Must-Know French Gestures and Body Language for Travelers
Master French body language with this essential guide for travelers. Learn common French gestures, facial expressions, and nonverbal cues to communicate naturally and avoid cultural faux pas.
Introduction: Speak French Without Saying a Word
You’ve studied your French vocabulary. You’ve practiced your bonjour and merci. You’ve even memorized how to order a croissant without sounding like a tourist. But once you land in Paris or Marseille, you notice something else entirely: people are speaking with their hands, their faces, their posture.
Welcome to the world of French gestures and body language—the silent yet powerful companion to spoken French.
In France, what you say matters—but how you say it often matters even more. A shrug, a raised eyebrow, a slight hand flick can change the meaning of a sentence or even replace it altogether. These nonverbal cues are woven into daily life, used effortlessly by locals to emphasize a point, express disbelief, or say “no” without uttering a word.
For travelers, learning a few key gestures can dramatically improve communication. It helps you blend in, better understand the mood of a conversation, and avoid awkward misunderstandings. More importantly, it shows respect for the culture—and signals that you're not just a tourist, but a curious and considerate visitor.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the most common French gestures and what they mean. From the expressive Gallic shrug to the subtle pursed lips of disapproval, we’ll decode the body language you’ll encounter in shops, cafés, and conversations across France. We’ll also help you understand when (and when not) to use them, so you can travel with confidence and charm.
1. The Famous Gallic Shrug 🤷♂️
What It Looks Like:
Shoulders raised slightly
Palms facing upward or outward
Eyebrows lifted
Lips puckered or pushed out
What It Means:
“I don’t know.”
“I’m not responsible.”
“What can you do?”
“It’s not my problem.”
This gesture is iconic in France. It expresses a mix of resignation, uncertainty, or lack of accountability—and is often used in customer service interactions.
Where You’ll See It:
Asking for directions someone doesn’t know, dealing with a closed store on Sunday, or when the Wi-Fi isn’t working and no one knows why.
2. The “Bof” Gesture 😐
What It Looks Like:
A slight shrug
Lips pushed forward into a pout
Sometimes accompanied by a sigh or the word bof (meh)
What It Means:
Indifference
“I don’t really care.”
“It’s okay, I guess.”
Example:
Ask a French friend what they thought of the latest Marvel movie?
They might respond with “Bof…” and a shrug.
This gesture expresses apathy or mild disapproval. It’s subtle but unmistakable.
3. The Cheek Flick (La Barbe) 🧔
What It Looks Like:
Back of the hand brushes the cheek
Often accompanied by a slight grunt or roll of the eyes
What It Means:
“This is boring.”
“I’m over it.”
“So tedious…”
Historically, this gesture references a growing beard, a sign of boredom or weariness. Today, it’s used more playfully, often among teenagers or in casual contexts.
4. The Chin Flick (Dismissive Gesture) 👋
What It Looks Like:
Fingers or hand flicked out from under the chin, forward and upward
What It Means:
“Get lost.”
“I don’t care.”
“Whatever.”
Be careful with this one—it’s considered rude in most settings and conveys strong dismissal or contempt. Not advised for travelers to use, but definitely useful to recognize.
Where You Might See It:
Teenagers arguing, someone brushing off a street performer, or an impatient driver in traffic.
5. The Finger Drag Under the Eye 👁️
What It Looks Like:
Index finger dragged from the outer corner of the eye toward the temple
What It Means:
“Watch out.”
“I’m skeptical.”
“Stay sharp.”
This gesture expresses caution, suspicion, or awareness. It’s often used in dramatic or humorous ways in conversations.
6. The Purse of the Lips (La Bouche en Cul de Poule) 😗
What It Looks Like:
Lips tightly pursed forward in a small circle
Often paired with a sharp exhale or narrowed eyes
What It Means:
Disapproval
“Non.” (no) without saying the word
Judgment or dismissal
Used by grandmothers, waiters, and people silently judging your fashion choices, this nonverbal “no” is powerful—and unmistakably French.
7. Tapping the Side of the Head 🧠
What It Looks Like:
Finger taps the temple lightly, sometimes with a small circular motion
What It Means:
“That’s smart!”
“Use your head!”
Or, depending on tone: “That person is crazy.”
Tone and context are everything here. It can express admiration for cleverness or sarcasm about someone’s mental state.
8. The Finger Kiss 💋🤌
What It Looks Like:
Fingers kissed, then flicked outward, palm up
What It Means:
“Delicious!”
“Perfect!”
“So good it deserves a kiss!”
This gesture celebrates food and pleasure—very Italian in feel, but often used in France too, especially in culinary contexts.
9. The Shoulder Tap / Air Pointing 👆
What It Looks Like:
Shoulder shrug combined with quick finger pointing in various directions
What It Means:
“I don’t know, ask over there.”
“Try that way.”
“Not my job.”
This improvised gesture can mean vague directions or shifting responsibility. It's commonly used by cashiers, ticket takers, or Metro employees.
10. Counting on Fingers (Start with the Thumb!) 🖐️
In France, counting on fingers starts with the thumb, not the index finger like in the U.S.
So:
1 = thumb
2 = thumb + index
3 = thumb + index + middle finger
Why it matters:
If you ask for un café and raise your index finger, some may interpret it as “two” (especially in a noisy café).
11. The Eyebrow Raise 😲
Often used alone or in combination with a shrug, a slight eyebrow raise can express:
Surprise
Mild annoyance
Interest
“Are you serious?”
It’s subtle—but powerful. Mastering this will make you look très français.
12. Air Kisses (Les Bises) 😘
While not exactly a gesture of speech, understanding the bises is key to navigating social greetings:
1–2 kisses on the cheek (air kisses, not full contact)
Usually right cheek first
Varies by region—don’t initiate unless you know the custom
Used among friends, family, and colleagues, this gesture replaces hugs or handshakes in more personal contexts.
FAQs: French Gestures and Body Language
Q: Are French people really more expressive with gestures than Americans?
A: Not necessarily more expressive, but they use different gestures with precise meanings. Subtlety is key in France.
Q: Should I use these gestures as a traveler?
A: Some, yes—like the “bof” shrug or finger kiss. Others, like the chin flick or cheek flick, can be rude if used incorrectly. Observe first, and mimic respectfully.
Q: What’s the safest gesture to use to show appreciation?
A: The finger kiss or simple nod with a smile. You can also say “C’est parfait!” with a thumb up.
Q: Is the “OK” hand sign used in France?
A: Not commonly—and in some countries, it’s even offensive. Instead, say “Parfait!” or give a thumbs-up.
Q: Can gestures vary between regions of France?
A: Yes! Parisians might be more restrained; southern French tend to be more expressive. The bises greeting also varies regionally.
Want to Learn the Full Language—Gestures Included?
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we believe learning French is about more than just verbs and vocabulary. It’s about communication in all its forms—including gestures, tone, rhythm, and cultural nuance.
Our French courses for adults in Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Marin are designed to bring real-world fluency to life. Small classes, expert instructors, and immersive content help you build confidence not just to speak—but to connect.
👉 Sign up for our French classes today and start communicating with words, expressions, and gestures like a true Parisian.