French, the language of love, philosophy, and - let’s be honest - pretentious dinner parties. If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your French beyond the usual touristy fare, this guide is for you. No more stumbling through basic pleasantries like a lost exchange student. Instead, let’s arm you with phrases that’ll make Parisians raise an eyebrow in approval (or at least stop correcting your pronunciation).
1. “Je suis en train de…”
Je suis en train de…
/ʒə sɥi ɑ̃ tʁɛ̃ də/“I am in the process of…”
A far more elegant alternative to the blunt present tense. Instead of saying “Je mange” (I eat), try “Je suis en train de manger” (I am in the process of eating). Suddenly, you’re not just eating - you’re engaging in a culinary experience.
Pro tip: Use this when you want to sound like you’re doing something important, even if it’s just scrolling through Instagram.
2. “Il me semble que…”
Il me semble que…
/il mə sɑ̃bl kə/“It seems to me that…”
A diplomatic way to express an opinion without sounding like a bulldozer. Instead of “Je pense que…” (I think that…), which can come off as abrupt, “Il me semble que…” softens the blow. Perfect for debates about wine, politics, or whether croissants are better than pain au chocolat (they’re not).
3. “À mon avis…”
À mon avis…
/a mɔ̃n avi/“In my opinion…”
Another way to sound refined while sharing your thoughts. Pair it with a thoughtful pause and a sip of Bordeaux for maximum effect.
4. “Cela va sans dire…”
Cela va sans dire…
/səla va sɑ̃ diʁ/“It goes without saying…”
The ultimate humblebrag phrase. Use it before stating something obvious (but impressive). For example: “Cela va sans dire que j’ai visité le Louvre trois fois cette année.” (It goes without saying that I’ve visited the Louvre three times this year.)
5. “Je vous en prie”
Je vous en prie
/ʒə vu.z‿ɑ̃ pʁi/“You’re welcome (formal)”
Forget “De rien.” If you want to sound like you’ve stepped out of a 19th-century salon, this is the phrase to use. It’s polite, elegant, and just a tad aristocratic.
6. “N’est-ce pas?”
N’est-ce pas?
/nɛs pa/“Isn’t it so?”
The French equivalent of a rhetorical mic drop. Toss this at the end of a statement to imply that your opinion is so obviously correct, it doesn’t even need confirmation. “Le fromage est la meilleure invention de l’humanité, n’est-ce pas?” (Cheese is humanity’s greatest invention, isn’t it?)
7. “Tout à fait”
Tout à fait
/tu.t‿a fɛ/“Absolutely”
A more sophisticated way to agree than a simple “Oui.” It implies you’ve considered the matter deeply and arrived at an enlightened conclusion.
8. “Je me permets de…”
Je me permets de…
/ʒə mə pɛʁmɛ də/“I allow myself to…”
A ridiculously polite way to interject or suggest something. “Je me permets de vous proposer un autre vin.” (I allow myself to suggest another wine.) Bonus points if you accompany it with a slight bow.
9. “Pour ainsi dire…”
Pour ainsi dire…
/puʁ ɑ̃si diʁ/“So to speak…”
The verbal equivalent of a knowing smirk. Use it when you’re being metaphorical or sarcastic. “Il est, pour ainsi dire, un peu lent.” (He is, so to speak, a bit slow.)
10. “C’est une autre paire de manches”
C’est une autre paire de manches
/sɛt‿yn otʁ pɛʁ də mɑ̃ʃ/“That’s another pair of sleeves (i.e., a whole other matter)”
A delightful idiom that sounds absurd in English but perfectly logical in French. Deploy it when the conversation takes a turn for the complicated.
11. “À vrai dire…”
À vrai dire…
/a vʁɛ diʁ/“To tell the truth…”
A classy way to preface an honest (or brutally honest) opinion. “À vrai dire, votre chien ressemble à un rat.” (To tell the truth, your dog looks like a rat.)
12. “L’esprit de l’escalier”
L’esprit de l’escalier
/lɛspʁi də lɛskalje/“Staircase wit (thinking of the perfect reply too late)”
A phrase so French it hurts. It describes that moment when you think of the perfect comeback - only after you’ve left the conversation. Use it to sound philosophical about your own social awkwardness.
Final thought: Sophistication isn’t just about the words - it’s about the delivery. Practice these phrases with a languid shrug, a well-timed sigh, or a sip of espresso, and you’ll blend right in at a Parisian café. Or at least, you’ll sound like you belong there.
For more ways to charm in French, check out our guide on expressing emotions in French or, if you’re feeling romantic, flirting in French.
