French · Real conversations
Support and boundaries: useful French phrases
Show care while being clear about your limits.
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'm sorry to hear that
je suis désolé(e) d'apprendre ça
I'm sorry to hear that
- Are you okay?
Tu vas bien ?
Are you okay?
- I agree
je suis d'accord
I agree
- Don't worry
ne t'inquiète pas
Don't worry
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | French |
|---|---|
| I'm sorry to hear that | je suis désolé(e) d'apprendre ça I'm sorry to hear that |
| Are you okay? | Tu vas bien ? Are you okay? |
| I agree | je suis d'accord I agree |
| Don't worry | ne t'inquiète pas Don't worry |
| Would you like to talk about it? | Tu veux en parler ? Show English translationWould you like to talk about it? |
| I'd prefer not to discuss that. | Je préférerais ne pas en parler. Show English translationI'd prefer not to discuss that. |
| I see what you mean, but ... | Je vois ce que tu veux dire, mais … Show English translationI see what you mean, but … |
| I don't feel comfortable with that. | Je ne suis pas à l'aise avec ça. Show English translationI don't feel comfortable with that. |
| Let me think about it. | Laisse-moi y réfléchir. Show English translationLet me think about it. |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
J'ai eu une semaine difficile, mais je ne sais pas quoi dire.
I've had a hard week, but I'm not sure what to say.
You
Tu veux en parler ?
Would you like to talk about it?
Partner
Peut-être plus tard. Je peux te demander pourquoi tu as quitté ton dernier travail ?
Maybe later. Can I ask why you left your last job?
You
Je préférerais ne pas en parler.
I'd prefer not to discuss that.
Support and boundaries 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.
