Basic phrases for learners: Basic Phrases

💬 The little mark on [Français] matters: [ç] makes an [s] sound, so it is pronounced (fran-say), not like a hard [k].

💬 [Vous] is the form you use with strangers or when being polite, so [Parlez-vous anglais ?] is the standard way to ask this in real situations. You can swap the language: [Parlez-vous français ?]

💬 [J'] only appears joined to the next word before a vowel sound, as in [j'apprends]. The full form is [je], but you do not say [je apprends].

💬 In everyday French, negation often comes in two parts: [ne ... pas] around the verb, as in [Je ne comprends pas]. In casual speech people often drop [ne] and just say [Je comprends pas].

💬 [Cela] means [that], but in everyday speech many people would say [ça] instead: [Pouvez-vous répéter ça ?] The more careful version with [cela] is still completely normal.

🇫🇷 This is understandable, but as a direct command it can sound a bit blunt with strangers. [Pouvez-vous parler lentement ?] is softer and more natural in most everyday situations.