French · Real conversations
Repairing a conversation: useful French phrases
Check a meaning and leave with something you can use.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- I don't understand
je ne comprends pas
I don't understand
- Can you repeat that, please?
Tu peux répéter, s'il te plaît ?
Can you repeat that, please?
- More slowly, please
plus lentement, s'il vous plaît
More slowly, please
- I have a question
j'ai une question
I have a question
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | French |
|---|---|
| I don't understand | je ne comprends pas I don't understand |
| Can you repeat that, please? | Tu peux répéter, s'il te plaît ? Can you repeat that, please? |
| More slowly, please | plus lentement, s'il vous plaît More slowly, please |
| I have a question | j'ai une question I have a question |
| Could you write it down? | Pourriez-vous l'écrire ? Show English translationCould you write it down? |
| Could you give me an example? | Pourriez-vous me donner un exemple ? Show English translationCould you give me an example? |
| Do you mean ...? | Vous voulez dire … ? Show English translationDo you mean …? |
| Let me check that I understood. | Voyons si j'ai bien compris. Show English translationLet me check that I understood. |
| Is this the right word? | Est-ce le bon mot ? Show English translationIs this the right word? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Le nom est un peu difficile à écrire.
The name is a little difficult to spell.
You
Pourriez-vous l'écrire ?
Could you write it down?
Partner
Bien sûr. Ce mot décrit une action régulière.
Of course. This word describes a regular action.
You
Pourriez-vous me donner un exemple ?
Could you give me an example?
Repairing a conversation 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.
