French people always say ‘Bonjour’ – or even better ‘Bonjour Monsieur, Madame’ first to people they want to talk to.When invited to a dinner party, French guests always ask about the food they’re eating: the recipe, how easy or difficult to make, how did the host come about that specific dish….But, don’t come with mums, they’re the flowers you see on all the tombs in French cemeteries. It might just be that your host had another varietal in mind. Don’t worry if your bottle of wine isn’t open that day. The gift doesn’t have to be much: flowers, chocolates, or even wine. I never go empty-handed to someone’s house.So, you might find yourself being greeted with 2, 3 or even 4 kisses by a friend of a friend, a total stranger to you ? The French kiss easily on the cheeks, even if they’re total strangers to one another.List of things French people do or don’t do Les différences culturelles – Cultural differences In Depth – En détail Let’s learn more about the French and their ways It will go a long way, I promise! And learn a bit of French with my Beginner’s course before you go to France.
FAUX PAS MEANING IN FRENCH HOW TO
Oui – Learn how to say “Bonjour, Au revoir and Merci’.Oui – Greet the salesperson with a “Bonjour ”.Non -Don’t expect to return your purchases to the store for an exchange or a refund.Having them under the table might get you awkward looks. Oui – Leave your hands visible on the table.Oui – Drink water or wine with your meal.Be extra careful if you have food allergies. Non – Don’t expect your dish to be altered in a restaurant.Non – Don’t expect to eat at any time of the day.Say VOUS until someone clarifies the social situation. Non – Don’t use the TU form, unless you’re being addressed as TU.If you don’t, your host will look at you like you’re from another planet. Oui – Have that cocktail or drink your host is offering.Non – Don’t pay compliments on the clothes they’re wearing, the jewelry they have, or their hairdos.Oui – Try to avoid money and age topics in a casual conversation.Oui – Talk profusely about the food your host prepared for you.Non – Don’t bring chrysanthemums to a dinner party – they’re the ultimate death flower.Oui – Bring a small gift when invited to somebody’s house.Oui – Accept that kiss – or these kisses – a friend is about to give you to greet you ‘Bonjour’ with.Here is a list of what the French do and don’t do. Sometimes, it’s funny to be kissed on the cheeks by a stranger, but don’t go and offend your host by offering them chrysanthemums for the dinner table!īut in the meantime, don’t make faux pas in France. The French, like any culture I guess, have a set way of dealing with customs and social rules. Does it mean the French master the ‘right etiquette’? I’ll let you be the judge of that ? The very words ‘faux pas’ and ‘etiquette’ are both French. French Faux Pas to Avoid French Faux Pas to Avoid Des Faux pas à Éviter en France French Faux Pas – Don’t make French Blunders!