phrases de base
The English phrase "basic phrases" is phrases de base in French.
This term refers to simple and essential expressions used for fundamental communication in French.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a single basic phrase, use the singular form phrase de base.
Did you know?
- The French word phrase is a 'false friend' because it almost always translates to 'sentence' rather than 'phrase'.
- The term 'de base' is often used colloquially in modern French to mean 'standard' or 'basic', similar to how English speakers might say 'That is a basic/standard model'.
- Unlike in English, the word phrase in French is never used to describe a 'catchphrase' or a slogan, which are called slogans or phrases chocs.
Examples in context
- Où est la gare ?Where is the train station?
- Comment aller à l'hôtel [Hotel Name] ?How do I get to [Hotel Name]?
- Pouvez-vous m'indiquer le chemin ?Can you show me the way?
- Je voudrais un café, s'il vous plaît.I would like a coffee, please.
- Qu'est-ce que vous avez comme plats végétariens ?What vegetarian dishes do you have?
- L'addition, s'il vous plaît.The bill, please.
- Je voudrais réserver une table pour [Number of People], s'il vous plaît.I would like to reserve a table for [Number of People], please.
- Excusez-moiExcuse me
- MerciThank you
- S'il vous plaîtPlease
- Je ne comprends pasI don't understand
- Je suis désolé(e)I'm sorry
- Parlez-vous anglais ?Do you speak English?
- Je connais seulement quelques phrases de base.I only know a few basic phrases.
- Il faut apprendre les phrases de base d'abord.One must learn the basic phrases first.
- Est-ce que ce livre contient des phrases de base ?Does this book contain basic phrases?
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are discussing his French studies at a cafe.
- ManonComment vas-tu avec ton cours de français ?How is your French course going?
- HugoC'est bien, mais je révise les phrases de base.It's good, but I am reviewing the basic phrases.
- ManonC'est une excellente idée pour progresser.That is an excellent idea to make progress.
- HugoMerci, Manon, tu me donnes confiance.Thanks, Manon, you give me confidence.
