Every time I go to France, I see tourists make embarrassing mistakes in dealing with the French and there are some that make me cringe or laugh. Just a forewarning that in the French language there are many double meanings. So, when you go to France, please watch how you handle these situations as some can be very embarrassing.
Embarrassing Mistakes You Say? You Be The Judge.
Hot or Horny?
Don’t say, “Je suis chaud”. Let’s say it’s summer and it’s 95 degrees in Paris. Yes, you are (temperature) hot and you should say, “J’ai chaud” just as you would say I am thirsty (“J’ai soif”) or I am hungry (“J’ai faim”). You do NOT say, “Je suis chaud”. It basically means, “I am horny”.
Kisses
The Verb “To Kiss”
Don’t use the word “biser” as a verb (to kiss) as it can also be a vulgar slang term depending on the context. If you are not careful, you might say, “Il m’a baisée” which means “He f____ed me” even though you thought you were saying, “He kissed me”.
It’s better to say, “Il m’a embrassée”, “faire une bise”, or “faire une bisou” to mean to give a kiss on the cheek.
Number of Kisses
Don’t kiss the wrong number of times. You’ve seen it in the movies: two people greet each other and kiss each other on the cheek. It really isn’t a “kiss” but a coming together of the cheeks. The kiss is a “la bise”. Kisses are given on each cheek by men and women to the same and opposite sex. But did you know that different regions have different number of kisses? Here’s the rule:
- 2 bises (one on each cheek) is for Paris
- 3 bises are often used in the south of France
- 4 bises are often used in the north of France
You’re Good….In Bed?
I know you want to congratulate someone by saying, “Tu es bonne” (“You’re good”), but unfortunately, this means “You’re good in bed” (well, actually something worse than that). Instead, say, “Tu chante bien” (You sing well)—say what the person is good at.
Squeezing The Melons
Don’t squeeze the melons! Just point to what you want or tell the seller what you want and have him/her get it for you. When in France we don’t touch the produce! (Exception: sometimes in a grocery store where you choose and weigh your own products).
Dressing Too Casually
Don’t wear sweat pants, yoga pants, flip flops, shorts or running shoes (unless you are actually running). In some churches shoulders should be covered. It’s more a sign of respect in many churches and dressing inappropriately is frowned upon. The French do casual chic better than any other nation. Join them.
Now that you’re aware of some embarrassing mistakes you could make, be sure to check out these two posts:
17 Comments
Judy
September 26, 2015 at 8:25 amNow I have to return to France….
Because I have not had the opportunity, which was always a bit surprising now that I think of it, to say I’m horny so kiss me and squeeze me. And in my best French attitude with my head held high, “I’ve course I’m good in bed!” It was probably because of what I was wearing!!!!
Bola
September 26, 2015 at 10:01 amWhen I return to France I’ll make sure I practice these phrases….hilarious!
Donna Janke
October 19, 2015 at 4:41 pmFun post of French faux pas. Your comments about French language errors point out the dangers of literal translation. Not knowing the “double meaning” can certainly lead to embarrassing moments. There are other parts of Europe where modest dress is expected in churches. When I was Spain, not only were shoulders to be covered, but knees as well.
Jan
October 19, 2015 at 6:29 pmThanks so much. I’m sure there are even more things we do wrong without even realizing….in many counties!
The GypsyNesters
October 19, 2015 at 6:40 pmGood tips no doubt, but from the looks of it I might be better off just keeping my mouth shut. 😉
Jan
October 19, 2015 at 6:41 pmLoved your comment. I chuckled!
Billie Frank
October 19, 2015 at 8:41 pmWell- at least I know that I won’t make mistake #6 in Paris as they aren’t in my wardrobe- the others, well- entirely possible.
Jan
October 19, 2015 at 8:44 pmToo funny!
Suzanne Stavert
October 19, 2015 at 9:45 pmThank you for the tips. My French is not very good, so I can always use these tips!
Jan
October 19, 2015 at 10:13 pmYou’re welcome. And I know there are so many more things travellers mistakenly do (and say)!
karen escalera
October 20, 2015 at 9:07 amI wish they taught this in French class! Great tips. I particularly liked the part about the number of kisses in different regions of the country. Fascinating.
Jan
October 20, 2015 at 9:12 amDefinitely wouldn’t learn this at Alliance Francaise, but I did learn it at Ecole des Trois Ponts in Roanne, France! Great school.
Shelley
October 20, 2015 at 9:56 amI’m pretty sure I’ve said “Je suis chaud” so I’ll be careful about that next time! I’ve also been reprimanded for touching the strawberries, and corrected for saying “Ou est le toilette” – “Non, ou est LA toilette!” oops! 🙂
Jan
October 20, 2015 at 10:02 amYikes! Yes, the French are very good at correcting mistakes we make…..which I don’t mind….or maybe I’m just used to it!
Joel
September 25, 2019 at 11:40 pmThanks for the good tips on visiting France.
Pierre
February 22, 2022 at 9:47 amAs someone who lives in France, the one about dressing is just nonsense.
Dressing too casually is no more of a problem than it is the US. People wear jogging bottoms, leggings and sneakers all the time. It’s just not a problem.
Of course, if you’re going to a formal event then you need to make an effort, but that’s the same as everywhere.
Pierre
February 22, 2022 at 10:00 amOther than that, good tips. French can be a confusing language, especially for english speakers