Written by Gabriela Estrada

The French language is not only known for its elegance, but also for its focus on the rules of politeness. Les formules de politesse are expressions marking respect in everyday French-speaking and you can start using them in any conversation, whether formal or informal.

Today I will talk about les formules de politesse, what in English we often call "magic words", i.e., please, thank you, good morning: por favor, gracias, buenos días, mucho gusto, será un placer and many more! Read with me to the end and learn French with respect and politeness, let's get started!

Politeness in everyday French-speaking life

Speaking French politely plays a central role in the daily life of the student of this beautiful language. A common example of the first French vocabulary and expressions you will use in real life situations is:

• In a bakery, when ordering a croissant: "Un croissant, s'il vous plaît".
• Thank you with a simple "merci beaucoup" as a token of appreciation.
• In public transportation, a "excusez-moi" o "pardon"this can smooth out any interaction.

Integrating these expressions into everyday life not only facilitates communication, but also builds confidence and shows that you are interested in respecting social norms. For beginners, it's a great way to immerse yourself in French-speaking culture and practice essential phrases.

Basic French words to communicate with respect

Use les formules de politesse correctly creates a positive impression and facilitates integration in French-speaking environments. Some words for these formulas are:

• Bonjour (Good morning)
• Merci (Thank you)
• S'il vous plaît (Please)
• Excusez-moi (Excuse me)
• Au revoir (Farewell)

Greetings according to the time of day

In French, greetings change subtly according to the time of day:

• Bonjour (good morning): it is used in the morning and until approximately 6 p.m.
• Bonsoir (good evening): it is common to use it from dusk to night.
• Bonne nuit (good night): used when saying good night before going to sleep.

These greetings are key to showing that you understand cultural norms, as French speakers value this level of detail in communication.

French expressions to ask for something in the workplace

At French French, whose style is more formal and flat than Canadian French, these formulas work well:

• Please could you help me with this? → S'il vous plaît, pourriez-vous m'aider avec cela?
• When you have a moment, could you check this out? → Quand vous aurez un moment, pourriez-vous vérifier ceci?

On the other hand, in French-Canadian French the tone is more spontaneous, warm and relaxed, for example:

• Ça serait ben apprécié! (It would be greatly appreciated!) → "Ben" Is a colloquial form of "well" in Quebec.
• Excuse-moi, j'aurais besoin d'un petit service. (Excuse me, I would need a small favor.) → More direct and warm.
• Merci beaucoup, c'est vraiment gentil! (Thank you very much, you're very kind!) → Used with a more expressive tone.
• J'te remercie gros! (I thank you very much!) → "Gros!" emphasizes thanks in Quebec.
• T'es ben fin(e)! (You're very kind!) → Typical Québécois expression.

To say goodbye politely:

• Bonne journée! (Have a nice day!) → Very common in Quebec.
• À tantôt! (See you soon!) → Typical Québécois expression.

Learn everyday French with Planeta Immiland Education

Planeta Immiland Education is the first language school for immigration purposes in Canada. We offer French and English courses from scratch with a communicative approach. We apply constructivist theory and foster the communication skills necessary for life in Canada.

Our French courses focus on developing the four main skills of French as a second language (FSL): speaking, reading, writing and listening. Want to know your level of French? Take our English - French Test Assessments and receive immediate results with a special discount upon completion!

If you are ready to take the next step, contact us and start your French classes with our certified teachers. Visit us: Planeta Immiland Education.

Learn the polite words in French will not only help you master the language, but also help you understand and respect the customs of French speakers. These expressions are the first step towards effective communication and show that you are willing to integrate and learn. So, start today with a greeting, a thank you or an apology in French and open the doors to new cultural experiences.

I hope you liked this topic. Thank you for reading it. Bonne journée!

With love,

Planeta Immiland Education