French · Real conversations
Accessibility needs: French conversation practice
Explain a practical access or communication need. Read the exchange, reveal the translations when you need them, then try your part before looking at the sample answers.
A2 · Read and rehearse
Your role: A visitor asking a staff member for assistance.
Goal: Explain a practical access or communication need.
Read the conversation
Partner
Bienvenue. Il y a des marches à l'entrée principale.
Show English translation
Welcome. The main entrance has steps.
You
J'ai besoin d'une entrée sans marches.
Show English translation
I need a step-free entrance.
Partner
Il y a une autre entrée à gauche. Vous m'entendez bien ?
Show English translation
There's another entrance on the left. Can you hear me clearly?
You
Pourriez-vous parler un peu plus fort ?
Show English translation
Could you speak a little louder?
Partner
Bien sûr, je vais parler plus fort. Vous voulez vous reposer un moment ?
Show English translation
Of course, I'll speak louder. Would you like a moment to rest?
You
J'ai besoin de m'asseoir.
Show English translation
I need to sit down.
Partner
Il y a une chaise ici. Ce hall peut être assez bruyant.
Show English translation
There's a chair here. This hall can get quite noisy.
You
Il y a un endroit calme ?
Show English translation
Is there somewhere quiet?
Partner
Oui, nous avons une salle calme plus loin dans le couloir.
Show English translation
Yes, we have a quiet room down the corridor.
You
Est-ce que quelqu'un pourrait venir avec moi ?
Show English translation
Could someone come with me?
Try your part first
Partner says: Welcome. The main entrance has steps. Your goal: I need a step-free entrance.
Reveal a sample reply
J'ai besoin d'une entrée sans marches.
I need a step-free entrance.
Partner says: There's another entrance on the left. Can you hear me clearly? Your goal: Could you speak a little louder?
Reveal a sample reply
Pourriez-vous parler un peu plus fort ?
Could you speak a little louder?
Partner says: Of course, I'll speak louder. Would you like a moment to rest? Your goal: I need to sit down.
Reveal a sample reply
J'ai besoin de m'asseoir.
I need to sit down.
Partner says: There's a chair here. This hall can get quite noisy. Your goal: Is there somewhere quiet?
Reveal a sample reply
Il y a un endroit calme ?
Is there somewhere quiet?
Partner says: Yes, we have a quiet room down the corridor. Your goal: Could someone come with me?
Reveal a sample reply
Est-ce que quelqu'un pourrait venir avec moi ?
Could someone come with me?
Make it your own
- Ask about a lift.
- Request a quieter place.
- Ask a companion to come with you.
Keep the useful expression and change the detail. There can be several appropriate answers; the revealed replies are examples to learn from.
This rehearsal 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.
