Accessibility and Mobility
These phrases cover the most common needs for wheelchair users and travelers with mobility limitations.
| French | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Avez-vous un acces pour fauteuil roulant? | ah-vay VOO uhn ak-SEH poor foh-TOY roo-LAHN? | Do you have wheelchair access? |
| Ou est l'ascenseur? | oo eh lah-sahn-SUR? | Where is the elevator? |
| Y a-t-il une rampe? | ee ah-TEEL oon RAHMP? | Is there a ramp? |
| J'ai besoin d'aide | zhay buh-ZWAN DED | I need help |
| Je suis en fauteuil roulant | zhuh SWEE ahn foh-TOY roo-LAHN | I use a wheelchair |
| Pouvez-vous m'aider, s'il vous plait? | poo-vay VOO may-DAY, seel voo PLEH? | Can you help me, please? |
| La porte est trop etroite | lah PORT eh troh ay-TRWAHT | The door is too narrow |
| Ou sont les toilettes accessibles? | oo SOHN lay twah-LET ak-seh-SEEBL? | Where are the accessible toilets? |
| L'ascenseur est en panne | lah-sahn-SUR eh ahn PAHN | The elevator is out of order |
Getting Help and Emergencies
Phrases for situations where you need immediate assistance.
| French | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Appelez une ambulance | ah-PLAY oon ahm-boo-LAHNSS | Call an ambulance |
| J'ai une urgence medicale | zhay oon oor-ZHAHNSS may-dee-KAL | I have a medical emergency |
| Je suis allergique a... | zhuh SWEE ah-lair-ZHEEK ah... | I am allergic to... |
| Ou est la pharmacie la plus proche? | oo eh lah far-mah-SEE lah ploo PROSH? | Where is the nearest pharmacy? |
| J'ai perdu mes medicaments | zhay pair-DOO may may-dee-kah-MAHN | I have lost my medication |
| Parlez-vous anglais? | par-LAY VOO ahn-GLEH? | Do you speak English? |
Transportation
Phrases you may need when using public transport, taxis, or asking for directions.
| French | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| J'ai besoin d'un taxi accessible | zhay buh-ZWAN duhn tahk-SEE ak-seh-SEEBL | I need an accessible taxi |
| Pouvez-vous baisser la rampe? | poo-vay VOO bay-SAY lah RAHMP? | Can you lower the ramp? |
| Cette station a-t-elle un ascenseur? | set stah-SYOHN ah-TEL uhn ah-sahn-SUR? | Does this station have an elevator? |
| Je descends au prochain arret | zhuh day-SAHN oh proh-SHAYN ah-REH | I am getting off at the next stop |
| Pouvez-vous mettre mon fauteuil dans le coffre? | poo-vay VOO MET-ruh mohn foh-TOY dahn luh KOFF-ruh? | Can you put my wheelchair in the trunk? |
Hotels and Accommodation
Phrases for checking in, asking about room features, and making requests at your hotel.
| French | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| J'ai reserve une chambre accessible | zhay ray-zair-VAY oon SHAHM-bruh ak-seh-SEEBL | I booked an accessible room |
| La douche a-t-elle un siege? | lah DOOSH ah-TEL uhn SYEZH? | Does the shower have a seat? |
| Y a-t-il des barres d'appui? | ee ah-TEEL day BAR dah-PWEE? | Are there grab bars? |
| Le lit est-il reglable en hauteur? | luh LEE eh-TEEL ray-GLAHBL ahn oh-TUR? | Is the bed height adjustable? |
| J'ai besoin d'oreillers supplementaires | zhay buh-ZWAN dor-AY-yay soo-play-mahn-TAIR | I need extra pillows |
Dining
Phrases for restaurants, cafes, and food-related situations.
| French | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Avez-vous une table au rez-de-chaussee? | ah-vay VOO oon TAHBL oh ray-duh-shoh-SAY? | Do you have a table on the ground floor? |
| Pouvez-vous deplacer cette chaise? | poo-vay VOO day-plah-SAY set SHEZZ? | Can you move this chair? |
| Avez-vous un menu en gros caracteres? | ah-vay VOO uhn muh-NOO ahn groh kah-rahk-TAIR? | Do you have a large print menu? |
| Je suis allergique aux noix | zhuh SWEE ah-lair-ZHEEK oh NWAH | I am allergic to nuts |
| Je suis allergique au gluten | zhuh SWEE ah-lair-ZHEEK oh gloo-TEN | I am allergic to gluten |
| L'addition, s'il vous plait | lah-dee-SYOHN, seel voo PLEH | The bill, please |
Basic Courtesy
Everyday phrases that go a long way. French people appreciate when visitors try to speak French, even just a few words.
| French | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bonjour | bohn-ZHOOR | Hello / Good day |
| Merci beaucoup | mair-SEE boh-KOO | Thank you very much |
| S'il vous plait | seel voo PLEH | Please |
| Excusez-moi | ek-skoo-ZAY MWAH | Excuse me |
| Je ne comprends pas | zhuh nuh kohm-PRAHN pah | I do not understand |
| Au revoir | oh ruh-VWAHR | Goodbye |
Pronunciation Tips
In French, the final consonant of a word is usually silent. The letter "r" is pronounced in the back of the throat (not rolled). Nasal vowels (shown as "ahn," "ohn," "uhn" in the guide) are common. If you have trouble being understood, showing the French text on your phone screen works well in most situations.
Translation Apps
Google Translate and Apple Translate both work offline if you download the French language pack before your trip. Both apps support camera translation, which is useful for reading signs, menus, and pharmacy labels. Download the language pack before you leave home so it works without an internet connection.