Canada

How to Speak Canadian French: Key Phrases for Travel and Summer Camp

You may or may not know that Canada proudly recognises two official languages: English and French. While English is the most widely spoken language across the majority of the country, French is mainly spoken in the eastern province of Quebec and is an official language in the three northern territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut). New Brunswick also embraces the language and is the only bilingual province. However, French speakers extend beyond these two provinces and territories, with Francophone communities thriving in other provinces across Canada too. If you're planning a trip to Quebec or are heading there to work as a camp counsellor at a French-speaking summer camp this summer, then you've come to the right place. This blog shares the differences between Canadian French and European French and some useful key phrases and words you might need to use!

Camp Canada

1/5/2025

Key Differences: Canadian French vs. European French

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Canadian French and European French are two distinct variations of the French language, each exhibiting unique characteristics in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. In Canadian French, there are distinctive "ts" and "dz" sounds, as well as a softer "r." Quebec’s vocabulary is a blend of older French terms that have been maintained and new words that have developed locally. While Quebec has strict language protection laws, everyday Quebecois speech ironically includes many English-influenced words and expressions which are uncommon in France.

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Beginner Words/Sentences For Getting Around Quebec

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If you’re travelling to Quebec before or after camp this summer, here are some words/phrases to get you started. While in this province, most people will speak English and French, and there will be bilingual signage. However, making an effort to learn and speak some French goes a long way in showing respect and immersing yourself in the local culture.

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Bon Matin - Good Morning
Merci/ Bienvenu - Thank you/ You’re welcome
S’il vous plaît - Please
Parlez-vous anglais? - Do you speak English
Pourriez-vous m’aider - Could you help me?
Excusez-moi - Excuse me
Pouvez-vous répéter ça encore une fois, s'il vous plaît ? Can you repeat that again, please?
Je m'excuse, Je ne comprends pas - I’m sorry, I don’t understand
L’addition s’il vous plaît - The bill please
Où est la gare/ la gare d’autocars - Where is the train station/bus terminal
À tantôt ! - See you soon
Bonne journée ! – Good day

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Quebec Slang/Phrases

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Le dépanneur – The corner store or convenience store.
Un char – a car (comes from the word chariot)
La fin de semaine - weekend
Le chandail - t-shirt
Les gougounes - flip flops
Les souliers - shoes
Le cellulaire - a cell phone
Être game - to be up for something (e.x Je suis game)
Lâche pas la patate - Don’t give up!
C’est correct - That’s fine!

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Summer Camp French: Useful Words for Camp Counsellors

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If you’re working at a French-speaking camp this summer, here's a list of useful words as a camp counsellor to make your summer in Quebec even smoother.

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Animateur/ Animatrice - Counsellor (m/f)
Sauveteur/ Sauveteuse - Lifeguard (m/f)
Un feu de camp - A campfire
Le déjeuner (breakfast), le dîner (lunch), and le souper (dinner).
Une collation - Snack
Une guimauve/ un chamallow - Marshmallow
La Cabane d’art - Art Cabin
Un lit superposé - A bunk bed
Un coton ouaté – A sweatshirt/ hoodie
La chasse moustique - The Mosquito repellent

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So there you have it! We hope you found these phrases and words useful for your trip to Canada this summer. Whether you're exploring the streets of Montreal or sharing stories around un feu de camp, a little Canadian French (or Quebecois) is sure to unlock richer cultural experiences and connections for you! 🇨🇦