French · Real conversations

Meetings: useful French phrases

Clarify a process and agree on next steps.

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 have a question
j'ai une question
I have a question
to explain
expliquer
to explain
to send
envoyer
to send
to understand
comprendre
to understand

Make the conversation more specific

Useful French expressions for meetings
What you want to say	French
I have a question	j'ai une question I have a question
to explain	expliquer to explain
to send	envoyer to send
to understand	comprendre to understand
Could you walk me through ...?	Tu pourrais m'expliquer … étape par étape ? Show English translation Could you walk me through …?
Who's responsible for ...?	Qui s'occupe de … ? Show English translation Who's responsible for …?
What are the next steps?	Quelles sont les prochaines étapes ? Show English translation What are the next steps?
Could we come back to that?	On pourrait y revenir plus tard ? Show English translation Could we come back to that?
Could you send me the details?	Tu pourrais m'envoyer les détails ? Show English translation Could you send me the details?

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
On s'est mis d'accord sur un plan pour l'événement.
We've agreed on a plan for the event.
You
Tu pourrais m'expliquer le plan étape par étape ?
Could you walk me through the plan?
Partner
D'abord, on réserve la salle, puis on envoie les invitations.
First we reserve the room, then send invitations.
You
Qui s'occupe de la réservation ?
Who's responsible for the booking?

Meetings 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.