French Expressions in Paris: 10 Everyday Phrases You’ll Hear (and Love!)

Moving to Paris can feel like stepping into a movie set. The architecture is stunning, the croissants are warm, and the French language—well, it’s everywhere. You may have taken French lessons before arriving, but when you start listening to real conversations in Paris, you’ll notice something: the French you studied and the French people actually speak aren’t quite the same. Parisians, like any locals, have their own ways of speaking. The vocabulary is fast, colorful, emotional, and full of slang. These French expressions from Paris and Île-de-France are used constantly, especially in informal conversations. So if you’re living in Paris or recently arrived in the region, here are 10 everyday French expressions that will help you understand the locals—and maybe even sound like one.  

1)“C’est pas possible !”

Literally: That’s not possibl But actually: “Are you serious?” or “No way!” Used to express surprise, disbelief, frustration—or sometimes all three at once. 🗨 “Tu as oublié ton passe Navigo encore ? – C’est pas possible !”

2) “Ça passe crème”

Literally: It goes cream. Meaning: It went perfectly, without effort. Equivalent to “like a charm” or “easy peasy.” 🗨 “J’ai passé l’examen sans réviser – ça passe crème !” This expression is especially popular among younger Parisians. It’s chill, positive, and effortlessly cool—just like they are. Don’t mix with “café crème.”

3) “Ouf”

Actually: Fou (crazy), but in verlan: Ouf (French slang that flips syllables). It means something wild, intense, amazing—or even terrifying, depending on tone. 🗨 “T’as vu ce concert ? C’était ouf !” You’ll hear it everywhere—from coworkers to metro platforms. Master this one and you’re already halfway to sounding like a local.

4) “Grave”

This word doesn’t mean “serious” anymore (well, not always). In everyday Parisian French, it’s a strong “yes,” “totally,” or “I agree.” 🗨 “Tu veux un café ? – Grave !” Bonus: it’s often said with enthusiasm, and repeated. “Grave grave grave !” 🗨 “T’as encore été voir ce film! T’es grave!” (You’ve seen this movie again! You are weird!)

5) “Vas-y”

Literally: Go ahead. In real life: “Go on,” “Come on,” “Tell me,” “Yeah right,” or even “Let’s go!” This is one of those multi-use expressions that changes meaning based on context and intonation. Watch your tone, and you’re golden. 🗨 “Vas-y raconte !” = “Come on, tell me!” 🗨 “Vas-y toi !” = “Yeah right (mocking or sarcastic).”

6) “T’inquiète”

Shortened form of Ne t’inquiète pas (Don’t worry). Used to calm, reassure, or show confidence. 🗨 “Je vais m’en occuper. T’inquiète.” Sometimes paired with: “ça va le faire” or “ça va aller” (It’ll be fine). When people use it on WhatsApp or SMS, they write it like this: “tkt”—that’s not “thank you,” it’s “T’inquiète.”

7) “J’ai la flemme”

Literally: I have laziness. Used when you’re not motivated, tired, or simply can’t be bothered. 🗨 “Je devais aller à la salle… mais j’ai trop la flemme.” Super common and relatable—especially in winter.

8) “C’est relou”

This one’s verlan again. “Relou” is “lourd” (heavy) reversed. It means annoying, frustrating, or boring. 🗨 “Il faut tout recommencer ? Pfff… c’est relou.” Used constantly in Paris, especially in offices and among students.

9) “Il y a du monde”

Literally: There are people. In context: “It’s packed” or “It’s crowded.” 🗨 “On va ailleurs, là y’a trop de monde.” You’ll hear it often in bakeries, public transport, and Parisian markets.

10) “On se capte plus tard ?”

Literally: Shall we catch each other later? Meaning: “Let’s talk later” or “Catch you later.” Casual, friendly, urban. 🗨 “Bon, je file – on se capte demain ?” Also often used: “On se voit demain”, “On s’appelle”, “A plus!” Want to sound cool and Parisian? Use this instead of “à bientôt.”   Why Should You Learn These French Expressions in Paris? These phrases are not just “nice to know.” They are essential for real communication in Paris. They help you:

• Understand conversations between locals
• Sound more natural in everyday interactions
• Connect better with neighbors, colleagues, and classmates
• Avoid awkward “lost in translation” moments

At Absolutely French, we teach more than just French grammar. Our immersive method helps you understand how French is really spoken—with cultural context, real-life examples, and lots of fun. Want to join us? 👉 https://www.absolutelyfrench.com/learn-french-in-paris/ Want to Dive Deeper into Local French? Understanding French expressions in Paris is just the start. If you’re serious about building a life here—making friends, finding a job, or integrating your family—language and culture go hand in hand. And that’s exactly what we offer at Absolutely French: connection, confidence, and community. 🧠 Did you know? Studies show that learning idioms improves both comprehension and memory when acquiring a new language. So next time someone tells you “C’est ouf !” or “T’inquiète”, you’ll know exactly what they mean—and how to respond like a real Parisian.