Engaging in small talk is an essential skill when learning a new language. It not only helps in practicing the language but also in understanding the culture and making connections with native speakers. If you’re learning French, mastering everyday phrases can significantly enhance your conversational skills. Here are some commonly used French phrases and words that will help you in making small talk.
Bonjour – Hello/Good morning
This is the most basic and widely used greeting in French-speaking countries.
Bonjour, comment allez-vous aujourd’hui ?
Salut – Hi/Hello
A casual way to greet someone, typically used among friends or peers.
Salut, ça va ?
Comment ça va ? – How are you?
A common way to inquire about someone’s well-being. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Comment ça va, Marie ?
Ça va bien, et toi ? – I’m fine, and you?
A typical response to “Comment ça va?” and a way to reciprocate the question.
Ça va bien, et toi, comment vas-tu ?
Quoi de neuf ? – What’s new?
This phrase is used to ask if there is anything new or exciting happening in the other person’s life.
Quoi de neuf depuis la dernière fois que nous nous sommes vus ?
Passez une bonne journée ! – Have a good day!
A friendly phrase to wish someone well for the day.
Merci pour le café, passez une bonne journée !
Bonne soirée ! – Have a good evening!
Used to wish someone a pleasant evening.
C’était un plaisir de vous rencontrer, bonne soirée !
Au revoir – Goodbye
The standard way to say goodbye in French.
Au revoir, à demain !
Excusez-moi – Excuse me
This can be used to get someone’s attention or to apologize for a minor inconvenience.
Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous me dire où est la gare, s’il vous plaît ?
Merci – Thank you
An important word in any language, expressing gratitude.
Merci beaucoup pour votre aide !
De rien – You’re welcome
A polite response to “Merci.”
Oh, de rien du tout !
Je m’appelle… – My name is…
A phrase used to introduce oneself.
Je m’appelle Julien. Et vous, comment vous appelez-vous ?
Enchanté(e) – Nice to meet you
A polite expression used after meeting someone for the first time. Note that “Enchanté” is for males and “Enchantée” for females.
Enchanté, mademoiselle Dupont.
D’où venez-vous ? – Where are you from?
A common question in small talk that shows interest in the other person’s background.
D’où venez-vous ? Je suis de Bordeaux.
J’habite à… – I live in…
Useful when discussing where you or someone else lives.
J’habite à Paris, et vous ?
Quel temps fait-il ? – What’s the weather like?
A universal topic of small talk that can be used anywhere.
Quel temps fait-il aujourd’hui à Lyon ?
J’aime… – I like…
Express your preferences or likes, which can be a good conversation starter.
J’aime beaucoup la cuisine française.
Je n’aime pas… – I don’t like…
Similarly, expressing dislikes can also contribute to continuing a conversation.
Je n’aime pas le froid.
Using these basic phrases can greatly improve your ability to engage in small talk in French. Remember, practicing regularly and immersing yourself in the language are key to becoming fluent. So, don’t be shy to strike up a conversation with a French speaker using these phrases!
