🇫🇷 Making Small Talk in French
French small talk is different from English — the weather won't get you far. Here's how to make genuine conversation in French.
📝 Key phrases
| 🇫🇷 French | 🇬🇧 Translation |
|---|---|
| Comment allez-vous ? | How are you? (formal) |
| Ça va ? / Ça va bien, merci. | How's it going? / Good, thanks. |
| Vous êtes d'où ? | Where are you from? |
| Qu'est-ce que vous faites dans la vie ? | What do you do for a living? |
| Vous habitez ici depuis longtemps ? | Have you lived here long? |
| Il fait beau aujourd'hui ! | Nice weather today! |
| Vous avez des projets pour le week-end ? | Do you have plans for the weekend? |
| C'était super de discuter avec vous ! | It was great chatting with you! |
| On reste en contact ? | Shall we keep in touch? |
| Bonne journée ! | Have a great day! |
Cultural tip
In France, you must always greet with "Bonjour" before starting any conversation — even in shops, at the post office, or with a stranger. Skipping it is considered very rude.
Common mistake
Don't use "tu" with someone you've just met unless they're around your age and in a casual setting. When in doubt, use "vous" — switching too early to "tu" can make French people uncomfortable.
💬 Conversation with Emma
E
Bonjour ! Ça va ?
Hello! How's it going?
You
Ça va bien, merci ! Vous êtes d'où ?
Good, thanks! Where are you from?
E
Je suis parisienne. Et vous ?
I'm from Paris. And you?
You
Je viens des États-Unis. J'habite ici depuis trois mois.
I'm from the US. I've been living here for three months.
E
Ah super ! Il fait beau aujourd'hui, non ?
Oh great! Nice weather today, right?
You
Oui ! Vous avez des projets pour le week-end ?
Yes! Do you have plans for the weekend?
E
Je pense aller au marché. C'était super de discuter !
I'm thinking of going to the market. Great chatting!
You
Oui ! On reste en contact. Bonne journée !
Yes! Let's keep in touch. Have a great day!
Practice this situation out loud
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