The French are a formal and courteous people. When speaking to strangers, it's important to address them as Monsieur, Madame, or Mademoiselle. When you are introduced to someone, shaking hands is the bare minimum; if a woman is involved, three or four pecks on the cheek are often called for. Nearly all the French learn English at school, although many middle-aged or older people are reluctant to use it; younger people are usually more forthcoming.
Perhaps the most useful tip in pronouncing French is to know that in general, the final consonant is not pronounced if it ends the word. If it is followed by a vowel, it usually is pronounced. Thus comme is pronounced "kaum" (with an M sound), while vous is pronounced "voo" (no S sound).
Here are some simple expressions in French:
Greetings
ca va? - How's it going?
ca va bien - It's going well
Salut - hi
Bonjour - hello / good day
bonsoir - good evening
bonne nuit - good night
bonne journee - have a nice day
au revoir - good bye
à tout de suite - see you soon
à la prochaine - see you next time
à demain - see you tomorrow
pardon - sorry / excuse me
merci - thank you
enchante - nice to meet you
Pardon, mais je ne parle pas francais - Sorry, but I don't speak French
Getting things done
Une biere, s'il vous plaît - One beer, please
Une cafe, s'il vous plaît - One coffee (espresso), please
Une cafe creme, s'il vous plaît - One coffee (white), please
Un carnet, s'il vous plaît - Ten metro tickets, please
Un billet s'il vous plaît - One ticket, please
Ou est la toilette - Where is the toilet?
Combien? - How much?
c'est tout - that's all
Pardon monsoir, mais je ne travaille pas ici - Sorry sir, but I don't work here
oui - yes
non - no
