French for Beginners: 20+ Easy Sentences with Pronunciation and Meaning
Learning French starts with simple, useful sentences that you can use every day. This beginner lesson offers practical French phrases along with English meanings and easy-to-follow pronunciations. These expressions are ideal for new learners, travelers, and anyone interested in speaking French confidently.
Basic Greetings & Introductions
1. Bonjour.
Pronunciation: bohn-ZHOOR
Meaning: Hello / Good morning
2. Comment ça va ?
Pronunciation: koh-MOHN sah VAH
Meaning: How are you?
3. Ça va bien.
Pronunciation: sah vah BYAN
Meaning: I’m fine
4. Je m’appelle Marie.
Pronunciation: zhuh mah-PELL mah-REE
Meaning: My name is Marie
5. Enchanté.
Pronunciation: ahn-shahn-TAY
Meaning: Nice to meet you
6. Au revoir.
Pronunciation: oh ruh-VWAHR
Meaning: Goodbye
7. Bonne nuit.
Pronunciation: bun nwee
Meaning: Good night
Everyday Conversation
8. Où habites-tu ?
Pronunciation: oo ah-beet TEW
Meaning: Where do you live?
9. J’habite à Paris.
Pronunciation: zhah-BEET ah pah-REE
Meaning: I live in Paris
10. Parles-tu anglais ?
Pronunciation: parl tew ahn-GLAY
Meaning: Do you speak English?
11. Un peu.
Pronunciation: uh(n) puh
Meaning: A little
12. Je ne comprends pas.
Pronunciation: zhuh nuh koh(n)-PRAHN pah
Meaning: I don’t understand
13. Peux-tu m’aider ?
Pronunciation: puh tew meh-DAY
Meaning: Can you help me?
Food & Needs
14. J’ai faim.
Pronunciation: zhay fa(n)
Meaning: I’m hungry
15. Je veux de l’eau.
Pronunciation: zhuh vuh duh loh
Meaning: I want water
16. Combien ça coûte ?
Pronunciation: kohm-BYAN sah KOOT
Meaning: How much does it cost?
Extra Useful Phrases
17. Oui.
Pronunciation: wee
Meaning: Yes
18. Non.
Pronunciation: no(n)
Meaning: No
19. S’il vous plaît.
Pronunciation: seel voo PLEH
Meaning: Please
20. Merci.
Pronunciation: mehr-SEE
Meaning: Thank you
21. De rien.
Pronunciation: duh RYAN
Meaning: You’re welcome
22. À plus tard.
Pronunciation: ah plew TAR
Meaning: See you later
23. Bonne nuit.
Pronunciation: bun nwee
Meaning: Good night
Conclusion
Learning basic French phrases is an excellent way to begin your language journey. These simple sentences help you build everyday vocabulary and improve your ability to communicate. Regular practice with real-life expressions will boost your confidence and fluency. Speak them out loud, repeat them daily, and pair your learning with audio or conversation practice. The more you use these phrases, the more natural they will become.