French · Real conversations
Local transport: useful French phrases
Find the right route and the right stop.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- Bus
le bus
Bus
- How do I get to…?
Comment je vais à… ?
How do I get to…?
- Turn left
tournez à gauche
Turn left
- Turn right
tournez à droite
Turn right
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | French |
|---|---|
| Bus | le bus Bus |
| How do I get to…? | Comment je vais à… ? How do I get to…? |
| Turn left | tournez à gauche Turn left |
| Turn right | tournez à droite Turn right |
| Am I going the right way? | Je vais dans la bonne direction ? Show English translationAm I going the right way? |
| How many stops are left? | Il reste combien d'arrêts ? Show English translationHow many stops are left? |
| Could you tell me when to get off? | Pourriez-vous me dire quand descendre ? Show English translationCould you tell me when to get off? |
| Is it within walking distance? | On peut y aller à pied ? Show English translationIs it within walking distance? |
| Does this bus stop at ...? | Ce bus s'arrête à … ? Show English translationDoes this bus stop at …? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Cette rue mène vers le musée.
This street leads toward the museum.
You
Je vais dans la bonne direction ?
Am I going the right way?
Partner
Oui. Vous pouvez aussi prendre ce bus.
Yes. You can take this bus instead.
You
Il reste combien d'arrêts ?
How many stops are left?
Local transport in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
