How to Act French

Whether you're visiting France or just want to give off a French vibe, acting French takes work. You'll have to learn a few phrases and adopt aspects of the culture. Learn to dress French, greet people like you're French, and eat and drink like you're in France. With a little work and diligence, you can adapt to French culture with ease.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Learning Some French Phrases

  1. In France, it's customary to greet others with a friendly, "Bonjour." "Bonjour" is used to say hello to friends and family and is pronounced "bon-joor." However, it's also used with strangers. It's customary to say "bonjour" when entering a shop. [1]
    • Shop assistants in France aren't as into small talk as the ones in the United States. Usually, a brief "bonjour" is all you get upon entering. It's considered rude not to return the greeting.
    • Do not say "hello" instead of "bonjour." Even if you feel your accent isn't great yet, French people prefer that people make an effort to speak their language.
  2. Used especially in Paris, "sympa" is the slang form of "sympathique." It's pronounced "sam-pah." Sympathique means nice and the term "sympa" is a way to casually appreciate a person, place, or thing without being too mushy or emotional. [2]
    • For example, say someone asks you, "How was your flight?" Answer with, "Sympa."
    • If you want to seem French at home, drop in an occasional "sympa" in front of friends and family members.
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  3. Manners are important in French culture, so make sure to drop the word "merci" when appropriate. This is the French form of "thank you" and is used to show gratitude in a variety of situations. You can say "merci" if someone gives you directions or holds a door for you. It's also used to say goodbye to a shopkeeper after making a purchase.
    • When saying "merci," place more emphasis on the first syllable than the second.
  4. If you're visiting France, especially a crowded city like Paris, you're bound to bump into people on the street and the metro. In such situations, the words "excuzez-moi" and "pardon" both essentially mean "excuse me." As French people value good manners, do not neglect to use them if you want to act French.
    • "Excuzez-moi" is roughly pronounced, "ex-coos-se-mwa."
    • "Pardon" is pronounced similar to English, but the "o" is pronounced making a distinct "o" sound rather than the English "uh" sound.
  5. Food is a huge part of French culture. When ordering at a restaurant, you can look more French by ordering using the language rather than simply pointing at the menu. Start with "je voudrais," which means "I would like..." Then, say the item on the menu you're ordering. [3]
    • "Je voudrais" is roughly pronounced "zhuh voo-dreh."
    • Don't worry too much if you're unsure how to pronounce the menu item. French people will understand your accent is not exact, but will appreciate you trying to speak their language.
  6. If you want to make French people happy, learn a variety of pro-French phrases. You can add these to conversation occasionally or use them to convey you're having a good time on your trip. [4]
    • "J'adore Paris" means, "I love Paris." This is pronounced "jay-adore Paris."
    • If you're enjoying your food at a restaurant, say, "La cuisine française est la meilleure du monde." This means, "French food is the best food in the world." It's roughly pronounced "La cuisine fron-sey est la meyer do mond."
  7. A simple "au revoir" is an easy way to say goodbye. Most people, even outside of France, are familiar with the term. However, there are a few other terms you can use to say goodbye. [5]
    • A more informal goodbye is "salut." You can use this with closer friends. It is pronounced "sah-loo."
    • If it's later in the evening, try saying, "Bonne nuit." This means "good night" and is typically used when people are going to sleep or going home for the evening. It's pronounced "bun newee."
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Practicing French Customs

  1. When meeting someone for the first time, a casual handshake is appropriate. However, if you're meeting a closer friend or relative, French people usually offer a small peck on the cheek as a form of greeting. Follow these rules when greeting people in France. [6]
    • If you're trying to give off a French vibe at home, try greeting friends and family members with a kiss like they do in France. Stick to people you're close with, however, as people from non-French cultures may be startled by a cheek kiss.
  2. In France, conversation usually revolves around art, culture, and politics. Read local magazines, local news, as well as international news. This way, you'll have something to talk about that makes you seem more French. [7]
    • To make it easier to keep up with the news, download an app on your phone that lets you read the headlines during downtime during the day.
    • Don't hesitate to bring up your favorite books and works of art. This will make you seem considerably more French.
    • Avoid topics like gossip, especially celebrity gossip, as it's seen as largely uninteresting in France.
  3. Small talk is not a huge part of French culture, but it's occasionally considered appropriate. If someone is making eye contact with you while you're eating alone, don't hesitate to strike up a conversation. During train delays, it's not uncommon for French people to commiserate with one another by casually complaining about the train. [8]
    • Make conversation about typically French topics. For example, ask if a stranger has seen a recent play or art show. Mention a recent story in the paper.
  4. Personal space is a pretty big issue in France. Avoid touching or bumping into people unnecessarily and try to keep your hands to yourself as much as possible when riding on crowded trains. This rule is especially important if you're actually in France as opposed to trying to look French at home. [9]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Dressing Like You're French

  1. A common outfit worn around Paris is a simple pair of Levis, a casual top, and Converse shoes. This is the standard look for the summer months and is bound to make you fit in when traveling in France. [10]
    • As this is not considered a conventional French look outside France, dressing like this may not be the best means to act French at home.
    • Stick to a casual top, such as a t-shirt or button-down shirt.
  2. Business casual attire is also appropriate most of the year in France. For example, opt for dress pants and a button-down suit. You can also try a nice blouse and a skirt or a business casual dress to give off the French vibe. [11]
  3. In the winter months, scarves are a staple of the French style. For an extra French look, pair a scarf with a nice peacoat. This will keep you warm, but still give off a distinctly French style. These are generally worn by both men and women. [12]
    • This is a good look to appear French at home.
    • Make sure your peacoat and scarf match. For example, wear a gray plaid scarf with a gray peacoat.
  4. Shorts are rarely worn in France, even when it's hot outside. If you want to look French, avoid sporting a pair of shorts. Stick to lighter pants, a dress or a skirt if it's unbearably hot outside. [13]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Eating and Drinking like You're French

  1. Portions are generally smaller in France. When having dinner, lunch, or snacks, stick to tiny portions of vegetables, fruits, meats, and other dishes. Eating small, delicate meals will really give off the French vibe. [14]
    • French portions are typically around 25% smaller than American portions. Try to cut back on your usual intake of food by about a quarter to seem French. [15]
  2. In France, breakfast is usually eaten with coffee and on the lighter side. Pastries and breads topped off with jam are typically eaten at breakfast in France. Croissants are a particularly popular breakfast item.
    • Breakfast tends to be very small. A very traditional French breakfast would be a single croissant dipped in a cup of coffee. [16]
  3. Lunch in France usually starts around 11 a.m. What you have for lunch depends on your mood and appetite. You can eat a larger meal at a restaurant or have something light at home.
    • Eat a light appetizer like a soup or salad first. French salads usually only consist of one or two types of vegetables, such as asparagus and leafy greens. [17]
    • Meat or fish with vegetables on the side is a typical entree. Simple sandwiches made with baguettes and stocked with things like ham and cheese are also popular.
    • If you want a light dessert, go for something like a fruit tart.
  4. Dinner is typically eaten with an alcoholic beverage and light appetizers before the main course. Dinner is meant to be a relaxing affair to be enjoyed slowly and savored, so take your time eating dinner.
    • Nuts, olives, and fruits are typical appetizers, often eaten with champagne.
    • Meals are usually started with soup or salad.
    • The entree depends on the region and ranges from meat dishes to pastas. Things like fish cooked in butter and spices and light pastas with greens and eggs are popular in France. [18]
    • A light dessert, such as a cheeseboard, is usually served after dinner.
  5. Coffee is a staple of French culture. However, coffee is served differently than it is in the United States. Rather than a simple cup of coffee, opt for one of the following options: [19]
    • Order a small espresso for a classic coffee. You can also try a double espresso.
    • A café allongé is an espresso served in a larger cup with hot water.
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  • Question
    In another of your articles you said French women would not wear Converse, but in this one you say that they do. Which is it?
    Community Answer
    The articles on wikiHow are user-generated, meaning two different people probably wrote the articles. Not all French women are exactly the same. Some undoubtedly wear Converse.
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    Do French ladies drink tea?
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    Some French ladies do, some prefer coffee/espresso. You should drink what you like!
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    What if I don't drink coffee?
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    This isn't a problem. You can use something that looks like coffee instead.
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      Tips

      • Act as others do when visiting France. The best way to learn how to act French is to observe French people.
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      • Until you have mastered your French, keep French talking short. If you reveal you don't know a lot of French language, you won't look as French.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://frenchtogether.com/french-greetings/
      2. ↑ https://frenchcrazy.com/act-parisian-in-paris/
      3. ↑ http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/basic-french-words-phrases
      4. ↑ http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/basic-french-words-phrases
      5. ↑ http://www.dummies.com/languages/french/french-greetings-and-good-byes/
      6. ↑ http://www.dummies.com/languages/french/french-greetings-and-good-byes/
      7. ↑ http://hellogiggles.com/tips-on-bringing-out-your-inner-francaise-french-woman/
      8. ↑ https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/How-to-Act-French-and-Use-Good-Manners-when-Visiting-France
      9. ↑ https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/How-to-Act-French-and-Use-Good-Manners-when-Visiting-France
      1. ↑ https://frenchcrazy.com/act-parisian-in-paris/
      2. ↑ https://frenchcrazy.com/act-parisian-in-paris/
      3. ↑ https://frenchcrazy.com/act-parisian-in-paris/
      4. ↑ https://frenchcrazy.com/act-parisian-in-paris/
      5. ↑ http://hellogiggles.com/tips-on-bringing-out-your-inner-francaise-french-woman/
      6. ↑ http://www.nbcnews.com/id/19055377/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/french-lessons-eat-petite-take-your-time/#.WWa_0v_ytPM
      7. ↑ http://renegadehealth.com/blog/eating-habits-france
      8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/5-things-we-can-learn-about-lunch-from-the-french-219261
      9. ↑ http://www.mydomaine.com/classic-french-recipes
      10. ↑ https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/How-to-Act-French-and-Use-Good-Manners-when-Visiting-France

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