture<\/em> instead of\u00a0l\u2019addition.<\/em><\/p>\n

61. Sur place ou \u00e0 emporter?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 For here or to go?<\/p>\n

Conversational Phrases<\/h2>\n

\"Two<\/a><\/p>\n

62. Merci bien.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Thanks a lot.<\/p>\n

63. De rien.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 You\u2019re welcome. \/ It\u2019s nothing.<\/p>\n

64. Excusez-moi<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Excuse me<\/p>\n

65. Pardon<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Excuse me<\/p>\n

66. Desol\u00e9<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Sorry<\/p>\n

Feminine: Desol\u00e9e.<\/em><\/p>\n

67. Passe-moi un coup de fil plus tard.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Give me a call later.<\/p>\n

68. Tu peux me donner ton num\u00e9ro ?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Can you give me your number?<\/p>\n

69. J\u2019aimerais te revoir.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 I\u2019d like to see you again.<\/p>\n

70. Comment va le travail ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 How\u2019s work going?<\/p>\n

You can substitute le boulot <\/em><\/strong>for\u00a0le travail<\/em> to make this more casual.<\/p>\n

71. Tu veux prendre un verre ?<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Do you want to get a drink?<\/p>\n

72. \u00c7a vous dit ?<\/em>\u00a0<\/em>\/ \u00c7a te dit ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Are you up for it? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

This casual French expression is great for suggesting outings with friends or restaurant choices. It can also mean \u201cSound good?\u201d<\/p>\n

Use the first version (with vous)<\/em> when addressing several friends, and the latter (\u00c7a te dit ?)<\/em>\u00a0when hanging out with just one friend.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

Il y a un petit resto chinois pas loin de chez moi\u2026 \u00e7a te dit ?<\/strong><\/em> (There\u2019s a little Chinese restaurant not far from my place\u2026 sound good?)<\/p>\n

73. J\u2019ai envie de … .<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I feel like ___.<\/p>\n

This is the best way to describe something you\u2019re in the mood to do. Use it when someone asks you what kind of activity or restaurant you want to try.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not in the mood, you can say Je n\u2019ai pas envie<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em>(I don\u2019t feel like it)\u00a0<\/em>or, as you\u2019re likely to hear it in spoken French,\u00a0J\u2019ai pas envie<\/em><\/strong>. Use it to reply to someone who is giving horrible suggestions on how to spend\u00a0the afternoon.<\/p>\n

74. \u00c7a te changera les id\u00e9es\u2026<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 It\u2019ll take your mind off things\u2026<\/p>\n

Use this French phrase when consoling a friend who\u2019s down. Offer to go with them to a movie or to a caf\u00e9 to grab a cappuccino. Make your proposition, then use this argument to get them out of their funk.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

Viens avec moi au cin\u00e9 ! \u00c7a te changera les id\u00e9es !<\/em> (Come with me to the movie theater! That\u2019ll take your mind off things!)<\/p>\n

75. Comment va votre famille ?<\/em> \/ <\/em>Comment va ta famille ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 How\u2019s your family? (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

76. Tiens-moi au courant !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Keep me up to date!<\/p>\n

This is the perfect French phrase to use as you\u2019re waiting to see how things play out in a friend\u2019s life. Perhaps they just started a new job, or moved to a new city, and you want to know how things are evolving.<\/p>\n

End your emails or conversations with this little phrase to ensure they give you all their latest updates.<\/p>\n

77. Tu t\u2019en sors ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Are you managing okay?<\/p>\n

This is a common French phrase to use while observing a friend who appears to be having difficulty doing something. It\u2019s the equivalent of asking \u201cDoing okay there? You managing there?\u201d<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

Tu t\u2019en sors ? <\/em><\/strong>(You managing there?)<\/p>\n

Pas trop, non. Je ne sais pas comment faire un cr\u00e9neau\u2026<\/em> (No, not really. I don\u2019t know how to parallel park\u2026)<\/p>\n

78. Il est n\u00e9cessaire que … .<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 It is necessary that ___.<\/p>\n

This subjunctive<\/a> phrase is a bit on the simple side and easy to remember because it translates directly into English.<\/p>\n

Il<\/em>\u00a0est n\u00e9cessaire que<\/em> is best to use when you really want to stress necessity, as in:<\/p>\n

Il est n\u00e9cessaire que les chats soient nourris au\u2019jourdhui.<\/em> (It is necessary for the cats to be fed today.)<\/p>\n

79. Il faut que … .<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 It is necessary that ___.<\/p>\n

This is a less simple alternative to Il est n\u00e9cessaire que<\/em> that you can use in all the same situations.<\/p>\n

Il faut que<\/em> is best if you know your subjunctive, are ready to sound pro and are talking about things someone must do, as in:<\/p>\n

Il faut\u00a0que tu fasses attention.<\/em> (You need to pay attention.)<\/p>\n

80. Je dois \u2026 .<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I must ___.<\/p>\n

Another verb for talking about gottas and have-tos, devoir<\/em> (to have to) is best for explaining someone\u2019s obligations, such as:<\/p>\n

Je dois aller au supermarch\u00e9.<\/em> (I must go to the supermarket.)<\/p>\n

Tu dois partir.<\/em> (You must leave.)<\/p>\n

81. Bref<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 In short \/ To make a long story short<\/p>\n

Bref<\/em> is only ever used to summarize something or to give one\u2019s final impression of something after a lengthy story\u2019s been told.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

Bref, elle m\u2019a largu\u00e9.<\/em> (In short, she dumped me.)<\/p>\n

82. Revenons \u00e0 nos moutons !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Let\u2019s get back to the point!<\/p>\n

This is a perfect little expression to use after the conversation has strayed from the original topic, and literally means \u201cLet\u2019s get back to our sheep!\u201d<\/p>\n

It actually means \u201cLet\u2019s get back to the subject at hand!\u201d<\/p>\n

Exclamations and Remarks<\/h2>\n

\"Joyful<\/a><\/p>\n

83. Ah bon !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Oh, really!<\/p>\n

This is a very common exclamation French people use to express surprise. Think of it as \u201cOh, really!\u201d in English.<\/p>\n

You can also tack a question mark at the end to express \u201cOh, really?\u201d or say it like \u201cAh, I see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just keep in mind that just because bon means \u201cgood\u201d in English doesn\u2019t mean you have to use this expression exclusively for positive situations.<\/p>\n

84. N\u2019importe quoi !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Whatever!<\/p>\n

This simply means whatever, and is commonly used in French when someone is exasperated and wishes to openly display their disagreement in a simple, informal way.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

Je te jure ! Je n\u2019ai rien fait !<\/em> (I swear, I didn\u2019t do anything!)<\/p>\n

N\u2019importe quoi\u2026<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0(Whatever\u2026)<\/p>\n

Similarly, in some other contexts, n\u2019importe quoi<\/em> can mean anything<\/em>, like in this example:<\/p>\n

J\u2019aurais donn\u00e9 tout et n\u2019importe quoi !<\/em> (I would have given anything and everything!)<\/p>\n

85. C\u2019est n\u2019importe quoi !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 That\u2019s nonsense!<\/p>\n

This informal French phrase is similar to n\u2019importe quoi.<\/em> However, there\u2019s a slight nuance in the meaning of this particular expression.<\/p>\n

It still portrays the idea of exasperation, but it means That\u2019s nonsense<\/em>!<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

Le pr\u00e9sident\u00a0a bien fait d\u2019augmenter les imp\u00f4ts.<\/em> (The president was right to increase taxes.)<\/p>\n

C\u2019est n\u2019importe quoi ! <\/em><\/strong>(That\u2019s nonsense!)<\/p>\n

86. Laisse tomber\u2026<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Just forget it! \/ Never mind!<\/p>\n

This phrase literally means \u201cdrop it,\u201d but doesn\u2019t have quite the same snappy tone behind it as \u201cjust drop it!\u201d does in English.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

Et alors ? Est-ce que tu as eu ton augmentation de salaire ?<\/em> (So? Did you get your raise?)<\/p>\n

Laisse tomber\u2026 L\u2019entreprise a fait faillite !<\/em> (Forget it\u2026 The company went bankrupt!)<\/p>\n

87. Allez savoir pourquoi !<\/em> \/ <\/em>Va savoir pourquoi !<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0Your guess is as good as mine! (formal\/informal)<\/p>\n

This is a useful little French phrase that perfectly expresses one\u2019s befuddled state of mind.<\/p>\n

Notice that it can be used for both the formal and informal version of the word you<\/em>, the first being formal or speaking to several people, and the latter informal and to one person.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

Elle a donn\u00e9 sa d\u00e9mission, et ne r\u00e9pond plus \u00e0 mes textos ! Va savoir pourquoi !<\/em> (She quit her job, and isn\u2019t responding to my texts anymore! God knows why!)<\/p>\n

88. T\u2019sais ?<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Ya know?\u00a0<\/p>\n

This casual French phrase is used so commonly in casual settings that it\u2019s almost impossible to have a conversation with friends without hearing it.<\/p>\n

It simply means \u201cYa know?\u201d and is oftentimes tacked onto the end of a sentence to emphasize whatever the speaker is saying.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

Non, mais j\u2019en ai marre, t\u2019sais ?<\/em> (No, but I am sick of it, ya know?)<\/p>\n

89. Ouais, enfin\u2026<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Yeah, well\u2026<\/p>\n

Like English, French has its share of filler words, and enfin<\/em> is commonly used as such. Meaning \u201cwell,\u201d it\u2019s slightly more refined than eeuuuh<\/em> (uhhhh). Like most filler words, it doesn\u2019t necessarily change the meaning of the sentence.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n

Ouais, enfin\u2026 faut vivre avec!<\/em> (Yeah, well\u2026 gotta live with it!)<\/p>\n

90. Allez !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Oh, c\u2019mon!<\/p>\n

This interjection is the best way to communicate impatience with someone.<\/p>\n

Trying to get out the door but your friend is holding you up, dillydallying with their phone? Let out a little, exasperated allez !<\/em> to get your point across.<\/p>\n

Note that this is technically the vous <\/i>(you [formal\/plural] conjugation of the verb aller\u2014<\/em>to go). However, it can also mean, \u201cLet\u2019s go!\u201d So, when you\u2019re getting restless, you can just say, Allez !<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also common to hear this word in the bleachers of a sports event: Allez, allez ! <\/em>(C\u2019mon! Let\u2019s go!)<\/p>\n

91. C\u2019est naze<\/em> \/ <\/em>c\u2019est nul<\/em> \/ <\/em>c\u2019est pourri !<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0That stinks!<\/p>\n

These are all lovely little French phrases to use to say \u201cthat sucks!\u201d or \u201cthat\u2019s stupid\/terrible!\u201d The general implication is that whatever is being discussed is either a total bore or totally ridiculous.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

\u00c7a, c\u2019est marrant ! Par contre, ce cours est nul !<\/em> (Now that\u2019s funny! This class, however, sucks!)<\/p>\n

92. Dis donc !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Wow!<\/p>\n

You can use this the same way you would use Oh l\u00e0 l\u00e0 !<\/em> in French or \u201cWow!\u201d in English. In addition, you can use it to command someone to \u201cListen up!\u201d<\/p>\n

93. Je n\u2019en crois pas mes yeux !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0I can\u2019t believe my eyes!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Let this one loose when you\u2019re pleasantly surprised or dumbfounded by something you are witnessing.<\/p>\n

The translation is more or less literal on this expression, and you can do no wrong in using it when dazzled or surprised!<\/p>\n

94. La vache !<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Holy cow!<\/p>\n

This directly translates to \u201cthe cow,\u201d and it\u2019s used like the English phrase \u201cHoly cow!\u201d Use it to express surprise\u2026 or, you know, to point out that there is a cow in front of you.<\/p>\n

95. J\u2019en mettrais ma main au feu !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I\u2019d bet my life on it!<\/p>\n

The French version of this expression is a bit more colorful than the English, literally meaning \u201cI\u2019d put my hand in the fire!\u201d<\/p>\n

It simply expresses that you\u2019re certain of something\u2014and it\u2019s usually used to try to convince others that you are right.<\/p>\n

96. Il ne faut pas mettre tout dans le m\u00eame sac !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0You can\u2019t just group it all into the same category!<\/p>\n

This is your go-to casual French expression for when one of your friends is generalizing, and it literally means, \u201cyou can\u2019t put everything in the same bag!\u201d<\/p>\n

If you find yourself with a friend who does like to lump everything together, then remind him or her of this with this simple phrase.<\/p>\n

Saying Goodbye<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

97. Au revoir.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Goodbye. (somewhat formal)<\/p>\n

98. Salut<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0Goodbye<\/p>\n

99. Ciao<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 Goodbye<\/p>\n

As in a lot of European countries, France has borrowed the Italian word\u00a0ciao\u00a0<\/em>to say a casual goodbye.<\/p>\n

100. Bonne journ\u00e9e.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Have a nice day.<\/p>\n

101. Bonne apr\u00e8s-midi.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Have a good afternoon.<\/p>\n

102. Bonne soir\u00e9e.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Have a good evening.<\/p>\n

103. Bonne nuit.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Have a good night.<\/p>\n

104. Bon week-end.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Have a good weekend.<\/p>\n

105. Bonne chance !<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Good luck!<\/p>\n

106. \u00c0 ce soir.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0See you tonight.<\/p>\n

107. \u00c0 demain.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0See you tomorrow.<\/p>\n

108. \u00c0 tout \u00e0 l\u2019heure.<\/em> \/ <\/em>\u00c0 plus tard.<\/em><\/strong> \u2013\u00a0See you later.<\/p>\n

109. \u00c0 plus.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 See you.<\/p>\n

110. \u00c0 bient\u00f4t.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0See you soon.<\/p>\n

111. \u00c0 la prochaine.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Until next time.<\/p>\n

The longer version of this expression is, \u00e0 la prochaine fois<\/strong>,<\/em> with\u00a0fois<\/em> meaning time<\/em>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

112. Adieu<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Goodbye (forever)<\/p>\n

This essentially means, \u201cuntil we meet our maker.\u201d So please, unless you\u2019re singing a certain song from \u201cThe Sound of Music,\u201d<\/a> refrain from using this unless you know you\u2019ll never be seeing that person again!<\/p>\n

How to Learn French Phrases<\/h2>\n

Having an enormous, comprehensive list of casual French phrases is a great starting point. However, if you\u2019re not sure about the best ways to actually learn<\/strong> all these phrases, it can also be a stumbling block.<\/p>\n

Here are a few tips that can help you get the most out of this French phrase list. You can apply these tips to any kind of French words or phrases you want to learn.<\/p>\n