French · Real conversations
Meeting people: useful French phrases
Start a friendly exchange and find a connection.
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.
- Hello
bonjour
Hello
- Nice to meet you
enchanté(e)
Nice to meet you
- What's your name?
Tu t'appelles comment ?
What's your name?
- Where are you from?
Tu viens d'où ?
Where are you from?
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | French |
|---|---|
| Hello | bonjour Hello |
| Nice to meet you | enchanté(e) Nice to meet you |
| What's your name? | Tu t'appelles comment ? What's your name? |
| Where are you from? | Tu viens d'où ? Where are you from? |
| What brings you here? | Qu'est-ce qui t'amène ici ? Show English translationWhat brings you here? |
| How do you know ...? | Comment connais-tu … ? Show English translationHow do you know …? |
| Is this your first time here? | C'est la première fois que tu viens ici ? Show English translationIs this your first time here? |
| I've heard a lot about you. | J'ai beaucoup entendu parler de toi. Show English translationI've heard a lot about you. |
| Have we met before? | On s'est déjà rencontrés ? Show English translationHave we met before? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Bonjour, je viens d'une autre ville pour une visite.
Hello, I'm visiting from another town.
You
Qu'est-ce qui t'amène ici ?
What brings you here?
Partner
Anna m'a invité / invitée. C'est une amie de longue date.
Anna invited me. She's an old friend.
You
Comment connais-tu Anna ?
How do you know Anna?
Meeting people 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.
