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How to use polite words and phrases


Bonjour, Monsieur
Voilà, Monsieur
Rue de Rivoli, s'il vous plaît


  • When you're new to a language, a few polite phrases will go a long way.

  • Bonjour   Hello
    Au revoir   Goodbye
    S'il vous plaît   Please
    Merci   Thank you
    Voilà   There you are

  • It's a good idea to address people you don't know as Madame for a woman, Monsieur for a man and Mademoiselle for a young woman. They will do the same with you.


  • You'll hear Monsieur and Madame quite a lot in French, even though words like 'Sir' and 'Madam' can sound quite formal in English.
Tick to see how this works
  Madame
Monsieur
Mademoiselle

Can you complete these polite phrases? Type the correct words into the gaps.

Good morning, Madam. Madame.

Goodbye Jean. Jean.

There you are, Sir. Monsieur.

Thank you very much. beaucoup.

Good evening, Madam. Bonsoir .

I'm sorry, Sir. Monsieur.

Mr Dupont, please. Dupont, s'il vous plaît.

Where are you going, Miss? Vous allez où ?



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