Learning French becomes a lot easier when you start with sentences or simple phrases that you can actually use in real life. If you’re living in Canada, planning to move there or preparing for exams like TEF Canada, mastering the basic French phrases for everyday conversation is one of the most basic and smartest things to do.
Canada is officially a bilingual country and French plays a vital role in daily life especially in provinces like Québec, parts of Ontario and New Brunswick. It is good to know everyday French phrases in Canada because they help you communicate confidently at cafes, workplaces, public offices and social settings.
By giving this blog a read, you can explore the top 20 simple French phrases used in Canada that beginners hear and use most often. These phrases are practical, commonly spoken and they are perfect for daily conversations.
Why Learning Everyday French Phrases Matters in Canada
Unlike the French in textbooks, spoken Canadian French focuses on clarity, politeness and daily usage. Learning common French phrases for beginners in Canada helps you-
- In communicating comfortably with locals
- To adapt to bilingual environments
- To improve job and study prospects
- To prepare for French language exams
- To understand real spoken French and not just grammar
Starting with French phrases for daily conversation in Canada builds confidence and motivates learners to speak from day one while helping them with daily life situations.
Top 20 French Phrases for Daily Conversations
1. Bonjour
Hello / Good morning
The most important greeting in French. In Canada, saying bonjour before starting any interaction is considered polite and respectful and it is only said during the day time.
2. Salut
Hi / Bye (informal)
Used casually with friends, classmates or colleagues who you know well.
3. Comment ça va ?
How are you?
A very common phrase used in everyday French conversations.
4. Ça va bien, merci
I’m doing well, thank you
A simple and natural reply to ‘how are you?’
5. Et toi ? / Et vous ?
And you?
Toi is informal and vous is formal or used with strangers.
6. S’il vous plaît
Please (formal)
This is extremely common in Canadian French, especially in service settings.
7. Merci beaucoup
Thank you very much
The politeness is highly valued in Canadian culture.
8. De rien
You’re welcome
This is used in both formal and informal situations.
9. Excusez-moi
Excuse me
It is helpful when asking for directions or if you want to get someone’s attention.
10. Désolé(e)
Sorry
Apologies are common in Canada and this phrase is majorly used.
11. Je ne comprends pas
I don’t understand
This is a must-know phrase for beginners learning French in Canada.
12. Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ?
Can you repeat, please?
It is useful in conversations, classrooms and official settings.
13. Parlez-vous anglais ?
Do you speak English?
It is helpful when you’re still learning French.
14. Où sont les toilettes ?
Where is the washroom?
It is a very practical phrase that you’ll hear and use often in Canada.
15. Combien ça coûte ?
How much does it cost?
It is useful while shopping or dining out.
16. C’est bon
It’s good / Okay
This is mostly used to show agreement or satisfaction.
17. D’accord
Okay / Agreed
It is a common word in daily conversations and professional environments.
18. À plus tard
See you later
A friendly way to end a conversation.
19. Bonne journée
Have a nice day
Very commonly used in Canadian French culture.
20. Bonne soirée
Have a good evening
Often heard when leaving restaurants or shops.
How to Practice These French Phrases Daily
Consistency is the way to truly master simple French phrases used in Canada. Here are a few effective tips:
- You can practice speaking these phrases out loud every day
- One must use them while shopping, traveling or greeting people
- You can try role-play conversations with friends or classmates
- One must listen carefully to pronunciation and sentence flow
- Repeat phrases during your daily routine
Improve Your French Conversation Skills Naturally
To get to know more about French conversations and usage in real-life, students can explore Top 10 French TV Shows to Learn French. Watching French TV shows helps students understand pronunciation, sentence flow and how everyday French phrases in Canada are naturally spoken in real situations. This makes it easier to remember basic French phrases for everyday conversation and use them confidently in daily life.
Who Should Learn These French Phrases?
These basic French phrases for everyday conversation are ideal for-
- Beginners learning French in Canada
- International students
- Immigrants and PR aspirants
- Professionals working in bilingual workplaces
- Learners preparing for TEF Canada
Even if you know grammar rules, these French phrases for daily conversation in Canada help you sound more natural and confident.
Canadian French vs Standard French: A Quick Note
While grammar remains the same, pronunciation and expressions may be a little different in Canada, especially in Québec. Learning commonly spoken phrases helps you adjust faster and understand locals better.
That is why focusing on simple French phrases used in Canada is far more effective than memorising textbook sentences alone.
Start Speaking French with Confidence
At FrenchTree, we help learners build strong spoken French skills using practical, real-life content. The courses focus on everyday French phrases, pronunciation, listening skills and exam preparation for TEF Canada.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your fluency, learning French the right way starts with speaking confidently, it is one phrase at a time
