Common French Phrases for Shopping in Paris

Proper Manners and Courtesies Used in Stores in Paris and France

Dec 19, 2008
Christina Gregoire

French Stores - mckenna71

Shopping in France is easier with some knowledge of common French phrases. The use of proper manners and courtesies can overcome almost all language barriers.

Every small store in France has something magical within. Even bakeries (patisseries) sell works of art which are too beautiful to eat. In France, people use a set of common French phrases of courtesy when speaking to people who are not close friends. These polite formalities apply when shopping in trendy boutiques and most large stores. Fortunately, it is easy to learn the French style of shopping.

Common French Phrases for Shopping in France

The first thing you should know is that you say hello (bonjour) when entering a shop. It's like saying hello when you answer the phone. If you don't do it, it's weird for everyone. This link will sound out these common French phrases . Some of the phrases are in this pronunciation guide in the sections: Questions and Questions II.

“Bonjour, Madame.” (boh-zhoor, mah-dahm) - Good Day, Ma’am.
“Bonjour, Monsieur” (boh-zhoor, muhs-yur) - Good Day, Sir.
“Parlez-vous Anglais? (par-lay-voo ahn-gleh) – Do you speak English?
“S’il vous plait?” (see voo play) – Please?
“Combien?” (kohm-bee-ahn) – How much?
“Merci.” (mehr-see) – Thank you.
“Au revoir. (oh reh-vwahr) – Goodbye. (Casually, this sounds like “ohr-vwah”.)

Proper Manners for Shopping in France

Bonjour: The first thing one says is always a clear and pleasant, “Bonjour, Madame,” (Hello, Ma’am) or, “Bonjour, Monsieur,” (Hello, Sir).

It is very awkward for both the salesperson and the customer unless the customer says, “Bonjour,” upon entering a store or before asking a clerk for help. Often, the clerk does not know if he or she should offer to help if this phrase has not been spoken. Proper pronunciation is not as important as the gesture. The clerk will understand what is meant.

Don’t touch: In most stores, the shopper does not reach for merchandise. It is customary for the clerk to get an item for the customer.
English: After saying “ Bonjour Madame,” or, “Bonjour Monsieur”, an English speaker should say, “Parlez-vous Anglais?” (Do you speak English?) If the salesperson does not speak English, one must try to get the point across as best one can.
Say Please: If the clerk speaks no English, the shopper can also ask, “S’il vous plait…?”, then say the word in French. This, of course, is not proper French grammar, but it often works for tongue-tied travelers. Saying please in French will help bridge the language gap.

For example, if a woman is looking for a dress, she could say, "S'il vous plait.... robe? (dress?)". Or, she could say, “S’il vous plait…?” and point to the word in a French phrase book.

Pointing: If the customer does not have a book of common French phrases, he or she could say, "S'il vous plait...?" and point to an item. However, a customer should never point with one finger at another person, which is rude.
Price: Next, the customer might ask, “Combien?” (How much?). If the answer is unclear, it is simple to use modified “sign language”.
Goodbye: At the end of a purchase or upon leaving a store, a customer says, “Merci. Au revoir, Madame/Monsieur.” This is said even if no purchase was made.

These common French phrases (and one or two French phrases for restaurants) will help any traveler get better service when shopping in France. English speakers should watch a French shopper and listen to the beautiful “sing-song” way these phrases are pronounced. Once a customer has learned proper courtesies, the whole experience of shopping in France (or just browsing) will almost certainly be fabulous.

PS I wrote this because my husband (fluent French New-Hampshire style) was all ticked off because he couldn't get anyone to come and help him find Neosporin in a Parisian pharmacy. We did not know how to sing The Bonjour when we entered the shop. The woman kept pacing over wondering what she should do. (And, when in Paris before, I had always thought that the customers were good friends of the shop owner when they said hello upon entering. I had been to Paris several times and didn't understand their manners.)