Will I be okay?

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There are people who speak English (mostly people who deal with tourists). The only words you need to know are: (i'll put them phonetically) please- si voo play (please) merci bow koo (thank you very much) merci (thanks) pardona me (excuse me) no (no) wee (yes) parley voo... (do you speak -insert language-)

That's all I knew when I went to France and I did alright. Granted I was in a big group but the shop keepers understand if you make yourself clear. Carry a map incase you get lost and know the name of your hotel. The people I encountered were not hostile or rude. I tried to speak as much French as I could and they seemed like they appreciated it. The younger generation might also know some of the other languages you speak. They are raised multi-lingual.

Hello-Paris

No problem, many people understand some words in english in Paris...if you speak slowly...

There are english menus in many restaurants in touristic places.

Welcome in Paris.

Esmerelda

I have friends who don't speak a word of French and had a terrific time in Paris. Most Europeans speak more than one language - its required in school unlike here in America. You should be fine. Just don't be afraid to try and learn the words for please and thank you. The Europeans prize polite manners as much as anything else.

trixielaboo

If you already speak multiple languages, you should have no trouble picking up enough French to get by (assuming you aren't leaving tonight)

Grab a Lonely Planet phrasebook and have un tres grande vacances =)

danceprincess7777

You should be fine! Don't worry! Because Paris is huge with tourists, there will be many people there speaking English. However, you may want to learn basic words like hello (Bonjour), goodbye (Au Revoir), please (S'il Vous Plait), and your welcome (De Rien or Bienvenue). You may also want to bring a translator or French-English dictionary, but you should be fine. If you really are worried than you could maybe take a French course somewhere if you find one being offered. I hope I helped! Have a great trip!

lingua06437

You'll be just fine. Many French people speak English, not to worry.

Learn a few phrases. Honestly try to speak the language. You already speak other languages - so this shouldn't be hard for you at all. Many words in English and French are the same. What pisses off the French is when people go to their country and "expect" them to know English. Once they see you at least making the attempt to speak their language they will be happy with you for having made the effort and then help you out.

The French are really nice people!

Anyway - you say you speak 3 other languages. The French are known for being multi-lingual too. So even if they don't speak English they might very well speak one of the others you do speak.

Have a good time!

alina

ja, many people can speak english there....everything will be ok..

Rose T

Of course you'll be okay, as you would know if you had looked at any of the many, many, many other times this same question (or alternate versions of it) has been asked.

dany

Yes. They speak many languages in France. I you speak English you should be okay. Additionally, knowing a couple of phrases will make the easy process even easier. Learn phrases like Je Vou Dre (I would like) Parlaovou Anglais (Do you speak English)!!!

Enjoy your vacation

*danny*

Kim

You will be fine. Almost everyone you will need to talk to will speak english. In large cities in France (Paris) companies hire people who speak more than one language.. especially English. All the attractions there have signs or people who speak at least 7 languages. Most of the hotels in Paris speak in English also. If worst comes to worse and you run into a problem and someone doesn't speak English (Very rare) Most likely there are so many tourist there that speak English you will have no problem. Good luck and Have fun. France is an awesome country!!

SUE

You should be fine. Try to learn the basics, Bonjour, merci, s'il vous plaÃ®t, de rien, and au revoir, and you'll at least get enough people to help you to get by.

I understand they're a lot nicer in Paris these days, than they used to be, but the reputation is taking a long time to erode.

riotgrrl

most european countries are english speaking, and actually, the US is one of the few countries where it is unusual for people to be biligual or trilingual.

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