Destination 01

Langue & Quotidien

Language and everyday life

From the boulangerie counter to the métro platform — the French you actually hear, said the way the French say it.

Les essentiels

The essentials

Good day, madam / sir

Always greet before asking anything. In France, skipping bonjour is the real faux pas.

I'd like a baguette, please

Je voudrais is the polite conditional — softer than je veux (I want).

That works / Deal!

Literally 'that walks'. Heard everywhere, from cafés to offices.

The art of address

Shall we use 'tu'?

Start with vous for strangers, elders and colleagues. Wait to be invited to tu.

Culture

The cheek kiss

Two kisses in Paris, three in parts of the south, four in some northern towns. Follow their lead.

Everyday slang

That's crazy!

Verlan — syllables flipped. Ouf comes from fou (crazy).

I can't be bothered

The most relatable phrase in the language.

Anyway.

Wraps up any long story — use it with a little shrug.

Prochaine destination

Arts & Littérature