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The 6 best translation apps for travelers

Traveling to another country for the first time spurs a sense of wonder like none other. But in some cases, that excitement can quickly turn to consternation when, upon arrival, a language barrier has you disoriented and lost, holding the wrong food order or in desperate need of a bathroom.

As a tourist, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to assume everyone will speak English wherever you go. Rather than relying on charade-like gestures or thinking you'll somehow become fully fluent on the flight over with a Duolingo crash course, be prepared by downloading a few excellent translation apps to your smartphone ahead of time.

The best translation apps are free or charge a small fee and can help out in a pinch, whether by assisting in ordering your daily caffeine fix or asking for directions while navigating a sprawling new city.

Here are TPG's picks for six of the best translation apps you can download today.

Google Translate

With 8.89 million reviews on Google Play, over 76,000 reviews in the Apple Store, and an average review score of 4.3 out of 5 stars on iTunes and 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google Play, Google's translation app is one of the most popular translation tools available.

We're among its many fans, largely due to the fact that it can translate between 108 languages on Android and 133 languages on iPhone, and because it comes with a whole slew of features that competitors charge extra to access.

Some of those features seem designed specifically with travelers in mind. You can translate by typing, of course, but with the instant camera translation, for example, all you have to do is just point your camera at a sign or text to translate its meaning (in 94 languages on Android). You can also use it in offline mode with various languages, which is a boon when you may not have access to Wi-Fi and you don't want to pay roaming charges.

Another helpful tool is the app's ability to translate conversations in many languages by simply speaking into your phone. Google Translate will then transcribe what you said in your native language and translate it into your intended one with the option to listen to how it is spoken and pronounced, or easily copy and paste the text. There is also a phrasebook for supported languages. Download for free on iTunes and Google Play .

DeepL allows you to translate text, speech, photos and files in more than 30 languages and bills itself as "the world's most accurate AI translator." Though we can't verify that claim with 100% certainty, we can recommend it as a very useful tool to keep in your arsenal.

A camera-to-translate function works in 11 languages on Apple devices and 25 languages on Android, and you may also speak to it directly to translate your words using your microphone. The AI tools will help fact-check grammar and spelling for added accuracy when sharing text, and this app also translates documents, which will come in handy for students and business travelers, in particular.

DeepL is available for iPhone and Android. However, document translation is only available for iOS. Most core features are free with any download, though you will need to upgrade to a paid plan (starting at $8.74 per month and up, depending on the plan) to use perks like unlimited text translation (there are character limits on the free plan) and extra document uploads. Download for free on iTunes and Google Play .

Read, write and speak in more than 100 languages using iTranslate, available for Android and iPhone. It has over 500,000 reviews on the Apple iTunes store, with an average review score of 4.7 out of 5 stars, and over 50 million downloads on Google Play, with an average review of 3.7 stars.

In addition to standard text translation, one of our favorite features is the app's voice capabilities. Just start speaking and iTranslate will recognize your voice and translate what you're saying into your intended language. You'll see the translation come across both as text and spoken out loud so you may hear how it's pronounced.

Other standout aspects include transliterations to aid in reading non-Latin characters, a camera mode to translate signage or menus, compatibility with Apple Watch and a favorites "phrasebook" section that users can use to bookmark their most-used translations of specific idioms to save them from having to look it up time and again.

Just note that only some languages work in offline mode, and you'll have to upgrade to the paid Pro version to use the camera and speak-to-translate function. Pro costs $4.99 per week, $7.99 per month or $69.99 to $99.99 annually depending on the features selected. If you're unsure, a free one-week trial is available to test Pro out. Download for free on iTunes and Google Play .

Microsoft Translator

Available on iOS and Android, Microsoft Translator is a superb tool for those who need to connect with other people in real time and need help facilitating those conversations.

All you have to do is download the app and share a code with other participants who will be able to join a group chat using the app or website. You can then speak or type in your own language, and Microsoft Translator will convert your words into your recipient's language.

You may also download offline packs to translate without Wi-Fi or cell service, and the app will translate text in photos, even while offline. An included phrasebook comes with verified translations for travel, directions, lodging and dining, and has important phrases and translations available to listen to at three different speeds.

The app is available in 136 languages, though not all features are available in each one. Download for free on iTunes and Google Play .

This is one of the best options available for translating Asian languages with text, voice and camera capabilities.

The app supports 14 languages, translating between English, Spanish, French, Russian, German, Arabic, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Vietnamese, Thai and Indonesian.

It's free to download on both iPhone and Android, and in addition to the previously mentioned functions, it can also translate conversations between two people speaking to one another in real time. What's more, the app will automatically translate websites and can even translate handwriting. It works in offline mode as well and includes a dictionary, all for free. Download on iTunes and Google Play .

Translate Now — AI Translator

Translate Now is only available for iOS, but it's a strong pick for iPhone users who also want to integrate across iPad, Apple Watch or other Apple devices.

The app can translate content in more than 110 languages, either by text with pronunciations given, through photos or by using real-time voice translation where all you have to do is speak into your device and Translate Now will convert your words into your desired language, both by text and voice.

Other key features include a keyboard add-on to chat in your native language and translate to over 60 other languages within many messaging apps, an offline phrasebook, Siri shortcuts and a dark mode option to help save battery life.

Just know that you'll have to upgrade to a paid version for unlimited, ad-free use and features such as speak-to-translate, which costs $4.99 per week, $9.99 for a month or $69.99 yearly. Download for free on iTunes .

How to pick the best translation app

With so many highly rated translation apps, the iTunes and Google Play stores can be overwhelming places to start when looking for the right one for your needs.

Luckily, most apps have a basic, free-to-download option that allows you to try out core functions and then decide if you want to upgrade to a paid version.

To start, if your device memory allows it, we recommend downloading a few of these apps. Next, start playing around with them and think about which user interface you like the most and find easiest to use.

Then, test out the key functions that best suit your travel preferences. Ask yourself questions like, do you prefer to talk or type? Are you primarily translating menus and asking basic questions, or are you looking to connect with others in conversation? And can you deal with ads, or would you rather upgrade to an ad-free version?

The answers to these questions will help guide you toward the features that will prove the most beneficial to your travel needs and help determine whether or not you should invest in a paid version. You might also decide you only need to pay for a premium version for the duration of your trip; some apps offer paid weekly options rather than only providing monthly or annual subscriptions.

Just remember that no app is a true stand-in for native knowledge. All translation apps are subject to some level of error. However, once you've considered these real-life scenarios, you're likely to walk away with a new favorite translation app — and maybe pick up some new lingo, too.

• Look up in Linguee
• Suggest as a translation of "travel"

Linguee Apps

▾ dictionary english-french, travel noun ( plural: travels ) —, voyage m ( plural: voyages m ), transport m, travel verb ( be : travelled , travelled ; ae : traveled , traveled ) —, se déplacer v, parcourir v, se propager v, air travel n —, travel time n —, travel agent n —, travel plans pl —, travel speed n —, travel provider n —, travel consultant n —, travel itinerary n —, rail travel n —, travel budget n —, travel ticket n —, travel options pl —, travel health n —, overseas travel n —, return travel n —, means of travel s/pl —, vertical travel n —, travel warrant n —, passenger travel n —, freedom of travel n —, travel expense allowance n —, travel agency n —, travel agents pl —, travel books pl —, travel agenda n —, travel file n —, ▸ wikipedia, ▾ external sources (not reviewed).

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The 9 Best Electronic Translators of 2024

Connect with the local community with these techie travel companions

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

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TripSavvy / Chloe Jeong

Taking an international trip is a joyful, exciting experience, but the language barrier can create some significant anxiety. Even if you know a few basic phrases, you'll want to communicate on a deeper level, and that's where an electronic translator can come in handy. These devices help with everything from asking for directions to ordering a meal and so much more. Also, some of them can even translate street signs.

Translators range in price, with many quality options costing a few hundred dollars. Other important factors include portability and battery life. Some translators have up to eight hours of use—helpful when you're traveling all day without access to a charger.

Best Overall

Cm cheetahtalk.

Uses AI translation engine

Long-lasting battery

Minimalist design

App only available for iOS

One of the best things about traveling abroad is soaking up cultures that aren't your own—but language barriers can make that difficult. Luckily, you have technology on your side. This sleek translator comes in black, white, or black with a silver trim. Though it's small and lightweight (1.3 ounces), it packs a punch. The device translates more than 40 languages, and the battery life is superior. The standby time is up to 180 days or 24 hours of constant use. This is certainly the translator you want for a full day of exploring without worrying about a low battery. Just press a single button, and the voice translation begins automatically, either using data or connecting to the app via Wi-Fi.

Size: 5.3 x 1.3 x 0.3 inches | Weight: 1.3 ounces | Battery Life: 24 hours | Languages: 42

Best Budget

Pulomi easy trans smart language translator device.

Super lightweight

Doubles as a portable speaker

Simple design

App may be buggy

The Pulomi Easy Trans Smart Language Translator Device boasts a compact design and superior voice translation capabilities: Simply push the button on the device and hold it down until you’ve finished speaking, and it will recognize what you say and translate your words aloud. The language translator supports over 50 languages and can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker. For travelers who aren’t multilingual (yet!) but want to be able to communicate with locals effortlessly, the Pulomi Easy Trans Smart Language Translator will help you sound savvy.

Size: 7 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 0.3 ounces | Battery Life: 24 hours | Languages: 52

Best for Images

Vormor z2 translator.

Compact size

Bluetooth connectivity

Seven days of standby power

No data connection capabilities

When you venture out to a new destination, of course, you will need to interact with locals and other tourists but you will also be surrounded by important signage in the local language. To navigate these images, we recommend the Vormor Z2 Translator. You'll get access to photo translations in 74 languages online while you can count on 40 offline. Easily peruse menus, get comfortable navigating streets, and gain a deeper appreciation for the environment around you with this portable companion. In addition to image translation, this model supports 137 languages when connected to Wi-Fi and 16 offline packages that can be downloaded before you head out.

Size: 4.6 x 2 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 3.5 ounces | Battery Life: 8 hours | Languages: 137

Best for Translating Chinese

Dododuck translator.

One-year replacement warranty

Image translation in 43 languages

10 hours of continuous use

Wi-Fi needed for photo translation

If you’re heading to China , the DODODUCK 3 Translator is the device you want in your pocket. And thanks to its compact design, you really can fit it in any shirt or jean pocket. The nearly 3-inch touchscreen display makes it easy to switch between languages (107 online to be exact), image translation, or conference mode to record a meeting for later translation. The best part of this translator is that it boasts the most effective offline translation on the market in 12 languages, including both Traditional and Modern Chinese. We also like the integrated AI assistant that can tell you the weather, traffic, and more in whichever language you select.

Size: 5.6 x 3.1 x 1.3 inches | Weight: 5.9 ounces | Battery Life: 16 hours | Languages: 109

Best for Translating Japanese

Pocketalk translator.

Dual noise-canceling microphones

Compact design

Improved model

Relatively short battery life

The Pocketalk Model S allows for lightning-fast communication and will help you shop, dine, and navigate your way throughout Japan . The new generation of a Japanese bestseller, this pocket-sized device includes all of the best parts of the classic translator plus some updated features. Like the previous model, the Model S supports two-way translations between 82 languages, and 14 are also available offline. Plus, it converts currency, measurements, and temperature. Unlike the older model, this Pocketalk features an 8-megapixel camera for image translations—it can even pick up handwriting. Though it is a bit of an investment, you get a lot of technology to enhance your next overseas trip.

Size: 2.1 x 0.5 x 3.6 inches | Weight: 2.65 ounces | Battery Life: 4.5 hours | Languages: 82

Best for Translating Spanish

Vasco v4 language translator device.

No need to rely on Wi-Fi

Instant translation of 108 languages

Choice of various colors

With official status in 21 countries and approximately 460 million native speakers, Spanish is a language that most travelers are likely to encounter. If your itinerary includes the Americas or Spain, the Vasco V4 is an excellent option. It features instant voice translation and image-text conversion and solves the common issue of offline use thanks to a lifetime data connectivity plan. Reviewers also mention the quality construction of the device and the useful touchscreen. This model will require a larger upfront investment, but it is a worthwhile purchase, especially if you travel frequently or are learning Spanish.

Size: 5.7 x 2.2 x 0.4 inches | Weight: 4.8 ounces | Battery Life: Up to 180 hours on standby mode | Languages: 108

Best for Translating French

Edguzi translator.

French supported without Wi-Fi

Large touchscreen

Nothing yet

You’ll be eating croissants in cafés and conversing with French locals in no time when you bring the Edguzi Two-Way Instant Translator along with you on your travels through this gastronomic paradise. This powerful device provides translations between over 100 languages online with an accuracy rating of 98 percent. The large touchscreen displays the text from either voice or recorded speech, a great feature to support language learning. It also has a camera for photo translation between 44 languages and OCR technology. Find yourself in a picturesque village without Wi-Fi? Edguzi designed this translator to work offline in eight languages, including French; just make sure to download it before you head out.

Size: 4.7 x 2 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Battery Life: 8 hours | Languages: 106

Best for Translating Russian

Timekettle mini handheld translator device.

User-friendly interface

Well reviewed

Tiny size not practical for all

The best translator devices consider the likely event your travels will take you through places where Wi-Fi isn't readily available. That's why the Fluentalk T1 Mini Device features a one-year mobile data plan to let you communicate with drivers, people on the street, or staff in remote cultural monuments as soon as you arrive. Translations are available in 40 languages, while offline options can be accessed and downloaded in eight languages including Russian. Road signs and menus can instantly be translated into 39 languages, so you'll know exactly what local delicacy to try or what interesting events happen to be taking place during your stay. As the name suggests, this impressively compact device fits in virtually any pocket and is easy to stash in a carry-on bag but probably isn't ideal for travelers with impaired vision (though the text is relatively large).

Size: 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 2.7 ounces | Battery Life: Up to 4 hours of continuous use | Languages: 40

Best for Translating German

Timekettle wt2 edge.

Hands-free in most modes

Different modes

Good continuous use time

Fewer language options than others

Must use app for voice-to-text

Experience German culture like never before with Timekettle's WT2 Edge Translator. Unlike the other devices on this list, this system uses earbuds to offer real-time bidirectional translation between 40 languages and 93 accents. Depending on the situation, use one of four communication modes, such as Group Chat or Simul Mode. Participate in professional settings, walk and talk with new friends, and find a local beer hall with this hands-free option. We also love that the charging case boosts the battery life to 12 hours.

Size: 3.9 x 3.9 x 3 inches | Weight: 6.7 ounces | Battery Life: 12 hours | Languages: 40

Our top pick, the CM CheetahTalk Smart Translator , helps you bridge the gap in communication by way of AI technology and boasts an impressive battery life. For a simple, light, and cost-effective option, reach for the Pulomi Easy Trans Device .

What to Look For in an Electronic Translator

Some translators can handle any language you throw at them (or, at least, quite a lot of them); others are equipped to handle one language only, like Chinese or Spanish. Be aware that the do-it-all types might not have quite the vocabulary range of dedicated models, but if you’re jet-setting all over, having a lot of the basics covered—versus buying a different translator for every language—might be ideal. 

Depending on how often you travel, you might want to weigh whether it’s better to splash out a bit more on a translator with better voice recognition and vocabulary or grab a budget model that covers the basics for a one-off adventure.

Battery Life

The last thing you want is a translator's battery dying on you while in a country where you don't speak the language. Some translators don't list the device's battery life, but for those that do, opt for one with at least six hours' worth of juice when fully charged (and remember to pack the correct travel adaptor for when you do need to charge it).

Many travelers prefer translators that use voice input and speech recognition to translate spoken words into the desired language. Some of these devices even store important phrases. Other translators utilize a keyboard, and you type in a word or phrase and read the translation, though these models are less common nowadays.

Translators can work in a few ways, with some requiring data. Higher-end translators come with built-in data for some time, and others need to be connected to Wi-Fi or a hotspot to work properly.

Yes, with some caveats. The first thing to consider is the limitations of this technology, as it is relatively new. Some manufacturers have already integrated artificial intelligence to improve the functionality of their devices, but there is still lots of room for improvement. Even the highest quality product cannot compare to a human translator in terms of understanding and interpreting meaning. However, if you are traveling to a country where you don't speak the local language, these devices can make a big difference.

Justine Harrington is a freelance writer in Austin, Texas, who covers topics spanning travel, food and drink, lifestyle, and culture. She's covered all things Texas for TripSavvy since August 2018. Justine's work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, and USA Today.

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Testing Out the Best Translation Apps for Travelers

Did you hear the one about the traveler who told a Parisian waitress that he was pregnant instead of full? He could have used a good translation app. Here's what T+L tech correspondent Tom Samiljan uncovered while testing the latest tools throughout Europe and Asia.

Google Translate

How it Works: Google will generate a written translation for anything that you type, speak, photograph, or draw on your touch screen. For nearly half of its supported languages, it also offers audio translations — and the number keeps growing. Bonus: a new feature listens for two languages at once, providing the spoken and text translations for both sides of a conversation in real-time.

The Good: Google's translations are incredibly comprehensive — if occasionally clunky. For example, a French sign saying " Cedez le passage " yielded the English "You do not have the priority."

The Bad: When it comes to Asian characters, results can be nonsensical: on a Chinese menu, "eggplant with basil" somehow became "nine eggplant."

Number of Languages: 133, with 70 offering voice translations (at last count).

Off-Line Capability: Downloadable translation packs are available for 60 languages.

Overall Assessment: It may not be perfect, but we love the number of languages — and the price.

Free; Android, iOS

How it Works: Beyond translating typed and spoken phrases, this app lets you slow down (or speed up) the corresponding audio playback so that you can work on accurate pronunciation. You can also save translations for recurring reference by marking them as favorites or sending them to yourself in an e-mail. Tip: saving your translations in Evernote can help you create a personalized phrase book.

The Good: Translations were fast and accurate, and the time-saving ability to bookmark translations spares you from looking up the same phrase (e.g., "Is it spicy?") over and over again.

The Bad: Phonetic English spellings for languages with different alphabets — like Hebrew or Arabic, for instance — were nearly impossible to pronounce.

Number of Languages: Over 100 total, with 38 offering voice translations.

Off-Line Capability: Translate between 38 languages offline without language-pair restrictions.

Overall Assessment: Better for audio than text translations; too bad it doesn't support a larger number of languages with voice.

Subscriptions from $2.99; Android, iOS

How it Works: Hold your phone's camera up to anything written in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean and it will produce an English translation on the spot. The app stores a history of your translations and saves your favorites, so you can easily retrieve the directions to your hotel for a local cab driver. You're limited to 10 daily translations with the free app; upgrade for unlimited use ( $11.99 ).

The Good: The photo translation is the fastest and most accurate around. It had no problem identifying "eggplant with basil" on the same Chinese menu that stumped Google Translate.

The Bad: The interface is highly sensitive to movement and difficult to focus. Another annoyance: only being able to see a few translated words at a time.

Number of Languages: Three (more languages are on the way).

Off-Line Capability: Everything but the supplemental language packs works off-line.

Overall Assessment: Without the ability to translate English into any other language, you'll need other apps.

• 106 Years After the First Airline Formed, a Company Has Finally Made the Middle Seat Halfway-Pleasant

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What is the translation of "travel" in French?

"travel" in french, travel {vb}.

• volume_up voyager
• se déplacer
• aller en véhicule

travel {noun}

• volume_up voyage
• déplacement

travelers {pl}

• volume_up voyageurs

traveller {noun}

• volume_up voyageur

travelling {adj.}

• volume_up de voyage

Translations

Travel [ traveled; travelled|traveled; travelled ] {verb}.

• open_in_new Link to source
• warning Request revision

travelers {plural}

Travelling {adjective}, context sentences, english french contextual examples of "travel" in french.

These sentences come from external sources and may not be accurate. bab.la is not responsible for their content.

Monolingual examples

English how to use "travel" in a sentence, english how to use "travelers" in a sentence, english how to use "traveller" in a sentence, english how to use "travelling" in a sentence, english how to use "voyage" in a sentence, english how to use "voyageurs" in a sentence, english how to use "de voyage" in a sentence, collocations, "travel gear" in french.

• volume_up équipement de voyage
• volume_up matériel de voyage

"travel great distances" in French

• volume_up voyager de grandes distances
• volume_up parcourir de grandes distances

"travel guide" in French

• volume_up guide de voyage

Synonyms (English) for "travel":

• change of location
• move around
• traumatize family
• traumatize the victim
• traumatized
• traumatized by the experience
• traumatized children
• traumatized victim
• traumatizing
• traumatology
• travel a distance
• travel a fair
• travel a path
• travel abroad
• travel agency
• travel agent
• travel agents
• travel alarm
• travel alarm clock
• travel all over

In the English-Danish dictionary you will find more translations.

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60+ French Phrases for Travel You Need to Know 📚FREE Printable Cheat-Sheet

Order your petit-déjeuner (breakfast) or buy your billets (tickets) to the Louvre all in French! Here are the most useful French phrases for travel you need to know.

Learning some French will offer you further insight into the French culture, mentality, and way of life. The ability to speak even un peu français (a little bit of French) and avoid making these French faux pas will enhance your travel experience and open the doors to unique connections with the locals.

France is the world’s top tourist destination, attracting more than 79,5 million visitors a year! That’s why French is the next language in my travel phrase guide series. Not only that, but speaking French also comes in handy when travelling to Africa, Switzerland, Canada , Monaco, French Polynesia, the Seychelles amongst other places.

Why else should you learn French? Well, it makes learning other languages, especially Romance languages like Spanish , Italian , Portuguese and Romanian much easier. 

Don't let the learning stop here. Download your free PDF guide with  60+ French travel phrases . Includes English and French translations with pronunciation guide.  Apprenons ensemble! (Let's learn together!)

Travelling to France? Don’t be treated like a tourist! Live your best travel experiences and learn France for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant or a taxi driver who has “taken you for a ride”.  In addition to my free French travel phrase guide , I’ve made it even easier for you to master the French language so you can create lifelong memories as you mingle with locals , get local tips , avoid tourist traps , and make new friends . Join my popular French course here.

Let’s take a quick look at the French language so you’re a bit more clued up on its origin, use, and vocabulary. I hope you enjoy this post as much as I enjoyed bringing it together. If you have any requests for other languages, let me know in the comments section!

Where is French spoken?

French is the third most spoken language in Europe, after German and English and has official-language status in 29 countries, including: Belgium , Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada , Chad, the Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, France , Haiti, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Monaco, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Switzerland , Togo and Vanuatu. French is even one of six official languages of the United Nations.

It seems like nearly everyone wants to learn French, it’s the only language, alongside English, that is taught in every country in the world!

And the best way to learn it? Well, France operates the biggest international network of cultural institutes, which run French-language courses close to a million learners. My two favourite ways to learn French is by attending language classes – so I’m not only held accountable but also for the social aspect –  and going on language holiday too!

A Brief History of the French Language

The French and English languages have a pretty mixed-up history. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, Norman French was adopted as the language of power on the British Isles.

For the next 400 years, French was the language of the nobility and of most official documents. King Henry V put a stop to that when he went to war with France, but because the two languages existed in parallel for so long, the English language is peppered with words of French origin, many of which can be traced back to French roots. This means that you actually already know a lot of French, even if you don’t think you do.

Now for the tricky stuff!

French Pronunciation Tips

There is a total of 26 letters in the French alphabet. Standard French contains 13 oral vowels and up to 4 nasal vowels, but there are 5 additional accented letters that can be applied to change the sound of a letter.

Here are some helpful pronunciation tips:

Using Liaisons

One of the fundamental rules of pronouncing French (and many other Latin-based languages) is that everything has to flow. That’s one of the reasons why French sounds so beautiful.

If you’re speaking French correctly, everything should sound like a continuous melody.

That’s where liaisons come in.

Liaisons are a phonetic link between two words that may sound awkward if left unconnected.

Let’s take a look at some examples where they are used  when speaking:

• After pronouns e.g. vous avez sounds like vooz-ah-vey not  voo ah-vey
• Numbers and nouns e.g. deux amis sounds like derz-ah-mee not der ah-me
• One syllable prepositions e.g chez eux sounds like shez-uur not sheh uur

And liaisons that are forbidden when speaking:

• When using full names e.g.
• After et (and)

Liaisons may seem complicated at first, but they will become easier the more you listen to spoken French. After a while, you’ll automatically be able to notice where a liaison is needed (and where it isn’t) and how to make it sound natural when speaking.

What Not to Pronounce in French

Much like English, the French language isn’t written phonetically. The same sound can be represented by several different combinations of letters, and there are many cases of silent French letters. Two of the most well known are the silent “e” and the silent “h.”

The Silent “e”

The letter “e” is often silent in French, especially at the end of a word. Here are some examples:

Rue (road/street) is pronounced  roo not roo-ee and inacceptable (unacceptable) is pronounced an-ah-sep-tah-bil not an-ah-sep-tah-ble

Of course, there are exceptions when it comes to masculine and feminine adjectives and nouns.

In the case of feminine adjectives and nouns, this typically means that the final consonant of the masculine form will now be pronounced. So, the masculine ouvert , meaning open in the masculine form and pronounced oo-ver , will become ouverte  in the feminine form and pronounced oo-vert . The ‘ e ’ makes the final letter sounded.

The Final Consonant

As you’ve probably already noticed, there are a tonne of French letters that simply aren’t pronounced at the end of words. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it!

In French, silent letters, or lettres muettes , have rules and exceptions just like many other linguistic concepts.

In general, the final consonants of a word are usually silent in French except in some cases of the letters c, f, l or r .

Just remember this simple rule, the consonants in the word ‘ careful ’ are always pronounced.

For example,

Avec (with) is pronounced  ah-ve k

Cinq (five) is pronounced saan k

Hiver (winter) is pronounced ee-ve r

The general rule regarding French word endings is that when in doubt, you probably don’t pronounce it. But, French is full of exceptions!

The Infamous “r”

For many English speakers, the French “r” can be a source of frustration. To pronounce it, you’ll need to use your throat and imagine you’re trying to gargle. The French “r” is pronounced in the same place as the English “k”, but with your throat closed.

The Silent “h”

As you’ve probably noticed from every French speaker’s failed attempt to say the word “hamburger” in English, the “h” in French is a silent letter no matter where it’s located in a word.

The only exception to this is when the preceding letter is “c,” in which case the “ch” combination makes a “sh” sound or “k” sound.

Here are a few examples of the silent “h”:

Le haricot vert (French bean) is pronounced leh ah-ree-coh ver

Huit (eight) is pronounced weet

Hiver (winter) is pronounced ee-ver

Admittedly there are a few finicky grammar rules to learn, but generally speaking, English grammar corresponds relatively closely to French grammar.

Consider words in English that end with – ible  and -able , these are the same in French, only the pronunciation changes. So, the French word ‘possible’ sounds like poss-ee-bleh and ‘comfortable’ becomes kom-for-tah-bleh .

Then we have English words ending in -ent and -ant which also come from French and have the same spelling and the same meaning. So, the word, différent sounds like diff-er-ohnt  and important  sounds like ahm-poor-tahnt . The ‘t’ at the end is just slightly sounded.

Had enough? Ok, one more! Words in English ending in -ary l ike contrary become -aire in French. So, ‘contrary’ becomes contraire  and sounds like kon-trair . There are so many rules like this, so you can see just how easy learning French can be.

Here are top 10 French phrases for travel you SHOULD Know

Top french phrases for travellers.

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Greetings Essentials Questions Eating Out Getting Around Numbers Days Emergencies

**There are a few places that use unique words for the numbers 70 ( septante ) and 90 ( nonante ), such as Belgium and Switzerland. With the numbers 80 to 89, combine the number 4, the number 20, and the ones.

For example, in French 80 is four 20s, 81 is four 20s plus 1, and so forth. (Unlike most French-speaking countries, Switzerland actually has a word for the number 80. It’s huitante .)

Want more? Learn French with me, with Intrepid French!

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Have a laugh with these funny French expressions

Like it? Pin or download this French travel phrase guide

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Learning French? Check out these French language guides

• Top 10 French Phrases You Should NEVER Say [& What to Use Instead]
• How to Sound More French: Top 10 French Phrases the French Love Saying
• How a ‘potato’ improved my French pronunciation
• 25 Funny French Idioms Translated Literally
• 22 Most Common French Grammar Mistakes [& How to Avoid Them]

Want to know more about learning languages? Start here!

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• What Type of Language Learner Are You? Your 4-Step Personalised Learning Plan
• 15 Top Language Learning Resources You Should Use
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Don’t miss my France Travel Guides

• How to Spend 4 Days in Paris: Ultimate First Timer’s Guide to Paris
• Where to Stay in Paris: A Fairytale Stay at Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche [Hotel Review]
• Where to Stay in Paris: A Decadent Stay at Hôtel Thérèse [Hotel Review]

Over to you!

Which of these French phrases are the most useful? What other languages would you like a travel phrase guide for? Have you been to a French-speaking country? Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

Blond or Blonde: Why Does Grammatical Gender in English Still Exist?

How to sound more french: top 10 french phrases you should use.

This is great. I took years of French when in school, 40-years ago and now want to re-learn and be able to get by when traveling. Merci

Hi! (Sorry for the Failures, I don’t speak english very well because I am french) My Name is Salomé and I am from France. I felt random on your Website and I watched you tables and the picture called ” French travel Cheat sheet “. What you’re doing is awesome because you help people open us to the World. I am proud of what you do. I want to help because I am a native speaker of French not of all the French (Canada, Belgium..) but from France. Salomé

Hey Michele, love the article, love the guide. I think there are some mistakes on the French spelling and pronuciation for the word Right.

Right =droite drrrwa (with the funny r for the French). Apart from that, what a precious website!! Well done!

Hi Monique, thank you for correcting this typo, I’ve just fixed it now :)

Hey Michele

This is so cool. Thanks for sharing it. I was I Paris about a month ago and these would have come in very handy. Keep up the good work.

Merci Au revour

Thanks Basil, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. I hope you’ll find it useful for future travels in Francophone countries :)

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If you don't know where you are , how do you know where you're going?   Find out how well you know Italian grammar today!

• á é í ñ ó ú ü
• à á è é ì í ò ó ù ú
• ç á é í ó ú â ê ô ã õ à
• à â ä ç è é ê ë î ï ô ö œ ù û ü

Here follows a list of common phrases in French.

To learn more about how to commnunicate in French, click here:

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