hello
A WORD TO HAND
Essential French words and phrases for beginners
Hear the words from your first six lessons, check their English meaning and see a useful phrase. This free reference follows the opening unit, so it connects with what you are learning.
Open the searchable dictionaryStart your first lessonFirst words
Learn to use first words in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
hi / bye (informal)
thank you
to see again
A phrase you can use
— Hello!
Use bonjour during the day. It is a friendly, polite way to start an interaction.
Read lesson 1: First wordsHow are you?
Learn to use how are you? in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
that / it
well
and
too / also
A phrase you can use
— How are you?
Literally, is it going? Listen to the rising question intonation.
Read lesson 2: How are you?Nice to meet you
Learn to use nice to meet you in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
first name
I
you (stressed informal)
how
A phrase you can use
— What is your name?
This is a natural spoken question to someone you address as tu. Comment means how.
Read lesson 3: Nice to meet youA little politeness
Learn to use a little politeness in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
sorry / pardon
please (polite or plural)
nothing
worry / problem
A phrase you can use
— Excuse me.
Use pardon for a small apology or to get someone’s attention politely.
Read lesson 4: A little politenessWhere are you from?
Learn to use where are you from? in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
where
England
France
to live
A phrase you can use
— Where are you from?
This natural spoken question puts d’où, meaning from where, at the end.
Read lesson 5: Where are you from?When you do not understand
Learn to use when you do not understand in a practical conversation and understand a natural reply.
English
slowly
to repeat
a little
A phrase you can use
— I do not understand.
Ne and pas make the statement negative. You will also hear je comprends pas in casual speech.
Read lesson 6: When you do not understandMake the sound and meaning familiar
Use a word in a whole sentence, hear it again, then try the interactive lesson. Each set of three teaching lessons leads to a short mini-test. Revision returns previously learnt phrases using spaced repetition; it does not require a streak or score target.
This reference covers the free opening unit. Full account access opens the remaining lesson content and vocabulary. The first five-minute listening recording and complete Little Town game are also free; checkout is currently closed.
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