coll. - French Phrasebook & Dictionary

HarperCollins Publishers

Westerhill Road

Bishopbriggs

Glasgow G64 2QT

Fourth Edition 2016

HarperCollins Publishers 1993, 2007, 2010, 2016

Source ISBN: 9780008135881

Ebook Edition March 2016 ISBN: 9780008163464

Version: 2016-03-01

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Editor

Holly Tarbet

Contributors

Marie Ollivier-Caudray

Anna Stevenson

David White

For the Publisher

Gerry Breslin

Janice McNeillie

Helen Newstead

Whether youre on holiday or on business, your Collins Gem Phrasebook and Dictionary is designed to help you locate the exact phrase you need, when you need it. Youll also gain the confidence to go beyond what is in the book, as you can adapt the phrases by using the dictionary section to substitute your own words.

The Gem Phrasebook and Dictionary includes:

Over 60 topics arranged thematically, so that you can easily find an expression to suit the situation

Simple pronunciation which accompanies each word and phrase, to make sure you are understood when speaking aloud

Tips to safeguard against any cultural faux pas, providing the essential dos and donts of local customs or etiquette

A basic grammar section which will help you to build on your phrases

FACE TO FACE dialogue sections to give you a flavour of what to expect from a real conversation

A handy map of the country which shows the major cities and how to pronounce them

YOU MAY HEAR sections for common announcements and messages, so that you dont miss important information when out and about

A user-friendly 3000 word dictionary to ensure youll never be stuck for something to say

A short chapter of LIFELINE phrases for quick reference. These basic words and phrases will be essential to your time abroad

Before you jet off, its worth spending time looking through the topics to see what is covered and becoming familiar with pronunciation.

Contents

In this book we have used a simple system to help you pronounce the phrases. We have designed the book so that as you read the pronunciation of the phrases you can follow the French. This will help you to recognize the different sounds and enable you to read French without relying on the guide. Here are a few rules you should know:

e is sometimes weak and sounds like uh. This happens either in very short words ( je zhuh, le luh, se suh, etc.) or when the e falls at the end of a syllable: retard ruh-tar, depuis duh-pwee.

h is not pronounced: htel oh-tel, haricot a-ree-koh.

There are nasal vowels in French (represented by ):

un u

fin/bain fa/ba

on o

dans/en dah/ah

Word endings are often silent: Paris pa-ree, Londres lodr, parlent parl. However, the ending is sometimes pronounced if it is followed by a word which begins with a vowel:

avez-vous a-vay voo but vous avez voo za-vay.

In French, unlike English, there is normally no strong accent on any syllable, but instead a slight emphasis on the final syllable of each word, phrase and sentence, which takes the form of a rising intonation rather than an increase in volume.

Use vous instead of tu until you are asked to use the familiar form. Do not use first names until you are invited.

If you visit French people at their home, your hosts will appreciate a small gift of something typically British, such as tea, jam or biscuits.

Do not forget to stamp your train ticket before getting on the train otherwise it will not be valid.

By law, French people must carry their ID cards all the time, and there could be ID inspections in the street (especially in big cities). The police will ask Vos papiers, sil vous plat .

If giving someone flowers, you should avoid chrysanthemums (they are funeral flowers) and red roses (they have romantic connotations).

Keep your hands on the table at all times during a meal do not place them on your lap. Elbows, however, should be kept off the table!

If you are travelling by car in France, you should always be aware not to leave valuables in plain sight when parking in tourist sites and villages.

When addressing a stranger, always add Monsieur or Madame , even if you are only asking for directions.

In some areas (especially the countryside) people do not speak a word of English, so have your phrasebook ready!

If you are travelling and have a medical issue, you can call SOS Mdecins