French · Real conversations
How to respond to “Quoi de neuf ?” in French
A casual opening may invite a quick update rather than a literal explanation of what is above you.
What you might hear
Quoi de neuf ?
What's up?
Choose a reply that fits
Pas grand-chose. Et toi ?
Not much. And you?
Keep it casual and return the question.
Je vais au travail.
I'm heading to work.
Mention what you are doing next.
J'ai été bien occupé / occupée avec les cours.
I've been busy with classes.
Share a short update about your recent activities.
J'ai une bonne nouvelle.
I have some good news.
Use when you have news you want to share.
Two short exchanges
A casual encounter
Quoi de neuf ?
What's up?
Pas grand-chose. Et toi ?
Not much. And you?
Catching up with a friend
Qu'est-ce que tu as fait ces derniers temps ?
What have you been up to?
Je vais au travail.
I'm heading to work.
Your turn
Give a short update about being busy with classes.
Reveal a sample reply
J'ai été bien occupé / occupée avec les cours.
I've been busy with classes.
This response guide in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
