Essential French Phrases for Visiting Paris

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Music by: @Dyalla
Patron Producer: Tom Shaner
Edited by: Paulo Pales

My name is Jay Swanson - I'm an American writer living in Paris on an artist visa and hoping to make the city of light my home base - at least for the foreseeable future. I write science-fiction and fantasy, vlogged daily for 3+ years, and love pizza a little too much.

Links below to Amazon are affiliate links - meaning if you click through them and buy something, I'll get some pennies. Thanks! (The FTC wants me to tell you that up front)

FAQ:
How long have you lived in France? Over five years now, holy cow.

What do you miss most about ho- NACHOS

Where are you from originally? - Pullman, Washington - a small university/agricultural town near Idaho (and yes, the potatoes are amazing).

What do you edit with? - Adobe Premiere - it's pretty much all I've ever used since high school.

Aren't you ever freaked out by leaving your camera behind to film yourself? - Yep. But not too badly - I tend to be careful when I do.

Do you make money off YouTube? - Ha, sorta. I wish. It took me over 500 videos to make my first total $100 off adsense. I think it will slowly change, but VERY slowly.

But I want to send you something tangible! - I do have a wishlist on Amazon, though it's a bit complicated with the international shipping situation. So instead people often drop off or ship things to the Peloton Cafe in Paris for me.

Thanks for watching!

[thistlenstar]

One of the best tips for restaurants was one I got from one of your videos. Instead of asking for the addition, you pantomimed writing a bill or check on your palm. The waiter instantly understood and brought you the check. I've found that servers in France generally appreciate this because you can communicate across a crowded room, and that saves the server time and effort. I've also fallen into the habit of thanking them for their patience and for suffering through my abominable French. This generally gets a warm response, and I do genuinely appreciate the opportunity that they've given me.

[allans-nnwj]

Hi Jay!
I’m a French guy, so nice to discover your channel and see my country from the eyes of an American man. It’s very interesting. Thanks for your videos. You help me to learn more about my country and Paris as well! I’m living in Metz, a lovely green city in North East, only 1h30 from Paris with TGV. I’d like to invite you to visit my city and region. If you’re interested, let me know. Wish you the best for you and your channel. Cheers ! ALLAN

[JH-htvr]

You are 100% correct in saying that a little effort in fumbling thru some words in French will get you a long way with your experiences. Great video and content as usual! Merci beaucoup!

[saloniparekh]

I'm distracted by the dog's cuteness 🐾

[lisak.]

Bonjour Jay!! I just returned from Paris yesterday, and totally agree with you that even just saying Bonjour is well respected and received by the French! Paris is still a place I call home(my stepmom lives there, my father is buried there, and we used to live there and other places in Europe). I enjoyed speaking French (living in the US makes me a little rusty); encountered some many wonderful French people…haven’t been back a full day even, and I miss Paris (and France) already!!
Lisa 😂

[Jojobeans]

I’m in Paris now. These are helpful. When Parisian see me struggling they switch to English. I appreciate it so much.

[erinhills]

Thank you so much. My hubby and I went for the first time in January, and did our best to use some of these phrases. People were very nice, and many spoke at least some English. We wanted to be polite as visitors. Cooper is so sweet!

[juanitag.]

Hi Jay, I recently returned from Paris with my two travel friends. These phrases were really useful and helped us meet so many wonderful people and made our interactions with people much easier. Many people expressed their gratitude that we were making an effort to speak the language. It was a wonderful trip and Paris in My Pocket helped make that possible. Thank you.

[AnneMB]

Perfect timing. Will be using these phrases in 3 days time. I agree with you that making a language effort breaks the ice. So looking fwd to France. Absolutely love the country. 🇦🇺🇫🇷

[flatironnewyork]

Cooper is the best, most chill freakin pup!

[shinyshinythings]

Another nice phrase as you’re leaving a place is to say ‘bonne journée’ (‘bonne soirée’ if it’s evening) to whoever helped you, or even just whoever is standing closest to the door when you leave. I suppose it’s like ´have a nice day´ in English but it’s way more fun to say.

[Jakeu]

Last time I was in Paris, we took the train to Disney. They were checking bags and we were trying to find the correct gate. I asked, in French, if the guard spoke English and he said, "Uh huh" with a smile and a look like, "I think I do", but he didn't. I asked which gate do I go to and I got back blank stares. Nice man, built like he could bench press the Eiffel Tower, but we had to continue looking. I really wish my high school French classes took better, but I didn't do well then and it was a number of years later. We eventually found our way. Most of the other people we met there did speak English. Even our cab driver on our last day spoke enough to get us to the station, despite "catastrophe" traffic. Very stylized mustache and drove like we were two hours late, instead of about an hour early. All and all, I would recommend. Not entirely what I was expecting, but worth the trip.

[susangalpin]

I absolutely enjoyed this video's vibe. Relaxed, and informational. And the handsome Cooper is a bonus.

[AleandroMusicOfficial]

Si vous ne savez pas, ce que je dis.. c'est ainsi que nous racontons ces mots. Et oui, en effet, je parle aussi anglais ! Je voulais te dire merci !!

[PokhrajRoy.]

I’m so textbook that I’ll say ‘Je voudrais’ or even more extra and say ‘J’aimerais’ out of nervousness lol

[joannefowler]

I am hoping my 18 year old daughter who has taken French for the past 6 years will be able to speak enough french to help us out but all of us should know the basics - thank you for the helpful video Jay!

[jodifayefabbri]

This is such a perfect and useful video - definitely going to give 'bon courage' a try in my trip to Paris, and possibly also in my normal life. Thanks so much!

[wberckmann]

Good basic instruction. The more you learn the language, the more as ease you will be and the more your experience will be enriching. You're never too old to learn a language contrary to the misbelief that you need to learn as a child. I started at 35 and within two years was fluent. One idea is to take a course of "Travelers French" at your nearest Alliance Française, a French organization with local chapters in most cities. There are also many on-line courses such as Berlitz, Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur. Comment on the video - to represent 3 with your fingers it's thumb, forefinger and middle finger, 2 is thumb and forefinger, 4 is like in the U.S.

[Miaina]

Very good video. If you feel confident with your French you can also add "Monsieur" or "Madame" after the Bonjour. Bonjour Monsieur or Bonjour Madame. It will make you the classiest tourist of the day.

[nathanpgraf]

As a tourist from the US, I have been to Paris as well as traveled to Montreal and Quebec City. And I must say, I found the people in Paris much more open minded and willing to speak English than the people in Quebec.