La politesse – Politeness
Politeness in French: mastering the art of courteous communication
Oh mon Dieu ! Oh my God! Learning how to be polite in French is so important! Even if you are polite with French people, it doesn’t mean they will be nice with you, but at least you will have tried your best!
➡️ Please say “Bonjour” and “S’il vous plaît” to French people so you won’t get shot!
How to be polite in french: say MERCI
Thank you for saying thank you 😁
From the French series Simon
🇫🇷 Simon est une série télévisée d’animation française mettant en scène le quotidien de Simon, petit lapin de 5-6 ans.
🇬🇧 Simon is a French animated TV series featuring the daily life of Simon, a little rabbit aged 5-6.
| 🇫🇷 French | 🇬🇧 English | |
|---|---|---|
| merci | thanks, thank you | |
| merci beaucoup | thanks a lot | |
| de rien | you are welcome (usual form) | |
| Je vous en prie. | you are welcome (formal) |
How to be polite in french: say S’IL VOUS PLAIT
Please say please! 🙏🏼
| 🇫🇷 French | 🇬🇧 English | |
|---|---|---|
| s’il te plaît | please (informal and singular) | |
| s’il vous plaît | please (formal or plural) |
🇫🇷 Les Français peuvent être assez intolérants quant au manque de politesse. Certaines personnes peuvent même refuser de vous servir si vous ne dites pas au moins bonjour !
🇬🇧 The French can be quite intolerant of rudeness. Some people may even refuse to serve you if you don’t at least say hello!
Asking for a coffee in France the right way
How to be polite in french: say DÉSOLÉ(E)
Have you unintentionally bumped into someone in the street? Step on someone’s toes in the underground? The word “désolé” is the word you need to know 😔
| 🇫🇷 French | 🇬🇧 English | |
|---|---|---|
| désolé / je suis désolé (man speaking) désolée / je suis désolée (woman speaking) | sorry / I am sorry |
From the movie Despicable Me
🇫🇷 Un des deux réalisateurs du film Moi, moche et méchant est français. Il s’agit de Pierre Coffin. Il est connu pour être la voix des Minions.
🇬🇧 One of the two directors of Despicable Me is French. His name is Pierre Coffin. He is best known for being the voice of the Minions.
How to be polite in french: say PARDON
Do you need to call the waiter at the restaurant? Or attract someone’s attention? Here are the two options:
| 🇫🇷 French | 🇬🇧 English | |
|---|---|---|
| pardon | pardon me | |
| excusez-moi | excuse me |