Can You Translate All of These Simple French Phrases?

By: Isadora Teich
Estimated Completion Time
2 min
Can You Translate All of These Simple French Phrases?
Image: martin-dm/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

When it comes to the languages most used around the world, you'll find French very high on the list, at number six to be exact, with approximately 220 million speakers worldwide. 

With this large number of people, the French language touches almost every continent around the world. You'll find French used in African countries such as Senegal and Cameroon, North American countries such as Canada and Haiti, and the European countries of Switzerland, Belgium, and, obviously, France.

Although French might not be an official language in these countries, it continues to be a dominant one. Even in the United States, you'll find common French words that have been adopted into everyday language. You couldn't order food at a restaurant without a "menu." It would be hard to go on an interview without a "resume." 

While you might easily recognize these French words, how many basic French phrases can you recognize and translate? There's only one way to find out! Take a shot at this quiz and let's find out if we'll be telling you "Bon travail" or "Au revoir!"

Un billet, s’il vous plaît
To the left.
I'm lost.
I love you.
One ticket, please.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Regardless of where you are in the world, you usually can't get on a bus, subway, or train without fare or a ticket. Knowing this phrase will help your journey go smoothly.

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Je veux...
I want...
We will speak later.
I will do that.
I am named...
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In restaurants and in life in general, you can let people know exactly what you want with this French phrase. For example: "I want an apple," would be "Je veux une pomme."

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Au Revoir
Goodbye.
Hello.
How much is it?
Where is the art museum?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is one way to say goodbye in French. "Adieu" and "Salut" are also used.

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Oui
No.
Yes.
I don't understand.
How are you?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Knowing how to say "Yes" and "No" in any language is key. In French, "Yes" is "Oui" and "No" is "Non."

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Je suis Américain
I'm sorry.
I'm lost.
I'm American.
Where is the bus stop?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In French, many words are gendered to reflect the subject of a sentence. If you are an American woman, you would say "Je suis américaine."

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Où sont les toilettes?
Thank you.
How are you?
Where is the bathroom?
I love you.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For anyone traveling to a French-speaking country, this is a key question to memorize. Knowing where restrooms are is important.

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Merci
Thank you.
I'm lost.
What's your name?
Yes.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is how you say "Thank you".

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Excusez-moi
You're welcome.
How old are you?
Let's go.
Excuse me.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You can use this phrase to get a server's attention in a restaurant. It is also useful for minor informal situations, such as when you bump into someone.

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Bonne chance!
Hello.
Good luck!
I'm tired.
I cannot eat...
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This classic French phrase is used to wish others luck. Keep it on hand as you travel.

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Je suis fatigué
I'm thirsty.
I'm tired.
My name is...
Where is the train station?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is French for "I'm tired." Grammatically, when speaking about a woman, the phrase is written out "Je suis fatiguée," but pronounced the same in conversation.

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Je vais bien
I'm fine.
I'm hungry.
Let's go.
That's bad.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is a common answer to "Comment allez-vous?" This is the formal way of asking "How are you?"

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J'ai faim
I'm hungry.
I'm lost.
To the right.
Thank you.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is French for "I'm hungry." I'm thirsty is "J'ai soif."

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Je ne comprends pas
My name is...
I don't understand.
I'm pregnant.
Let's go.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're a beginner remember this phrase. It comes in handy when trying to get a handle on the language.

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Je m'appelle...
I am from...
My name is...
I don't like it.
Yes.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Keep this phrase on hand in order to introduce yourself. For example, you might say "Je m'appelle Karl."

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Comment vous appelez-vous?
What's your name? (formal)
Where is the...?
Where is the exit?
Why is it...?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In French using informal and formal language in the appropriate situations is key to being polite. Speak this phrase when you want to find out someone's name and want to make sure you are observing good manners.

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Je t'aime
I don't feel well.
I love you.
I want...
I need to leave.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Knowing how to say a few romantic phrases in this romantic language can't hurt, whether you're a traveler or just a hopeless romantic. This is how to tell someone you love them in French.

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Bonjour
Goodbye
I'm hungry
How much does it cost?
Hello
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bonjour is the classic French way to say hello. "Salut" and "Allô" are other greetings.

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Je ne sais pas
I don't know.
No problem.
Who is it?
Go away!
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When learning a new language or traveling to a new place, everyone comes across new things they don't know or understand yet. This is a helpful phrase to have on hand.

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Bonsoir
Good evening.
Goodbye.
Let's go.
I want...
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Bonjour" covers "Hello," "Good day," and "Good morning" all in one. "Bonsoir is how one says "Good evening."

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Allons-y
Let's go.
My name is...
I'm cold.
Goodbye.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This translates to "Let's go" and was a catchphrase used on the UK series "Dr. Who"

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Je suis désolé
I'm sorry.
Excuse me.
I need to leave.
To the left.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are a few ways to say sorry in French and each is appropriate in different situations. This one is for more formal situations.

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Ça va?
How are you? (informal)
How much does it cost?
Why is it....?
What is this place?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This informal French phrase is a small talk staple. The answer to it is also "Ça va."

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S'il vous plaît
Welcome.
See you later.
Please. (formal)
What's your name?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In French, speaking formally to strangers, superiors, authority figures and people who are older than you in some situations is important. This is the polite and formal way to say "Please."

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Je comprends un peu
I am lost.
I would like to complain about...
I am looking for...
I understand a little.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's a way of letting someone know you comprehend a little bit of what is being said to you.

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Pourquoi pas?
Why not?
Hello.
Goodbye.
Can you help me?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Why" in French is "Porquois." These are very basic French phrases.

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Tu t'appelles comment?
Nice to meet you.
I'm lost.
What's your name? (informal)
I'm hungry.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is an ideal way to ask acquaintances and people your own age their name in non-formal settings. Try to remember both the formal and informal in order to not offend anyone.

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De rien
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I feel sick.
My name is....
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This literally translates to "Of nothing." It's the polite response to "You're welcome."

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Je suis perdu
Where is the bathroom?
I'm lost.
Don't worry.
To the right.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This can come in handy while traveling. For a woman, it is written "Je suis perdue," but pronounced in the same way.

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C’est combien?
How much is it?
Where is the bathroom?
Where are we?
I'm cold.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For avid shoppers abroad this is a key phrase to know. It comes in handy when shopping or haggling.

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Bonne nuit
Good evening.
Please.
Let's go.
Good night.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The French use this phrase before going to bed. It is a goodbye spoken in this situation.

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Je suis de...
I need...
I am from...
How old are you?
I don't understand.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This is one way you can let people know where you are from in French. Pop your country of origin on the end and you are good to go.

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Ce n'est pas grave
I feel sick.
I'm not hungry.
I am in love.
No problem.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This French phrase can be used like the English phrases "Don't worry about it," and "No problem." It's a common way to respond to apologies and let people know that you are alright after minor accidents.

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Où est...?
How are you?
What is...?
Where is ...?
Why is...?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When traveling, getting lost is almost guaranteed at one point or another. This can be used for anything from restaurants to museums and other attractions.

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Que veut dire....?
How old are you?
What does_____mean?
Will you arrive on time?
What did you say?
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When learning French, keep this phrase on hand so you can find out what any unfamiliar words mean.

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