Do People In France Speak English? What To Expect In 2024
Are you planning a trip to France and wondering do people in France speak English? I know I did!
Before moving to Strasbourg, I was worried about can you speak English in France. I’ve been told French simply refuse to speak any other language apart from French, and I didn’t speak a word of French!
Well, after living in France for almost 3 years, I can confirm it is not a simple yes or no question, as it depends on so many factors!
If you’re interested to know do they speak English in France or if you need a crash course in the French language before your trip to Paris, let’s jump right in!
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So, do French people speak English?
Yes, many people in France speak English, but the problem is that many more don’t. A recent survey showed only 28% of French can confidently say they understand and speak English, with that percentage rapidly declining in the population over 65.
What does it mean for you?
Every French person under 50 probably learned English in school and understands the basics of the language. Theoretically, most people should understand you when you speak English.
However, understanding written English and engaging in a complex conversation are two completely different things.
If you’re traveling to France, don’t expect everybody to speak English.
Why French don’t speak English?
French people are not used to spoken English since they rarely hear it.
French TV dubs all TV programs into French! If you go to a cinema in France, best believe that American blockbusters will be in French.
That is especially noticeable outside of big cities in the French countryside.
If you’re going on day trips from Bordeaux to nearby villages, chances are most residents will only speak French.
Since they don’t need English in their everyday life, most people just can’t speak.
French people are a very proud nation, so even those who can understand English might be uncomfortable speaking, and they reply in French.
I’ve had that happen to me many times while living in Bordeaux – when I was at the level where I understood French, but couldn’t speak much.
I’d have conversations where I would ask something in English, and French would reply to me in French. Good for those learning French, but not useful when you don’t understand French at all.
Should you learn basic French travel phrases?
So what should you do if so many people in France don’t speak English?
I’ve seen many websites recommend you learn basic French phrases like “I booked a room here” or “I’d like to reserve a table” before traveling to France.
Honestly, if you’re only learning French to spend a day in Colmar for Christmas Market, you shouldn’t bother with those.
Why?
Sure, you can learn the phrases and proudly exclaim that you booked a room, but then what?
I’ll tell you what happens next. The receptionist will proceed by asking you – in French – your name and ID so they can check you in. You won’t understand it and you’ll go back to English.
You see if you don’t speak at least a basic level of French, you won’t understand what people are saying back! And hotels are one of the places where you can expect people to speak English.
Which French phrases should you learn before traveling to France?
The most important phrase you should learn is: “Hello” – Bonjour
Followed by “Do you speak English? – parlez-vous Anglais?
You should know how to say do you speak English in French because if the answer is no, it is unlikely you’ll get much further – Even if you know how to ask when the next bus for Bordeaux leaves.
Another useful one is: I’m sorry, I don’t speak French. Desole, je parle pas francais.
Of course, thank you, and goodbye as you leave.
Thank you – Merci
Goodbye – Au revoir
Hello (at night) – Bonsoir
Is it rude to speak English in France?
No, it is not considered rude to speak English in France.
If you’re a tourist visiting the country for a couple of days or a week, nobody expects you to learn the whole language.
However, what is considered rude is going around expecting everybody to speak English as if you’re in your own country without consideration for the other person.
How not to insult a French person by speaking English?
French people speak French. When they speak English, they are basically doing you a favor, and you should act that way.
Always start with a simple French phrase like “Bonjour”. A simple “Hello” will get you so far.
Follow up with slowly explaining that you don’t speak French and with what you need.
The key is speaking slowly and trying to be as understandable as possible if you see the person is not fluent.
Accents are harder to understand, especially if you speak like you’re talking to your friends with a lot of slang.
Do people in Paris speak English?
People in Paris speak French. But many people in Paris also speak English.
However, many people don’t, especially older generations.
As a tourist, you can expect people in Paris to speak English in:
- hotels and hostels,
- tourist information offices,
- tourist attractions and museums,
- souvenir shops,
- luxury shops (they might even speak your language there!)
- most restaurants in the city center,
- and guys trying to sell you something on the street, you can always count on them to adapt to any language you need.
Places you might need to visit as a tourist and where you could have difficulties speaking English are:
- transportation ticket offices,
- pharmacies,
- banks,
- post offices,
- hospital.
How to get around Paris without speaking French?
Likely you won’t have any problems getting around Paris without speaking French. I lived in Paris for 2 months when I didn’t speak any French at all!
Paris is the most visited city in the world and a large majority of people visiting don’t speak French!
At the same time, Paris is so multicultural that it is very likely you’ll run into somebody whose first language isn’t even French.
As long as you stay around tourist attractions and establishments, going to Paris without speaking French won’t be a problem.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need help from somebody who doesn’t speak English, your best bet for simple requests is to use Google Translate.
I can’t even tell you how many times I communicated by showing Google Translate on my phone – it works surprisingly well!
FAQ:
The official language in France is French, and people in France speak French. However, most people can speak English, especially in tourist areas.
This is an old stereotype that is no longer true. Many French people speak English. However, many people will refuse to speak English as they don’t consider themselves to be fluent so they would rather say they don’t understand.
No, not everyone in France speaks English. Most younger generations can speak English, but older French people usually can’t speak English. Also, many people understand English but don’t want to speak if they feel uncomfortable.
French don’t refuse to speak English, but they rather avoid speaking if they feel uncomfortable with their level of English. People are more likely to speak to you in English if you approach them in slow and understandable English.
Final Thoughts: Do People In France Speak English
If you’re traveling to France and visiting popular tourist destinations, you don’t have to worry about not speaking French. You can survive in France without speaking French.
While the majority of French people consider themselves not to have a satisfactory level of English, people working in tourism can almost always speak English.
It’s hard to tell how many French speak English, but most young French people are fluent in English to some degree.
They watch English movies and TV series, listen to music in English, and learn English in school and university.
France is such a diverse country, with many expats from all over the world whose first language is usually not French.
To make sure you don’t insult any French people, start every conversation with a simple “Bonjour”. It will be highly appreciated.
Merci (thank you) and Au revoir (goodbye) should also be part of your vocabulary while in France.
So, where are you going in France? Do you want to discover the south and Bordeaux beaches, or you’re spending a day in Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas?
