Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Jun 28, 2007 11:52:42 GMT -5
Let's not only give our favorites, but try to compile some common words and phrases that are useful (for those who don't presently speak and/or understand a lot of French). For instance (and please, recognize that many of these words are accented, whereas my computer isn't 
):
"Vous etes ici" on a map means "you are here" which is something very important to know!
"Poussez" on a door means "push" (just think "pushy" and you will remember) and by process of elimination, "tirez" means "pull."
"Sortie" is "exit."
"C'est un cadeaux?" means the clerk is asking whether what you are purchasing is a gift (if so, it will be wrapped, simply and free of charge -- the first time, just say yes because there is a very distinctive and enjoyable look to the way they wrap things!)
"C'est tout?" when paying for something asks whether "that's all?" (i.e., do you want anything else). If that's all, say "oui, c'est tout."
"Ouvert" ("open") and "ferme" ("closed").
"Ou sont les toillettes?" ("where are the bathrooms"). Also, be aware that you may need some small change (35 to 50 cents is common) for "madame pipi" (common nickname for the attendant) or to open the door. Often in train stations, museums, etc., there is an attendant.
"Ne touchez pas svp" in a shop ("please don't touch [the merchandise]"); this isn't so common in places that get hoards of tourists (the shopkeepers basically have given up even trying) but still is seen in shops that get more French customers, and the store personnel may say something if you pick something up to look more closely.
Be aware that European handwriting of numbers is a bit different from US -- you can be quite startled at apparent prices if you don't realize that a European "1" looks a lot like a "7" (a little tail going up from the left, but at a much sharper angle than on a 7). And, decimal points are replaced with commas in expressing euros and cents (again, startling to someone from the US, as it appears that things are much more expensive at first glance).
And, one thing for which I don't know the French (probably several ways it commonly might be expressed -- please jump in with examples), but which is important to know because it comes up all the time -- all shop clerks want the smallest denomination of bills possible, and want the extra cents above an even amount so they don't have to make change (e.g., if it's 5,20E they would very much want to be handed the exact amount, or if you don't have a 5, then they want you to give them 10,20E so they only have to give you a 5). I once had a cashier at the Metro get very upset because I had only 20E notes (having only just arrived), and could not give her the small change for the amount exceeding 10E (which I think at the time was 80 cents). She did make change, but very grudgingly.
Finally - be sure you always, always preface questions, requests, etc., to a stranger with "bonjour madam/monsieur" ("bonjour" without the title is considered rude, as is no "bonjour" at all). Always be sure you greet shop personnel when entering, and say goodbye when leaving.
Others?
): "Vous etes ici" on a map means "you are here" which is something very important to know!
"Poussez" on a door means "push" (just think "pushy" and you will remember) and by process of elimination, "tirez" means "pull."
"Sortie" is "exit."
"C'est un cadeaux?" means the clerk is asking whether what you are purchasing is a gift (if so, it will be wrapped, simply and free of charge -- the first time, just say yes because there is a very distinctive and enjoyable look to the way they wrap things!)
"C'est tout?" when paying for something asks whether "that's all?" (i.e., do you want anything else). If that's all, say "oui, c'est tout."
"Ouvert" ("open") and "ferme" ("closed").
"Ou sont les toillettes?" ("where are the bathrooms"). Also, be aware that you may need some small change (35 to 50 cents is common) for "madame pipi" (common nickname for the attendant) or to open the door. Often in train stations, museums, etc., there is an attendant.
"Ne touchez pas svp" in a shop ("please don't touch [the merchandise]"); this isn't so common in places that get hoards of tourists (the shopkeepers basically have given up even trying) but still is seen in shops that get more French customers, and the store personnel may say something if you pick something up to look more closely.
Be aware that European handwriting of numbers is a bit different from US -- you can be quite startled at apparent prices if you don't realize that a European "1" looks a lot like a "7" (a little tail going up from the left, but at a much sharper angle than on a 7). And, decimal points are replaced with commas in expressing euros and cents (again, startling to someone from the US, as it appears that things are much more expensive at first glance).
And, one thing for which I don't know the French (probably several ways it commonly might be expressed -- please jump in with examples), but which is important to know because it comes up all the time -- all shop clerks want the smallest denomination of bills possible, and want the extra cents above an even amount so they don't have to make change (e.g., if it's 5,20E they would very much want to be handed the exact amount, or if you don't have a 5, then they want you to give them 10,20E so they only have to give you a 5). I once had a cashier at the Metro get very upset because I had only 20E notes (having only just arrived), and could not give her the small change for the amount exceeding 10E (which I think at the time was 80 cents). She did make change, but very grudgingly.
Finally - be sure you always, always preface questions, requests, etc., to a stranger with "bonjour madam/monsieur" ("bonjour" without the title is considered rude, as is no "bonjour" at all). Always be sure you greet shop personnel when entering, and say goodbye when leaving.
Others?
hahahha