Subject Pronouns
je = I
nous = we
tu = you
vous = you (plural)
il = he or it
ils = they (masculine)
elle = she or it
elles = they (feminine)
on = one, you, we, or they
Direct Object Pronouns in French
| |
singular |
plural |
| 1st person |
me [m'] |
nous |
| 2nd person |
te [t'] |
vous |
| 3rd person (masculine) |
le [l'] |
les |
| 3rd person (feminine) |
la [l'] |
les |
Indirect Object Pronouns
| |
singular |
plural |
| 1st person |
me [m'] |
nous |
| 2nd person |
te [t'] |
vous |
| 3rd person |
lui |
leur |
Essential Words and Phrases
The following chart lists the words and phrases you'll use most frequently when speaking French. Use it as a quick reference guide.
| French |
English |
| Bonjour. |
Hello. |
| Au revoir. |
Good-bye. |
| Je m'appelle . . . |
My name is . . . |
| Comment vous appelez-vous? |
What's your name? |
| Comment allez-vous? |
How are you? |
| Pardon. |
Excuse me. |
| Désolé(e). |
I'm Sorry |
| Je me suis égaré(e). |
I'm lost. |
| Oú est . . .? |
Where is . . .? |
| . . . l'arrêt de bus? |
. . . the bus stop? |
| . . . la station de metro? |
. . . the subway station? |
| . . . la gare? |
. . . the train station? |
| . . . le commissariat de police? |
. . . the police station? |
| . . . l'ambassade américaine? |
. . . the American Embassy? |
| J'ai perdu . . . |
I've lost . . . |
| . . . mon portefeuille. |
. . . my wallet. |
| . . . mon passeport. |
. . . my passport. |
| . . . mon argent. |
. . . my money. |
| . . . ma carte de crédit. |
. . . my credit card. |
| Aidez-moi, s'il vîus plaît. |
Help me, please. |
| Parlez plus lentement. |
Speak more slowly. |
| Je ne vous comprends pas. |
I don't understand you. |
| Comment dit-on . . . en français? |
How do you say . . . in French? |
| Quelle heure est-il? |
What time is it? |
| Parlez-vous anglais? |
Do you speak English? |
Important Signs
When you understand signs, you're less likely to endanger yourself or commit a faux pas (a mistake). Use the following guide to help you understand what the most common signs indicate.
| French |
English |
| À Louer |
For Rent |
| Ascenseur |
Elevator |
| À Vendre |
For Sale |
| Dames |
Ladies |
| Défense D'Entrer? |
Do Not Enter |
| Défense De Cracher |
No Spitting |
| Défense De Fumer |
No Smoking |
| Défense De Marcher sur L'Herbe. |
Don't Walk on the Grass |
| Eau Non Potable |
Don't Drink the Water |
| Eau Potable |
Fresh Water |
| École |
School |
| Entrée Interdite |
No Entrance |
| Entrée Libre |
Free Admission |
| Fermé |
Closed |
| Hommes |
Men |
| Libre |
Free/unoccupied |
| Ne Pas Toucher |
Don't Touch |
| Non-fumeurs |
Non Smokers |
| Ouvert |
Open |
| Poussez |
Push |
| Renseignements |
Information |
| Sens Unique |
One Way |
| Soldes |
Sales |
| Sortie |
Exit |
| Tirez |
Pull |