A lot of visitors to Paris worry that they won’t be able to communicate in France without mastery of French, but the truth is, most French people have a working knowledge of English (and many of them speak it better than we do – thanks, American television!) But there are a few phrases that any visitor should master, whether it’s to communicate with one of the rare locals who doesn’t speak any English, or just to show that you’re making an effort with the locals.

With that in mind, here are the five phrases to master before visiting Paris.

1. Bonjour

Not so much a phrase as a word, bonjour is nevertheless the number one thing to learn how to say before visiting France. While most phrase books will translate bonjour as “hello,” it’s a lot more.

French culture requires that every interaction begin with an exchange of bonjour – before you even consider making a request. So every time you enter a shop or restaurant, say bonjour and wait to hear it back *before* asking for a able, a specific size, or anything else.

(Emily wrote all about bonjour – and what happens when you neglect to say it – for the Wall Street Journal.)

Pronunciation: bawn-DZOU

2. Bonne Journée

Goodbye is technically au revoir in French, but you’re far more likely to hear people say bonne journée at the end of an interaction, which means, “Have a good day!” Around 5pm, this will be traded out for bonne soirée or “Have a good evening!”

Under no circumstances, by the way, should you ever say bonne nuit or goodnight to strangers – this is a bit too intimate and should be reserved for people you live with.

Pronunciation: bun-dzou-NAY

3. Excusez-moi ?

Many cases of interacting with French people will begin with this phrase: it’s the right way to stop someone on the street before asking them, for example, where the closest métro stop is or what the time is.

Pronunciation: ex-coo-zay-MWA

4. Où sont les toilettes ?

Ah… that essential phrase. If you need the restroom, this is how to ask for it. A word of warning, though: Parisians do not take kindly to non-patrons using their restrooms, so you might want to order at least un café au bar (a coffee at the bar) before asking to use the facilities.

Pronunciation: oo-son-lay-twa-lett

5. Merci !

If you learn one word in a foreign language, make it “thank you!”

Pronunciation: mer-SEE

Learn even more about what makes the French tick with our custom tours, which can be tailored to any element of French culture you find fascinating.