1. Home
  2. Education
  3. French Language

Politeness - La Politesse

Learn how to be polite in French

Being polite is absolutely essential - be sure you know how to say "please" and "thank you" at the very least.

Vocabulary | Quiz

English French
please s'il vous plaît (plural, formal)
s'il te plaît
veuillez (in front of a verb)
thank you (very much)
bless you! (thank you so much)
merci (bien / beaucoup)
mille fois merci*
you're welcome de rien
it was my pleasure je vous en prie (plural, formal)
je t'en prie
don't mention it pas de quoi
bless you (after a sneeze) à vos souhaits (plural, formal)
à tes souhaits
pardon me, I beg your pardon pardon
excuse me excusez-moi
I'm sorry to disturb you Excusez-moi de vous déranger
I'm sorry je suis désolé(e)
cheers à votre santé (plural, formal)
à ta santé
enjoy your meal bon appétit !
Sir, Mr. Monsieur
Ma'am, Mrs. Madame
Miss Mademoiselle

*Expressing Gratitude

Also see Restaurant Vocabulary for polite ways to order.

  

Practice! French politeness

  

You are here: Learn French --> French for Beginners --> French Vocabulary --> Politeness

 

French for Beginners
Email Course

Sign up for my free, weekly French for Beginners email course to learn basic French grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Subscribe here

 

The free, twice-weekly About French Language newsletter keeps you informed about changes to this site, including new lessons, learning tips, and forum discussions. Subscribe today!

Subscribe to the Newsletter
Name
Email

Explore French Language

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. French Language
  4. French Vocabulary
  5. Beginning French Vocabulary
  6. French Politeness - French for Beginners

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.