Everyday French Phrases - Essential French

Not all vocabulary is created equal. There are some French phrases that you will hear literally every day, multiple times a day, and odds are that you should be using them that often too. Here are five truly essential everyday French phrases for you to use every day - click the links for more detailed information and sound files.

ah bon
Ask for confirmation or acknowledge what someone said - and not just when it's good.

ça va
This handy little phrase can be a question, an answer, and more.

c'est-à-dire
Use this to provide or request clarification.

il faut
It's often necessary to say "it's necessary."

il y a
Any time you'd say "there is" or "there are" in English, you need to say il y a in French.


More everyday French phrases
   • Basic French
   • Hello and Good-bye
   • Numbers
   • Please and thank you
   • Social niceties
   • Most common French phrases