What not to do in France
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2017
- Get the full transcript: www.frenchtruly.com/what-not-t...
Here is a very useful list of what not to do in France. Yes countries are different, cultures are different. Some things are done here and seem perfectly normal yet they’re not done there and they will make you look like a weirdo or worse… rude!
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Thank god for the French.
-Polite greetings when entering stores
-Not talking about money
-Talking quietly so I don’t have to hear others bickering
-not having to hug so personally
-don’t have to talk about corrupt politics
I wish I was French... moving there as soon as I finish university
Zishawn Malik Don’t forget that most are atheists. Sounds way better than the US.
The Paris one is how Brits feel when they get asked if they're from London 😂
I just wrote a comment about that, then I saw your comment haha
I spent 4 months with my family in Toulouse the summer of '14. Were visiting friends. We are very loud, and we love to joke and laugh together. We're also a very loving bunch, so we hug. It was different for the people we met, but they got used to it. They just referred to us as the crazy Americans, but they loved it when we came around. I like the French.
Ha ha thanks for sharing your fun story and glad to hear you love us too :-)
I would like to add that if you are a man, and after a time another french man "fait la bise", it means you gained a place in his inner circle, its a sign that that person likes you (in a friendly manner) and most likely trusts you.
This can be true yes :-)
Hi Virginie!!! I`m learning so much with your videos, I´m an argentinian who loves to learn different languages and with you I`m testing my english and lerning french at the same time, thank you!
A great video to see BEFORE you go to France and not after!
Also - never spit in public in France - especially in the Paris region or its environs. It is very disconcerting at least, but at worst, it could attract the "gendarme" (or, in French "argot" - a "flic" - cop) who saw your spit to stop you, interrogate you, and even worse - in a few cases - cite you with a ticket, and that means you have to pay a "demande" (or legal fine) for your spitting display.
n'importe quoi...
It wouldn't attract a gendarme in Paris since the Paris cops are "Police nationale". The gendarme deals with small towns and rural areas. With some exceptions.
Une amende
A few more ones:
- If a Frenchman opens a bottle of Pouilly sur Loire or Condrieu don't you ask for ice cubes!
- Never make a reference to the last time the "15 de France" got crushed by English rugbymen in the Stade de France.
- Don't try to convince a Frenchman that "Marmite" is edible.
- If you want to leave your kids to your in laws for a couple of weeks, just make sure you inform them 3 years in advance.
- And remember, nothing noticeable happened on 18 June 1815..
Hilarious thank you :-)))))
When I first arrived to France (Lyon) I couldn't speak well and I certainly didn't know a lot of phrases. I went to a kebab restaurant and talked with the server about hurricaine Irma, the coverage of which was playing on the TV. I mentioned that where I lived (Miami) was in its path, and how my parents are preparing. When I left shortly after, he said "Au revoir, bon courage!" and I replied with..... bon courage. It took me three seconds to realize "bon courage" wasnt "bonne journee" and that I could never return there again
John Derks 🤣
Thank you so much!!! It helped me a lot!!!So usefull video and btw .... Are you from Paris?
Ha ha ha non pas du tout! ;-)
When I went to the states, Americans often asked if I was from London when I told them I was from England. To see the confused look on their faces when I told them I have never been to London, was priceless haha. It would never cross my mind to ask if a French person is from Paris. Great video and tips, thank you!
Merci!
Things that may or may not be considered rude to French people:
Eating before everyone gets their meal served.
Not bringing a bottle of wine or something to a party you are invited to.
Arriving on time or before you are expected. Petite quart d'heure?
Drinking too much alcohol or public intoxication.
Women showing too much skin? I noticed in smaller towns, it is not polite.
Not looking at each other in the eyes when toasting/cheering.
Classifying one's race or ethnicity instead of just French? It is taboo.
Not stepping to the side on an escalator.
well... if you think to bring a bottle of wine at a dinner or lunch you're invited to, first ask your host if he/she accept that, and what kind of wine. It depends on the meal prepared, so you could do a mistake. And of course that could mean that your host isn't capable to choose himself/herself a wine for his/her meal ! wrong again !
Eating before everyone gets their meal served is impolite in france, and yeah kinda rude ( would look like you don’t care for the people not served) table traditions are important only in some case except for this one and a few other rules
Drinking too much alcohol... only do it with good friends... but not too far...
Yeah hold right in escalators, I even crossed a sign in a french subway escalator yesterday saying “tenez la droite” or “hold right”
Arriving on time is rude?
Shammah Sowah yes, if I invite you at 20h you are supposed to arrive at 20h15-20h30, after that you are late and it's not polite! :p
And if you come at 20h, I may be not ready with the dinner or the clothes I wear etc, and it will be embarrassing for me, so you have to let me an extra 15 minutes haha.
I understand that it can looks crazy for foreigners but.. xD
But this is only for friends and dinner party etc, not in professional life
@@celivalg Eating before everyone gets their meal served is impolite in US also.
That's funny. In Canada, it's the opposite! Most people dislike talking about Politics (like myself) but don't mind discussing Religion. Of course, everyone is different. This is just my experience.
I was dating a guy in France once. I hadn't seen him in a while, so I hugged him when he came over. He looked at me like I was crazy.
I have met some very lovely French women and a couple men who are very religious and proud of their Catholicism and were very open about their faith.
C'est une très bonne liste ! Quand il s'agit de rencontrer des gens que l'on ne connait pas surtout. Pour la plupart des éléments, j'ai du mal à m'imaginer une personne de mon entourage s'offusquer (surtout les hugs, mes amis français en raffolent, car l'affection c'est chouette haha). Mais il faut dire que la plupart de mes connaissances ne sont pas des "purs français de souche", et que leurs mœurs sont peut-être assez peu représentatives de la France. Comme souvent, l'un des meilleurs conseils reste "follow your instincts, observe and be perceptive, and you'll soon know what's ok and what is not. Commonsense is always a plus.". Très vague en somme, mais toujours valable en toute situation ^^
Agree with observe and be perceptive :-) definitely! Et merci pour le message!
as a child I would sometimes get my hand stuck on my sisters back, she laughed got up and walked away.
I've only ever been to Paris (for two days) and I had only been learning French for 2/3 months beforehand. I was using Duolingo and the course hadn't got to formal speech yet. So...I didn't know about formality at all. When I got to France, late afternoon, I went to the local McDonald's and, after using the machines, went to the person at the till and asked "Excuse-moi, tu parles anglais?". She didn't seem to understand, so, I (politely) repeated myself and she still didn't understand, she even seemed scared. Eventually, the security guard came over and spoke to me in English and told me how much money to give and that he'd bring the food over. I later learned, not long after, that one must use "Vous" When speaking to a stranger and now imagine myself as, despite being friendly, this rude, obnoxious Brit. I have to say it is probably one of my most embarrassing moments
Fortunately, it's been 1y 6m since then and my French has improved. Hopefully, one day, I'll be able to move to France and work as an English teacher, and this will be my story to share 😄
Wow I have learnt alot from u
Salut! I've been trying to learn French for the past month, using Babbel. However I was wondering if you had any opinions on good textbooks to study, and good French authors to improve my reading? Thanks you.
Since you are quite new to French I would try something not too hard for the moment. I remember reading Les yeux jaunes des crocodiles many years ago and found it very entertaining. Easy and good read :-)
Big fun of you and your "become a little bit french" expression! A French kind of charming!!
Oh..Big fan of you ..
Glad to hear it thank you for sharing :-)
French people: Don't hug other people, it is intimate.
Also French people: Kiss stranger time!
Cultures are definitely very different from one another, and what draws the line between appropriate or not varies by culture.
Bonjour Français vraiment tv. Je parle un peu Français. Merci de m’aider à en parler davantage
Bonjour! 🙂 I have a question about saying hello in a store. If the proprietor is in conversation with another customer when you enter, do you still automatically say bonjour or wait until they have finished the conversation? Also, when and how is it used in big department stores or warehouse/supermarkets? Merci!
Big stores - say Bonjour when you go to the checkout
If they’re speaking to someone - just carry on with your business as normal, and then say it the next time you make eye contact (that’s if they’re still not speaking to someone)
I will
I was in Paris on a study abroad program, we had a guided tour of the Louvre!! But, the guide moved so FAST, I was running to keep up. I ran into and / or rudely cut off a few people trying not to get lost, I was so ANGRY that I couldn't relax and enjoy the lovely art and had to look alike the 'ugly American' so as NOT to lose my group. Well, later when we were in the Latin Quarter and the same crap happened... I gave up and enjoy wandering the Cathedral by myself and NOT standing out as the 'ugly American!!'
How does trying to catch up with the group make you ugly?
It's really great to talk about politics...that shows the citizens care about what's going on...now the unfortunate fact that they maybe say wrong or prejudiced things is just part of it...
Does the taboo around bringing up religion and politics also surround other opinions? I like asking people’s opinion on different things (from small to big). I just find them interesting. Mind you I don’t necessarily debate with people about our conflicting opinions unless they begin the debate.
That's a great question. Asking people's opinions is totally fine. When it comes to religion & politics though it would be strange to do it to soon. You have to let things grow a little organically. You'd have to know the person at least a little bit or they might feel a little uncomfortable. Also asking questions in an intelligent and respectful way is different from let's say insisting that God exists or does not exist.
Thanks! That’s very helpful!
I left tips in restaurants a few times in Paris. Just a habit, I guess. And I also took a homeless guy into a restaurant and bought his dinner. The wait staff was not amused.
Bringing a homeless man into a restaurant so he can eat will make the restaurant staff unhappy? If that is not allowed because it would ruin the fanciness/aesthetic of the restaurant I guess that makes sense, but still what.. Culture shock 100.
Hello you teach very well
Thank you always happy to help :-)
If you're visiting France during Le Tour you probably shouldn't ask when the last time a Frenchman won it. 😉
Don’t talk about religion, money, or politics or you will risk offending someone or getting into an unpleasant argument... seem like rules that apply anywhere, not just France (most people who break these rules are honestly probably fishing for a debate, and same goes for the non-religious making negative comments about religion btw). That said, as an American, I am always SO embarrassed aboard and I really cringe at how LOUD Americans are in public places. How many times have I been sitting in public transportation, or in a restaurant, or strolling down a quiet street... and who does everyone hear shouting and carrying on? Sadly, the Americans :-(
I love americans lol
Almost zero Americans know that it's the American job to assist France where and when needed. Louis XVII wasn't sending free money for nothing, the Louisiana purchase seemed like a really good deal for a REASON, it's because the US obligation IS to help France and that's the way it's supposed to be and Americans should be happy doing it because it's our assigned job.
Thanks, Ma'am for this video. We are headed to Walloon, Belgium next year to live for a few years, and I'm trying to learn French to live amongst those who live there. As for local customs, I recently lived in Japan for four years, and did my best to abide by Japanese customs, like never sticking chopsticks upright in a rice bowl. I got along great there; the Japanese are a very polite people. When I get to France and Belgium I will likewise do my best to be polite and a respectful. Donc, je suis americain. Je suis qui je sui. That ain't gonna change. I will never initiate any commentary about the USA or its politics. However, I won't tolerate any anti-American commentary directed at myself by others just for being American. I won't initiate it, but I guarantee I will finish it. There are way too many cemeteries in France with tens of thousands of graves of dead American Soldiers... brave Americans who never came home from European wars. As for those in customer-service positions, I can't tell you how many times I've heard about "bad service" in France. That surely is a cultural difference... in the USA people spend their money where they are treated the best, and tend not to go to places where they are mistreated by those in service positions.... but I am adaptable, and understand ahead of time what to expect. I look forward to a wonderful time in Belgium (and France).
I agree with you! I have a fair amount of American friends who say they are Canadian when they travel to Europe, which I find so so sad! If someone gives you a hard time because of where you're from they're not worth spending time with anyway! Service is great in France! As long as I am happy, positive, pleasant, and polite, no matter where I go people respond very well! Have fun!
Merci for the response! I always try and be polite when in another country. And, I really do appreciate the advice. (M)
Can we ask: Vous venez d’où? Instead of : vous venez de Paris?
Yeees of course!! You can also say: d'où venez vous?
MDR . Je suis TdJ américaine est pendant que j'ai visité la France en 1978, je suis allée à la prédication avec des TdJ locaux dans la ville de Sceaux. Personne qu'on a rencontré n'était impoli.
Non non en général les Français sont très sympas :-) et même de plus en plus sympas je trouve!
Its a shame a hug is considered too sensual. You don’t have to touch your body/chest together you just put your arms around each other.
No hugs!
Stop avec les câlins, tout le monde aime les câlins, c'est juste que faire un câlin a un inconnu est complètement anormal, on ne le connais pas donc c'est normal de ne pas vouloir
Ensuite ne pas parler fort en public, c'est tout à fait normal, le matin dans le train, métro etc, tout le monde viens de ce réveiller, donc nous sommes grincheux, pareil pour le soirs quand tout le monde est souler de ça journée et peut être même de la semaine.
Absolutely agree ! Indiscrete tourists need to be shown their place in France.
What about speaking english to them? Will they get upset?
No, they won't but only about 38% of the French speak English and most who do don't speak very well. When people say that the French "got upset" because they spoke English, the problem was usually they were rude, not the language they were rude in. Americans in particular tend to be used to treating people like shit if they consider them to be below them on the social ladder (like a waitress). That does not fly in France, they'll bite back. Be polite and nobody will get upset.
So, why are you guys always on strike?
Superbe!! tout à fait important pour nous les américains qui ne veulent pas jouer le con
La bise in Asia would be considered sexual by some I know in asia
Its common in the arab
So hugging is sexual but kissing isn't?
The French logic is that a hug is extremely intimate, possibly even sensual or even sexual, on the basis that, well, it's one body right up next to another.
Well, the kiss we use as to say hello is kind of an indirect kiss, only our cheeks touch each other, not the lips (and I feel it pretty awkward when some man kiss me directly on the cheek instead of cheek to cheek). So no, this isn't. And when people really kiss, well they're in couple!
They are kissing the air. Just like she said.
Hilarious self-satisfied list of dos and don ts aimed at Les étrangers. Does the same etiquette apply to the Germans, or is the snooty contempt just reserved for the English?
Richard Paddington It applies to everyone who isn't French. Germans experience the same thing.
5:10 just beautiful..
I..regretted..saying..I..was..American..😂😂
Wouldn't have made a bit of difference. Most of the time Americans are obvious anywhere in Europe and if not, as soon as you open your mouth the game is up. Telling people is superfluous.
@@seybertooth9282 Funny because when I didn't mention I was American people would ask me where I was from, or even guess I was from somewhere else. So they didn't know. Telling people is necessary sometimes because people ask.
May God always make you happy
I think he just tried to be nice with us, don't be so rude !
I laughed at the benzodiazepin part though, good one ^_^
Hahaha this is pretty funny. I'm currently traveling through west europe and arrived in france, now already 4 weeks. I think i will watch your videos from now on :p and also, to add a tip, be carefull with your stuff, you may get robbed, croissants arent that crazy good, not only wine is good, also great beer, men are a bit too macho, dont take the subway if you cant stand small places. Not sure why the french do not speak english very well, it isn't very productive, doesnt help with tourism, kinda makes you feel like an asshole. Than again, i came here to learn french while playing music, so for me it isnt a problem. Also, to put some contrast on the linguistics, alot of people actually do speak some english, but u have to meet them halfway, learn some basic words in french, because they did the same for english. Use the flixbus whenever you can, much cheaper, or blablacar(never used this, but i got recommended). I hope to learn alot from you!
Www.Kennyartistpage.com
I hear partly why the French don't speak English well is 1 . Native French speakers are often their teachers ( strong French accent ) 2 . They are very hard on each other ; make fun of how poorly they speak English so it can be a deterrent from practicing ....
Have not ever seen a silent French) the loudest, talkative and gossiping ones...
J'ai été élevé dans le culte appelé les Witnesses de Jéhovah. Si vous ouvrez la porte au moins lassez eux savior que ils sont une part du un culte. Mon frere reste un part de ce cult et meme ne parle pas du tout avec ma mere. I really still want to hear about how your mom welcomed the Jehovah's Witnesses! When I was forced to knock on doors as a child these kinds of interactions were the high-lite of my Saturday mornings.
Aaron Stone ouais ils sont très fou. J'ai été élevé avec eux aussi...bon courage !
Merci Beaucoup Anastasia
c'est juste fou d'insister à quel point sur des rituels sans signification - faut être hospitalier au lieu de faire le 'ouh la la ces américains' ou quoi que ce soit. . .
Maybe if the French spoke and laughed louder in public, their teenagers wouldn't scream and shout in public. Why are French teenagers so rude and aggressive. Is it because they have to stay so silent in the classrooms at school?
One another thing you can't really do in France : pigtails for women in public. I explained that to an English speaking woman in Paris and she immediately ask "whaaat ? Why ?" ... You will really look like a weirdo here, to say the least, if you do so here ...
Let me say a slightly different truth. French men scream at women (horror), they never have a gesture of chivalry towards women, if they have to pass (small road, little alley etc.) they come in front of you and pass leaving you there as if you did not exist. You French ask visitors to use all possible precautions so as not to offend you, but you do not give anything back and never consider that everyone has their own sensitivity that should be respected
Basically people i have a better suggestion, when you ho to France don't talk to French and your holiday will be much pleasant and easy!
Do not remove burka in France
Nope, you only have to take them off if a police officer asks (for identity verification). Even then you can ask to go to the police station, in order not to do it in public.
Burqas and niqabs are banned in all public space: work places, shops, schools, public transit or private cars etc.. There is a fine against the trespassers. Perhaps you mix up burqas or niqabs which cover the face entirely with hijabs that cover only the hair ?
Wow, now I understand why the French are perceived as rude and arrogant! No wonder. It’s funny because in movies the French culture is always portrayed as very warm. But, from this video, I’ve realized that the culture is so cold. They hate talking about religion but have religious taboos. That’s weird. And, they prefer to throw food away than to take the food home just because they don’t want to look tacky. However, That action completely contradicts the fact that they don’t like to brag about money. Because by that action, even though they are not saying it, what is implied is that taking food home is beneath them. Before, I thought about France as a place I would like to visit but not anymore. I understand it’s their culture but we’re too different.
Oh God no you got that totally wrong! The French are, in general, perfectly warm and friendly! And no we don't prefer to throw food away. It's just a different mentality. We order what we know we can eat and portions are not too big. From a young age we are taught to finish what's on your plate. For us the contradiction would be to order food and then not eat it. Hope this helps ;-)
It's not that we have religious taboos, we're just free to believe in whatever we want to believe and we respect each other's beliefs and talking about it may get someone offended
We don't talk about money either because rich and poor people live next to each other and the person in front of you for example could have a lot of money and you could be in need and talking about that could again get someone offended (and talking about politics often becomes a little fight so we don't want to fight for our opinion on religions and money too)
Also, about food, there are some fast foods or even restaurants who especially sell food you can take home !
Okay maybe we can get offended easier than other countries' people but actually otherwise I think we're pretty warm ;-)
Totally agree! Super warm :-) just different! How boring would it be if we all thought the same!
Why would you talk politics and not be worried about offending someone, but you won't talk religion?
TheBerkeleyBeauty well actually not everybody talks politics but it concernd everyone whereas you can believe in whatever religion you want to without affecting the other ones (and personally I think we mostly have "friends" (people we talk to) with similar politic opinions but not neccesarily same religions)