Although most people speak some English (more in Montreal), it is always advisable to carry a French - English dictionary, particularly in Quebec City. Knowing the following French phrases will help you enjoy your visit. Pay special attention to the polite expressions, which are more common in French than in English.
- Bonjour [bo zhur]
Hello, Good day - Parlez vous anglais? [par lay voo on glay]
Do you speak English? - Je ne comprends pas [zher nuh kom prawn pa]
I don't understand - Oui [wee]
Yes - Non [non]
no - Comment ça va? [ka ma sa va]
How are you? - Trés bien, merci [tray bee-en mer see]
Fine, thank you - Et vous? [ay voo]
And you? - Qu'est-ce que vous voulez? [kes ku voo voo lay]
What would you like? - Je voudrais [zher voo dray]
I would like - Pour emportez [por em por tay]
For take-out (usually food)
- Se combien? [ser kom bee-en]
How much?
- Une, s'il vous plait [oon see voo play]
One, please - Pardon, excusez-moi [par daw, ex coo say mwah]
Pardon me, Excuse me
Common French Signs:
- Entrance: Entrée
- Exit: Sortie
- Open: Ouvert
- Closed: Fermé
- Pull: Tirez
- Push: Poussez
- Cashier/Check out: Caisse
- No Parking: Défense de Stationner/Stationnement interdit
- No Entry: Défenser d'entrer