The Second 25 French Questions You Will Use In Daily Conversations (Part 2)
Learning French questions is one of the best ways to sound natural and confident when speaking French. If you’ve already gone through the first 25, you’re going to love this second part. These are everyday questions that real French people use — in shops, restaurants, workplaces, or casual conversations. Let’s go through them together in a friendly, conversational way.
Check Out The Part 1 Here
What Time Is It? – Quelle Heure Est-Il ?
This is one of those simple but essential phrases you’ll use everywhere. “Quelle heure est-il ?” is how you ask for the time in French. You’ll need it when catching a train, meeting friends, or even just making small talk with someone waiting in line. It’s short, polite, and instantly useful.
Now that we’ve covered time, let’s move on to something that often starts a friendly exchange.
Where Are You Going? – Où Allez-Vous ?
You can use “Où allez-vous ?” when you’re curious about someone’s destination. It’s a polite and formal question, great for work or when talking to someone you don’t know well. If you’re chatting with a friend, the informal version is “Où tu vas ?”. It’s one of those phrases that naturally shows interest in someone’s plans.
Speaking of curiosity, let’s talk about a question you’ll definitely need while shopping.
How Much Is This? – Combien Ça Coûte ?
When you’re buying souvenirs, groceries, or even clothes, “Combien ça coûte ?” will help you every single time. It means “How much is this?” and it’s a polite way to ask for prices. French shopkeepers appreciate manners, so adding “s’il vous plaît” at the end goes a long way.
And since we’re talking about shopping, here’s one that comes up right after you’ve found something you like.
Can I Try It On? – Puis-Je L’Essayer ?
If you’re at a boutique or clothing store, use “Puis-je l’essayer ?” to ask, “Can I try it on?” It’s formal but perfectly polite. You can also say “Je peux l’essayer ?” when speaking casually. This is one of those phrases that makes you sound like you know exactly how things work in France.
But what happens when it’s time to pay? That brings us to our next question.
Do You Accept Credit Cards? – Acceptez-Vous Les Cartes De Crédit ?
This is a very practical question because not all French shops, cafés, or bakeries accept credit cards — especially for small purchases. “Acceptez-vous les cartes de crédit ?” will save you awkward moments at the counter. It’s polite, straightforward, and something every traveler should know.
Now, let’s talk about one that might just help you save a few euros.
Can I Get A Discount? – Puis-Je Avoir Une Réduction ?
While bargaining isn’t common in France, it doesn’t hurt to ask politely. “Puis-je avoir une réduction ?” means “Can I get a discount?” and if you say it with a smile, you might just get a small price cut at a market or tourist shop.
And if you’re looking for something specific, this next question will be your go-to.
Where Can I Find This? – Où Puis-Je Trouver Ceci ?
Sometimes you’ll need directions or help locating something. “Où puis-je trouver ceci ?” is a polite way to say “Where can I find this?” You can use it when searching for an item in a store, a landmark in a city, or even an ingredient in a supermarket. It’s simple and very handy.
Of course, when you’re lost or confused, you’ll need help — which brings us here.
Can You Help Me? – Pouvez-Vous M’Aider ?
“Pouvez-vous m’aider ?” literally means “Can you help me?” and it’s one of those universally useful questions. Whether you’re lost, struggling with directions, or just need assistance understanding something, this phrase will get you a kind response almost anywhere in France.
Now, when you’re learning, you’ll often come across words you don’t understand.
What Does That Mean? – Que Veut Dire Cela ?
This question — “Que veut dire cela ?” — means “What does that mean?” It’s perfect for moments when you’re reading or listening and want clarification. French people appreciate when learners make the effort to understand, so don’t be afraid to ask this one often.
And if you didn’t catch what someone said, the next question is your best friend.
Can You Repeat, Please? – Pouvez-Vous Répéter, S’Il Vous Plaît ?
When conversations move fast, don’t panic. Just say “Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ?” (Can you repeat, please?). It’s polite and shows genuine effort. People will usually slow down and help you out — that’s the beauty of French hospitality.
Sometimes, though, you might need to switch to English for a moment.
Do You Speak English? – Parlez-Vous Anglais ?
“Parlez-vous anglais ?” is probably one of the first phrases travelers learn. It’s polite, respectful, and widely understood. Even if someone doesn’t speak English fluently, asking in French shows that you’re trying — and that often makes them more willing to help.
And when you’re learning new words, this next one will keep you improving fast.
How Do You Say This In French? – Comment Dit-On Ceci En Français ?
Whenever you want to learn the French equivalent of an English word, ask “Comment dit-on ceci en français ?” It’s one of the best learning tools you can use in real conversations. French speakers often love teaching, so you might even get a mini lesson in return.
Now let’s move to something that’s always useful — especially when you’re out in public.
Where Is The Bathroom? – Où Sont Les Toilettes ?
This one is an absolute must. “Où sont les toilettes ?” is the polite and standard way to ask for a restroom. Don’t say “salle de bain” — that’s used only in homes. “Toilettes” is what you want in restaurants, stations, or anywhere public.
And since timing matters a lot when exploring, here are two questions that will help you plan.
What Time Does It Open? – À Quelle Heure Cela Ouvre-T-Il ?
Use “À quelle heure cela ouvre-t-il ?” to ask about opening times. You can use it at museums, stores, or offices. It’s formal but appropriate, especially if you’re speaking to someone you don’t know.
What Time Does It Close? – À Quelle Heure Cela Ferme-T-Il ?
Similarly, “À quelle heure cela ferme-t-il ?” helps you avoid arriving too late. It’s practical and polite — one of those French questions that travelers use constantly.
And once your day ends with a nice meal, you’ll definitely need this next one.
Can I Have The Bill, Please? – Puis-Je Avoir L’Addition, S’Il Vous Plaît ?
French servers won’t bring the bill unless you ask for it, so “Puis-je avoir l’addition, s’il vous plaît ?” is essential. It’s polite, clear, and part of proper dining etiquette in France. Just smile and say it confidently.
While we’re still in the restaurant setting, here are a few more dining-related gems.
Do You Serve Vegetarian Food? – Servez-Vous Des Plats Végétariens ?
Not all French restaurants highlight vegetarian dishes, so asking “Servez-vous des plats végétariens ?” ensures you’ll find something that suits your diet. It’s respectful and shows awareness of cultural differences in food preferences.
What Do You Recommend? – Que Recommandez-Vous ?
If you’re unsure what to order, “Que recommandez-vous ?” is a friendly and natural way to ask for advice. You might end up discovering a local favorite you’d never have tried otherwise. French people love sharing their opinions about food — it’s part of the culture.
And speaking of restaurants, this next question clears up something travelers often wonder about.
Is Service Included? – Le Service Est-Il Compris ?
When you’re paying the bill, “Le service est-il compris ?” helps you know if the service charge is already added. In France, it usually is, but asking politely ensures you don’t overtip or seem confused. It’s a good question to remember for any dining experience.
Now let’s move from restaurants to everyday conversations.
Do You Work From Home? – Travaillez-Vous À Domicile ?
This one — “Travaillez-vous à domicile ?” — has become quite common in recent years. It’s perfect when talking about jobs, especially in today’s world where remote work is normal. It’s also a great conversation starter if you’re networking or just getting to know someone.
What Do You Do After Work? – Que Faites-Vous Après Le Travail ?
Once you start chatting about work, it’s natural to ask “Que faites-vous après le travail ?” It’s a light, friendly way to move from professional topics to personal ones, and it can lead to discussions about hobbies, routines, or social life.
And that leads nicely into questions about daily habits.
Do You Watch TV Every Day? – Regardez-Vous La Télévision Tous Les Jours ?
This question — “Regardez-vous la télévision tous les jours ?” — works well for casual conversations. It’s an easy way to talk about media, entertainment, or even popular French shows.
Do You Exercise Regularly? – Faites-Vous De L’Exercice Régulièrement ?
Health topics often come up naturally, and “Faites-vous de l’exercice régulièrement ?” is a great way to ask about someone’s fitness routine. It shows interest in their lifestyle and can lead to fun exchanges about sports or healthy habits.
Finally, let’s end the day — quite literally.
What Time Do You Go To Bed? – À Quelle Heure Vous Couchez-Vous ?
“À quelle heure vous couchez-vous ?” might sound simple, but it’s often used in casual chats among friends or family. It’s great for discussing routines, schedules, or just comparing how long everyone sleeps.
Can I Reserve A Table? – Puis-Je Réserver Une Table ?
And here’s our last question — perfect for planning ahead. “Puis-je réserver une table ?” means “Can I reserve a table?” You’ll use it often when dining out or meeting friends. It’s polite, practical, and makes you sound like a pro at navigating French dining culture.
Conclusion
Learning these 25 French questions will make your conversations flow more easily and naturally. The more you use them, the more confident you’ll feel — and soon, speaking French will feel as easy as chatting with a friend. Keep practicing, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your fluency grows.
