Do I need to learn french to go to paris?

Question

I'm going to Europe for 3 months and i was just wondering how well i'm gonna do in places like Paris or Greece, since the only language i speak is english.

Answer 1

Yes you should. Experiencing Europe is a dream come true and you should take advantage of every moment you spend there, specially by learning the languages, you feel more satisfied and people appreciate you more in my opinion.

Answer 2

I've been traveling to Europe twice a year for the last 10 years. The key in any country, including France, is to at least learn some common phrases in the language of the country you are visiting.
Although English is common second language in France, it is considered polite if you can initially speak some French. You'll find the French will give you a warmer reception if you at least try. Even to say Good Day, do you speak English?(Bonjour. Vous parlez anglais?), starts things off in the right manner.
Also, it's all part of the European travel experience. Language is part of the culture. Don't be embarrassed to try!
I highly recommend Rick Steve's language book to get a few basics. They make it easy to learn and they are fun to read.

Answer 3

most people working in tourist places in Paris will speak some English but it's a good idea to learn a little French to help you get by with ordering meals, getting taxis etc, where it's far from guaranteed that they will speak English.
As for Greece, I don't think anyone would expect you to speak Greek, so using English is, strangely, less of an issue.

Answer 4

It's kind of ignorant to go to a country and not speak any of the language. Most people in Paris will speak English but what if you had an emergency - not all speak it.

In Greece, less speak English and then mainly in tourist areas.

Just learn some basics and take a book with you to help you along.

Answer 5

I would recommend at least learning basic phrases (especially if you're staying there for an extended period) like Thank you, Asking for direction, prices, etc. You'll enjoy your stay there a lot that way. I've noticed from my experience that French people hate speaking any other language than French! They take a lot of pride in French, and if you show at least that you're trying to pronounce a basic question, then, you'll go to great lengths to help you out.

The same applies to Greece, although most Greek speak English. To put it blunt, you won't have as many problems in Greece as you would in France.

Have fun.

Answer 6

As a matter of courtesy, you should take a crash course in French and Greek-- you can probably find a French course in your community college (or get a home study course from your local bookstore). You might have to study Greek at home with a home study course from your bookstore. Phrase books alone are difficult if you do not have basic knowledge of the grammar. If you are visiting Germany, it makes a big difference if you can speak German. Though some ppl in those countries have studied English, many ppl there don't speak English regularly and many don't understand English at all. If you do speak English to ppl, ask them if they spk English (don't assume it) and speak slowly. It doesn't help to talk louder (I've seen ppl do this). You'll get a lot more out of your European trip if you can speak the local language. You will find that some Europeans will help you out by answering your questions in English (if you ask the questions in the local language).

Answer 7

Well, I'm from Europe, Hungary. I speak English, French and Spanish.
My experience is that for basic things (ordering in restaurant, asking the way, book a hotel room) English is enough everywhere in Europe.
But, it is always recommended to learn the local language, at least on a basic level. This can help you a lot in everyday stuff!

Answer 8

Don't worry. As a tourist your money will be the only languge they need. I lived in France (Paris) for a year and picked up enough French to be understood whilst I was there. Most of the tourist populated places have people that speak and understand English. You'll have a blast!

Answer 9

well english is a very well know language but not everyone speaks it in paris prehaps you can find people who speak it depending were u go in greece not so much.its always better and more respectful if you know at least a little bit of the langauge , i am an exchnage student in france for 4 months now and belive me when i came here at first i wished i knew more french.plus yours gonna want to be able to converse and meet knew people what if they dont speak english then u miss out alot.

Answer 10

keep you money and merely open your mouth! ignore the faculty, i'm no longer kidding, been there, executed that...The French are netorious at correcting your french if you aren't any further utilizing it correct. do not get insulted at the same time as they do, merely bypass with the bypass because the astounding even thier own. In 3 months, you'll have an truly strong operating expertise, in 6 months you'd be speaking like a champ and by technique of a three hundred and sixty 5 days you'd be fluent. that's assuming you do not bypass everywhere the position the'll communicate English to you.

Answer 11

You do not need to learn French to be in Paris, so long as you do not go too far out of city limits. Most people DO speak English in Western Europe.

I have never been to Greece, so I cannot vouch for that.