Essential Vocabulary for Daily Conversations
The 200 words you’ll actually use every day. Organized by situation — greetings, shopping, asking directions, ordering food — so you can learn in context instead of random lists.
Why Context Matters More Than Memorization
You’ve probably tried learning French before. Lists of 50 random words, grammar tables that made your head spin, textbook examples nobody actually says. Here’s the thing — your brain doesn’t work that way. It’s designed to remember words when they’re connected to real situations.
Instead of overwhelming you with thousands of vocabulary items, we’re focusing on what you’ll genuinely encounter. Whether you’re ordering a coffee in Montréal, asking for directions in Québec City, or having a simple conversation with a neighbor, these words will be there. You’ll see them repeatedly across different contexts, which means they’ll stick without the memorization headache.
The vocabulary here isn’t random. Each word appears in real conversations that happen every single day. We’ve organized them by situation so you learn the words that matter for that specific context.
Greetings & Basic Courtesy
You’ll use these words constantly. Not just once a day — multiple times. A proper greeting sets the tone for any conversation, and French speakers appreciate when you make the effort. These 15-20 words cover 80% of your daily interactions.
Notice how we’ve split formal and informal versions. You’ll want to use the formal versions when you’re in shops or speaking to people you don’t know. Save the informal ones for friends or people close to your age. It’s a big deal in French culture — getting this right shows respect.
Shopping & Money Conversations
Whether you’re at the grocery store, a café, or a boutique, these phrases will get you through. You don’t need to be fluent — just confident enough to ask for what you need and understand the price. We’ve kept this practical because shops move fast, and you won’t have time for long exchanges.
Pro tip: In Québec and Canada, “espèces” (cash) is the standard word. If you’re in France, you might hear “liquide,” but we’re keeping this focused on what you’ll encounter in Canada. That’s 6 words that’ll handle 90% of your shopping interactions.
Asking for & Giving Directions
Getting lost is actually one of the best ways to practice French. You’ll need to ask for help, understand the directions, and probably ask for clarification. Here’s the vocabulary that makes it work. Most of these are short, simple words that you’ll hear quickly.
These 7 words, combined with pointing and nodding, will get you anywhere. People understand that you’re learning, and they’ll adjust their speed. The key phrase here is “Parlez plus lentement” — don’t be shy about using it. Every French learner does, and native speakers expect it.
Ordering Food & Restaurant Basics
Canada’s restaurant scene is fantastic, especially in Montréal and Québec City. You’ll want to order food confidently, ask about ingredients, and maybe have a quick chat with your server. This vocabulary covers the most common scenarios you’ll face at a café, restaurant, or food truck.
One thing we’ve noticed: Canadians are super accommodating about dietary needs. You won’t get judged for asking about ingredients or modifications. Using “Je suis allergique à” is respected and taken seriously, so don’t hesitate if it applies to you. The rest of these phrases will handle most of your ordering situations across the country.
How to Actually Use These Words
Pick One Situation Per Day
Don’t try to memorize all 200 words at once. Pick greetings on Monday, shopping vocabulary on Tuesday. Give your brain time to absorb each group before moving on. You’ll retain them better when you’re focused on one context.
Say Them Out Loud
Reading silently won’t cut it. Your mouth needs to get used to French sounds. Say each word 5-10 times. Yes, you’ll feel silly. Everyone does. But your accent will improve dramatically, and you’ll remember the words better because you’ve physically spoken them.
Use Them in Real Situations
This is the crucial part. Don’t just memorize — actually use these words. Order coffee in French. Ask for directions, even if you know where you’re going. Start conversations at the grocery store. Real usage burns these words into your long-term memory way better than any app ever will.
Notice Repetition Across Situations
You’ll see certain words pop up multiple times — like “s’il vous plaît” and “merci.” That’s intentional. Repetition across different contexts is how your brain locks words in place. You’re not memorizing randomly; you’re seeing real usage patterns.
You’ve Got the Foundation Now
These aren’t fancy, complicated words. They’re the ones people actually use every single day. With about 200 carefully chosen vocabulary items organized by real-life situations, you can handle greetings, shopping, directions, and ordering food. That covers the vast majority of what a beginner needs in their first month of actual practice.
The real learning happens when you step outside and actually use these words. Your brain needs real-world context to cement vocabulary. You’ll probably make mistakes. That’s good — it means you’re trying. French speakers in Canada appreciate the effort, and they’re incredibly patient with learners.
Start with greetings this week. Master “Bonjour,” “S’il vous plaît,” and “Merci.” Say them out loud 10 times each. Then go order something in French. You’ll be amazed how quickly confidence builds when you’re using real words in real situations.
The journey from beginner to conversational isn’t about memorizing thousands of words — it’s about using the right words repeatedly until they become automatic. You’ve got the right words. Now go use them.
A Note on Language Learning
This guide provides foundational vocabulary for beginner French learners in Canada. While the words and phrases here are accurate and widely used, language learning is highly individual. Accent, pronunciation, and regional variations exist across French-speaking regions. For comprehensive grammar instruction or formal language training, we recommend supplementing this guide with interactive courses, language tutors, or structured programs. Your actual learning progress will depend on consistent practice, real-world usage, and engagement with native speakers. These materials are educational in nature and designed to support your learning journey — not replace professional instruction.