French expressions

This French audio lesson is full of useful French expressions that will help you blend in with the locals! After this lesson you'll have a range of common French phrases to use when socializing with French people.

Whether you want to wish someone well or apologize for standing on their toes, this French language lesson is the one for you. Listen carefully to the French pronunciation and practice speaking aloud until you feel confident.

Resources for further reading:

How to pronounce French expressions

Here are some of the most basic French expressions to get you started. Further on in this lesson we will look at the pronunciation of these and more French expressions.

  • Tout le meilleur ! - All the best!
  • Bonne chance ! - Good luck!
  • Amuse-toi ! - Have fun!
  • Avec beaucoup d’amour ! - Lots of love!
  • Bon voyage ! - Have a good trip!
  • Bon Appétit ! - Enjoy your meal!
  • A votre santé ! - Cheers!
  • Bonne santé ! - Good health!
  • Soyez chanceux ! - Be lucky!
  • Bien joué ! - Well done!

Let's start!

Practice Your Pronunciation With Rocket Record

Rocket Record lets you perfect your French pronunciation. Just listen to the native speaker audio and then use the microphone icon to record yourself. Once you’re done, you’ll get a score out of 100 on your pronunciation and can listen to your own audio playback. (Use a headset mic for best results.) Problems? Click here!

Tout le meilleur !

All the best!

Bonne chance !

Good luck!

Amuse-toi !

Have fun!

Avec beaucoup d'amour !

Lots of love!

Bon voyage !

Have a good trip!

Bon Appétit !

Enjoy your meal!

A votre santé !

Cheers!

Bonne santé !

Good health!

Soyez chanceux !

Be lucky!

Bien joué !

Well done!

Prends soin de toi !

Take care!

Prenez soin de vous !

Take care! (formal)

Meilleurs vœux de la part de…

Best wishes from…

Meilleurs vœux pour…

Best wishes to…

Félicitations !

Congratulations!

Bienvenue !

Welcome!

Avec solidarité !

With sympathy!

Meilleurs vœux pour votre anniversaire !

Best wishes on your birthday

A vos souhaits !

Bless you!

Passez de bonnes vacances !

Have a nice vacation!

Joyeuses Pâques !

Happy Easter!

Joyeux Noël !

Merry Christmas!

Bonne année !

Happy New Year!

Let’s review how to apologize again. The easiest way to apologize in French is to say…

Excusez-moi !

Excuse me!

A polite way of apologizing in French is to say…

Je suis désolé(e) d'entendre cela !

I'm sorry to hear that!

You could also say…

Pardon !

Forgiveness!

If someone stepped on your toes and apologized you might want to say…

Ne t'inquiète pas !

No worries!

Ne vous inquiétez pas !

Don't worry (formal or collective)

That’s it for today’s lesson. If you want more on French phrases then check out our popular lesson on how to say "I love you" in French! Or even funny French phrases if you are after something more lighthearted :)

À bientôt!

Marie-Claire Rivière and the Rocket French Team

Make It Stick With Rocket Reinforcement

Reinforce your learning from this lesson with the Rocket Reinforcement activities! These activities are scientifically designed to improve your knowledge and retention of French.