French Phrase Book (Eyewitness Travel Guides) [Paperback]

DK Publishing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1998

Featuring pronunciation, a menu guide, a mini-dictionary, hotel information, and emergency phrases.

Sitting at a Parisian bistro, you wish a libation, so you page through this phrase book before you tell the waiter, "Une carafe de vin rouge maison, s'il vous plait." (A carafe of house red, please). Starting by outlining pronunciation, the specific uses of the French word "on" ("I" or "we"), and the genders of nouns, this comprehensive handbook compiles words and phrases commonly required by tourists and business travelers and lists the actual French spellings followed by a listing of the word in English sound syllables. From greetings to deciphering restaurant menus, the this is the perfect French-language traveling companion throughout France. Whether you're trying to order dinner or get back to your hotel, you cannot make your way without knowing what to say, and the Eyewitness Travel Guide Phrase Books are the perfect guide for tongue-tied tourists. These compact, user-friendly books fit right into your pocket or purse, and meet the communications needs of the tourist and business traveler alike. Based on an innovative system of imitated pronunciation, phrases are organized into logical and practical divisions, including time; food and drink; air travel; bus, taxi, and subway information; shopping; health and medical care; and much more. Typical replies to questions you may be asked, as well as signs and instructions you're likely to see or hear, are also given. The guides also include a carefully selected mini-dictionary, and useful conversion tables translating distance, clothing sizes, and weight.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, French

Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT (March 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078943234X
• ISBN-13: 978-0789432346
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 3.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,157,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Make your stay worry-free, December 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: French Phrase Book (Eyewitness Travel Guides) (Paperback)

I have nearly worn out this book on my previous visits to Paris. My friends particularly appreciated it when we looked at menus. I'm now ordering two more for stocking stuffers for those friends. The easy-to-use format provides phonetic pronunciations which help the language slip off one's tongue as if we were natives (well, almost). The book is small--easy to slip into a pocket or bag without the weight of bulky travel guides. I wouldn't leave for France without it.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical & helpful...an excellent book, January 13, 2004

By 

Rodrigo Llamozas (the last cubicle at the end of the hall...) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: French Phrase Book (Eyewitness Travel Guides) (Paperback)

The Eyewitness Travel Phrase books are excellent guides for tourists looking to communicate as much as possible in foreign languages. They include a host of phrases that can be very helpful in many situations - there are the classic "Can you tell me what time it is?" to a variety of more complex or particular expressions. There's also a section on spelling and pronounciation. It also includes expressions used not only while on vacation, but also while doing business.

This little book is also quite handy thanks to it's size, it fits perfectly on any pocket. It also includes a section with a simple dictionary that can be very helpful in identifying a variety of words.

The book is very good at doing its job, which is helping people cross the language barriers while abroad. However, it shouldn't be mistaken with a French course. This book is not meant to teach you the French language, but to give you a good enough understanding of it so you can travel without major inconveniences. If you want to expand on the language, you need to get other books.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice way to begin learning French, December 31, 2001

By 

R L (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: French Phrase Book (Eyewitness Travel Guides) (Paperback)

I think this tiny book is a great way to get started learning French. It was my first dive into the French language, and it
really helped me out with the basics. It's ideal for travelers who do not know much or any French. It even had specific needs covered. For example, it gave several ways to say: "I'm a vegetarian." I also like the simple and easy-to-read layout of the book. It's very visually pleasing.