6 Spoken French Situations You Need To Know to be More Fluent

Do you stumble when speaking French, even though you aced all your French exams? The French you write and speak in real life are genuinely different.

So today, instead of dissecting the language, we’ll immerse through dialogues, with and without subtitles. I’ve prepared six unique, everyday conversations for you not just to hear the language but to understand its rhythm, nuances, and practical usage in real situations you might find yourself in.

C’est parti!

Index:

  • Dialogue 1: À la boulangerie – At the bakery
  • Dialogue 2: Au restaurant – At the restaurant
  • Dialogue 3: Au marché – At the market
  • Dialogue 4: Dans l’ascenseur – In the elevator
  • Dialogue 5: Commander un café – Ordering a coffee
  • Dialogue 6: L’invitation – The invitation

Each dialogue comes with an analysis, a vocabulary review and more resources about its theme or difficulties.

Dialogue 1: À la boulangerie - At the bakery

Géraldine : Bonjour !
Géraldine: Hello!
La boulangère : Bonjour ! Qu’est-ce que ce sera ?
The Baker: Hello! What will it be?
Géraldine : Il vous reste des pains au seigle ?
Géraldine: Do you have any rye bread left?
La boulangère : Attendez… Oui, c’est le dernier !
The Baker: Hold on… Yes, it’s the last one!
Géraldine : Je vais vous prendre un pain au seigle, alors.
Géraldine: I’ll take a rye bread, then.
La boulangère : Je vous le tranche ?
The Baker: Would you like it sliced?
Géraldine : Oui, voilà, s’il vous plaît. Et je voudrais aussi… deux baguettes bien cuites.
Géraldine: Yes, please. And I would also like… two well-cooked baguettes.
La boulangère : Voilà. Avec ceci ? Ce sera tout ?
The Baker: Here you go. Anything else? Is that all?
Géraldine : Euh, non. Je vais vous prendre un pain au chocolat. Merci !
Géraldine: Uh, no. I’ll take a chocolate croissant. Thank you!
La boulangère : D’accord. Tenez. Ça fera 4 euros 10, s’il vous plaît. Vous voulez un sac ?
The Baker: Alright. Here you go. That will be 4 euros and 10 cents, please. Would you like a bag?
Géraldine : Oh ! Oui, s’il vous plaît. Alors, 4 euros 10… Je n’ai pas la monnaie, mais j’ai un billet de 10 euros. Tenez.
Géraldine: Oh! Yes, please. So, 4 euros 10… I don’t have an exact change, but I have a 10-euro bill. Here you go.
La boulangère : Alors… 4 euros 10… 5… et 5 qui font 10. Merci beaucoup ! Bonne journée.
The Baker: So… 4 euros 10… 5… and 5 makes 10. Thank you very much! Have a nice day.
Géraldine : Parfait. Merci à vous ! Bonne journée, au revoir !
Géraldine: Perfect. Thank you! Have a nice day, goodbye!

Analysis:

1) Bonjour ! Qu’est-ce que ce sera ? = Hello! What will it be?

This short statement is a commonly used phrase in the context of catering or customer service.

  • Bonjour !” – A polite greeting in French that means “hello” in English indicates the speaker is friendly and welcoming to the customer or guest.
  • Qu’est-ce que ce sera ?” – This is the main question. The speaker asks the customer what they want to order or consume. It translates to “What will it be?” or “What would you like?” in English. Another option could be “C’est à vous”, which means “It’s your turn”.
    This phrase is often used to greet customers and inquire about their preferences for ordering. It demonstrates a service-oriented and customer-focused attitude.

2) Voilà. Avec ceci ? Ce sera tout ? = Here you go. Anything else? Is that all?

It is a simple sentence often used in customer service, typically in a store, restaurant, or another business location. We commonly use it to provide efficient service by ensuring we meet customers’ needs and they have nothing else to order or request.

  • Voilà“: This is a French word that literally means “here” or “there.” In this context, it presents something, typically a product or an order.
  • Avec ceci ?“: This is a question the salesperson or server asks the customer. They ask if the customer needs anything else or if what they already have is sufficient. “Avec ceci” translates to “with this.”
  • Ce sera tout ?“: Another question asked by the salesperson or server to confirm whether the customer has completed their order and doesn’t need to add any more items or request additional services. It suggests that the customer may have already placed an order, and the staff wants to make sure everything is complete.

Vocabulary:

  • Attendez… = Hold on… or Wait…
    Attendre = to wait, to hold on.
  • Je vais vous prendre… = I’ll take…
    Don’t worry. You’re not stealing anything from anyone. It’s just a common way to say what you want to buy. Notice that we use le futur proche (= the near future tense) for purchase.
  • Je voudrais… = I would like…
    This is the verb “vouloir” (= to want) in le conditionnel présent (= the conditional present). We use that form to express politeness because “Je veux” (= I want) sounds more like an order.
  • Tenez… = Here you go… or Here you are…
    The verb “tenir” (= to hold, to keep, to maintain) in l’impératif (= the imperative) is a polite way to hand something over to someone.
  • Je n’ai pas la monnaie… = I don’t have the change.
    La monnaie = the change (coins). Don’t mix it up with l’argent (= money).
    Avoir de l’argent = to have money.
    Avoir de la monnaie = to have small change.

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Dialogue 2: Au restaurant - At the restaurant

Géraldine : Le rouge ? C’était le Saint Joseph. Oui il était bon, on peut en prendre une carafe.
Géraldine: The red one? That was the Saint Joseph. Yes, it was good; we can get a carafe.
Le serveur : Une carafe de Saint Joseph alors ? Et un Perrier citron ?
The waiter: So, a carafe of Saint Joseph and a Perrier with lemon?
Géraldine : Oui, je prends aussi le Perrier. Et une carafe d’eau s’il vous plaît.
Géraldine: Yes, I’ll also have the Perrier. And a carafe of water, please.
Le serveur : Ça marche. Je vous amène le pain et la carafe d’eau tout de suite.
The waiter: Alright. I’ll bring the bread and the carafe of water right away.
Pierre : Merci !
Pierre: Thank you!

Analysis:

1) Le rouge ? C’était le Saint Joseph. Oui il était bon, on peut en prendre une carafe. = The red one? That was the Saint Joseph. Yes, it was good; we can get a carafe.

This passage is an informal discussion among people sharing an experience of wine or beverage tasting.

  • Le rouge ?” – This question refers to a specific red wine or beverage: The red one. The person is likely asking which red wine they consumed or are discussing.
  • C’était le Saint Joseph.” – This response identifies the specific red wine they consumed and indicates the person knows the name of the wine they had: That was the Saint Joseph.
  • Oui il était bon – This part of the sentence: Yes, it was good; indicates the Saint Joseph wine was good and that they liked it. The “il” refers to the wine since it’s the masculine singular noun.
  • On peut en prendre une carafe.” – It suggests they want to order more of it. They are considering getting a carafe of the same Saint Joseph wine. The pronoun “en” here replaces “le vin”. It literally translates as We can get a carafe of it.

2) Ça marche. Je vous amène le pain et la carafe d’eau tout de suite. = Alright. I’ll bring the bread and the carafe of water right away.

This passage conveys the willingness to fulfill a request by promptly bringing bread and a water carafe. It is a polite and responsive gesture in a service.

  • Ça marche.” is an informal French expression that translates to “This works” or “Alright” in English. We often use it to indicate agreement or acknowledgement.
  • Je vous amène le pain et la carafe d’eau” means “I’ll bring you the bread and the water carafe.” The speaker will provide the person with bread and a carafe of water.
  • Tout de suite” translates to “right away” or “immediately” in English, indicating a prompt action.

Vocabulary:

  • Une carafe = a carafe.
  • Une carafe d’eau = a carafe of water.
    Une carafe de vin = a carafe of wine.
  • Un Perrier = a Perrier.
    Perrier is a brand of sparkling mineral water, and “un Perrier” simply means “a Perrier” when ordering it or referring to a bottle of Perrier water.
    Un Perrier citron = a lemon Perrier (a Perrier sparkling mineral water flavored with lemon)
  • Ça marche. = Alright, sounds good, okay.
    It indicates agreement, acknowledgement, or acceptance of a suggestion or plan. We use it in a casual conversation to say something is acceptable or doable.
    Ça marche ? = Does it work? Okay?
  • Amener = to bring, to take (depending on the context).
    Je vous amène = I’ll bring you.

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Dialogue 3: Au marché - At the market

Géraldine : Bonjour, monsieur. Oh, vos fromages ont l’air délicieux !
Géraldine: Hello, sir. Oh, your cheeses look delicious!
Vendeur de fromages : Bonjour, madame ! Eh oui, et tout est local. Qu’est-ce que je vous sers ?
Cheese Vendor: Hello, madam! Yes, indeed, and everything is local. What can I get for you?
Géraldine : Alors, un camembert pour commencer. Je suis en vacances ici, et je voulais goûter quelques fromages locaux. Qu’est-ce que vous me conseillez d’autre ?
Géraldine: Well, a Camembert to start with. I’m on vacation here and wanted to try local cheeses. What else would you recommend?
Vendeur de fromages : Un camembert, c’est parti. Ah, si vous cherchez du bon fromage de la région, prenez un bout de livarot. Il est vraiment très bon ! Il est bien affiné, et vous trouverez une saveur riche de bon fromage normand.
Cheese Vendor: One Camembert, coming up. If you’re looking for good cheese from the region, take a piece of Livarot. It’s really very good! It’s well-aged, and you’ll find a rich flavor of good Normandy cheese.
Géraldine : Allez, je vais en prendre un morceau.
Géraldine: Alright, I’ll take a piece.
Vendeur de fromages : Très bien, je vous prépare ça. Ça se garde au frigo bien sûr, mais sortez-le une heure avant de les déguster pour qu’ils retrouvent bien toutes leurs saveurs !
Cheese Vendor: Very well, I’ll prepare that for you. Keep it in the fridge, of course, but take it out an hour before eating so they can fully regain their flavors!
Géraldine : Merci pour les conseils ! Ça fera combien ?
Géraldine: Thanks for the advice! How much will it be?
Vendeur de fromages : Ce sera 12 euros, s’il vous plaît.
Cheese Vendor: That will be 12 euros, please.
Géraldine : Je peux vous payer par carte, en sans contact ?
Géraldine: Can I pay by card, contactless?
Vendeur de fromages : Tout à fait ! Voilà, c’est bon. Merci, bonne journée !
Cheese Vendor: Absolutely! There you go, it’s all set. Thank you, have a nice day!
Géraldine : Merci à vous, bonne journée, au revoir !
Géraldine: Thank you, have a nice day, goodbye!

Analysis:

1) Bonjour, madame ! Eh oui, et tout est local. Qu’est-ce que je vous sers ? = Hello, madam! Yes, indeed, and everything is local. What can I get for you?

It is a polite and welcoming greeting and an invitation for the customer to place an order. It expresses hospitality and an emphasis on locally sourced goods.

  • Bonjour, madame !” is a friendly greeting, which translates to “Hello, madam!” in English. It is a polite way to address a female customer.
  • Eh oui” is an expression that roughly means “Indeed” or “Yes” and confirms or emphasizes something.
  • et tout est local” means “and everything is local.” It indicates that all the offered products or items are sourced locally, highlighting their origin.
  • Qu’est-ce que je vous sers ?” is a question that translates to “What can I get for you?” or literally “What can I serve you?” The speaker is inquiring about what the customer wants to order.
    Qu’est-ce que = What, an interrogative word for asking questions in French.
    Je vous sers = I serve you. This is the verb “servir” in le présent (=the present tense).

2) Merci pour les conseils ! Ça fera combien ? = Thanks for the advice! How much will it cost?

This passage combines a polite expression of gratitude with a practical question about the cost, indicating the speaker’s appreciation for the advice and their readiness to make a payment.

  • Merci pour les conseils !” translates to “Thank you for the advice!” The speaker is expressing gratitude for the advice or guidance they received.
  • Ça fera combien ?” means “How much will it cost?” The speaker is inquiring about the price or total amount they must pay for the products or services they buy. We use the verb “faire” (= to make, to do) to express or to ask about the price. Here, it is in le futur simple (= the future simple tense), the most common way we say it in everyday French.

Vocabulary:

  • Un bout = a piece, a bit referring to a portion or a segment of something.
    Un bout de fromage = a piece of cheese.
    Un bout de papier = a piece of paper.
    Un bout de chocolat = a bit of chocolate.
  • Affiné = refined, aged.
    Fromage affiné = (well-)aged cheese, refined cheese.
    Goût affiné = refined taste.
  • Une saveur = a flavor, a taste.
    J’aime la saveur du chocolat. = I like the taste of chocolate.
  • Un morceau = a piece, a portion.
    Un morceau de fromage = a piece of cheese.
    Un morceau de bois = a piece of wood.
  • Tout à fait = absolutely, certainly, exactly.
    Tout à fait, je suis d’accord avec vous. = Absolutely, I agree with you.
    C’est ce que tu voulais ? = Is this what you wanted?
    Tout à fait ! = Absolutely!

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Dialogue 4: Dans l’ascenseur - In the elevator

Géraldine : Bonjour.
Géraldine: Hello.
Le voisin : Bonjour !
Neighbor: Hello!
Géraldine : Vous allez bien ?
Géraldine: Are you well?
Le voisin : Oui, ça va bien, et vous ?
Neighbor: Yes, I’m fine, and you?
Géraldine : Ça va. Je suis nouvelle dans l’immeuble.
Géraldine: I’m good. I’m new to the building.
Le voisin : Ah vous venez d’arriver ?
Neighbor: Ah, you just moved in?
Géraldine : Oui voilà. On est arrivés il y a une semaine.
Géraldine: Yes, exactly. We arrived a week ago.
Le voisin : Super ! Et tout se passe bien ?
Neighbor: Great! Is everything going well?
Géraldine : Très bien !
Géraldine: Very well!
[The elevator opens. They come in.]
Géraldine : Quel étage ?
Géraldine: Which floor?
Le voisin : Troisième.
Neighbor: Third.
Géraldine : Ah, ben moi aussi.
Géraldine: Ah, me too.
Le voisin : Eh bien si vous avez besoin de quoi que ce soit vous pourrez frapper à notre porte.
Neighbor: Well, if you need anything, feel free to knock on our door.
Géraldine : C’est très gentil, merci !
Géraldine: That’s very kind, thank you!
Le voisin : Y’a pas de quoi ! Enfin nous on part en vacances à partir de ce week-end… On part en Provence avec ma femme.
Neighbor: You’re welcome! We’re actually going on vacation starting this weekend… We’re going to Provence with my wife.
Géraldine : Ah, super ! Vous allez fuir la pluie ? Bonne idée…
Géraldine: Ah, great! Going to escape the rain? Good idea…
Le voisin : Haha oui, quel temps ici !
Neighbor: Haha, yes, the weather here!
[The elevator stops, and the doors open.]
Le voisin : Allez bonne journée, et au plaisir, hein !
Neighbor: Have a good day, and I’m looking forward to seeing you again!
Géraldine : Oui ! Bonne journée à vous aussi.
Géraldine: Yes! Have a good day, too.

Analysis:

1) Ça va. Je suis nouvelle dans l’immeuble. = I’m good. I’m new to the building.

  • Ça va” is a typical French expression that means “It’s okay“, “It’s fine”, or “I am fine“, or “I’m good”.  It’s often used to acknowledge a situation or express that everything is alright.
  • Je suis nouvelle dans l’immeuble” means “I’m new in the building.” The speaker introduces themselves and indicates they are a newcomer to the building.

It’s a friendly and casual way to start a conversation when meeting new neighbors or acquaintances.

2) Super ! Et tout se passe bien ? = Great! Is everything going well?

  • Super !” is a casual exclamation, such as “Great!” or “Awesome!“. It expresses enthusiasm or a positive reaction to the previous statement.
  • Et tout se passe bien ?” translates to “And is everything going well?” The speaker is inquiring about how things are going, expressing interest in the well-being of the person they are talking to. Alternatives: “Ça se passe bien ?”, “Is it going alright ?”. Se passer is “to happen”.

It is a friendly and concerned question about the current situation or circumstances. It reflects a polite and engaging conversational style.

Vocabulary:

  • Un immeuble = a building.
  • Un étage = a floor.
    Le rez-de-chaussée = the first floor (American English) or the ground floor (British English).
    J’habite au dernier étage. = I live on the top floor.
  • Frapper = to hit, to strike.
    Frapper à la porte = to knock on the door.
    Vous pouvez frapper à notre porte. = You can knock on our door.
  • Fuir = to flee, to run away.
    Fuir la pluie = to escape the rain.
  • Au plaisir = See you later, Until we meet again, or Looking forward to seeing you again.
    It is often used as a closing remark in conversations or messages.

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Dialogue 5: Commander un café - Ordering a coffee

Géraldine : Bonjour ! Vous avez une table de libre ? Je viens prendre le café.
Géraldine: Hello! Do you have a free table? I’m here for a coffee.
Serveur : Tout à fait. Alors cette table est réservée, mais vous pouvez vous installer ici. Vous voulez juste un café ? Vous avez la carte des desserts juste ici, si vous voulez.
Server: Absolutely. This table over there is reserved, but you can sit here. Do you just want coffee? The dessert menu is right here if you’re interested.
Géraldine : Merci, c’est parfait. Hum, j’hésite… J’étais partie pour un expresso en attendant la fin de l’averse, mais maintenant le café viennois me fait envie. Allez, je vais prendre ça.
Géraldine: Thank you, that’s perfect. Hmm, I’m torn… I was going for an espresso while waiting for the rain to stop, but now the Viennese coffee is tempting me. Alright, I’ll go for that.
Serveur : Un café viennois, alors ?
Server: A Viennese coffee, then?
Géraldine : C’est ça, s’il vous plaît.
Géraldine: Yes, please.
Serveur : Je vous apporte ça tout de suite.
Server: I’ll bring it right over.
[A few minutes later, the server returns with the coffee.]
Serveur : Et un café viennois. Est-ce que vous aimeriez autre chose ?
Server: And here’s your Viennese coffee. Would you like anything else?
Géraldine : Non, c’est tout pour le moment. On paye au comptoir c’est ça ?
Géraldine: No, that’s all for now. We pay at the counter, right?
Serveur : Exactement, vous pourrez régler au comptoir. Si vous avez besoin de quoi que ce soit d’autre, n’hésitez pas à me faire signe !
Server: Exactly, you can settle up at the counter. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to flag me down!

Analysis:

1) Non, c’est tout pour le moment. On paye au comptoir c’est ça ? = No, that’s all for now. We pay at the counter, right?

  • Non, c’est tout pour le moment” is a straightforward negation indicating that the speaker doesn’t want anything else and has completed their current order or request. “C’est ça ?” or “C’est bien ça ?” are common ways to ask for a confirmation.
  • On paye au comptoir c’est ça ?” is a question confirming the payment process. The speaker is seeking confirmation that they need to pay at the counter.

The speaker doesn’t want to order anything else and is seeking clarification on whether payment should be made at the counter. It’s a common way to wrap up an interaction when making purchases or ordering things somewhere.

2) Exactement, vous pourrez régler au comptoir. Si vous avez besoin de quoi que ce soit d’autre, n’hésitez pas à me faire signe ! = Exactly, you can settle up at the counter. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to flag me down!

  • Exactement” affirms or confirms what was previously discussed.
  • Vous pourrez régler au comptoir” provides information about the payment process, indicating that the customer should settle the bill at the counter. We can use the verb “régler” to say “payer” (= to pay).
  • Si vous avez besoin de quoi que ce soit d’autre” is a conditional statement expressing the willingness to assist further if the customer requires additional services. “Quoi que ce soit” means “anything” or “whatever”.
  • N’hésitez pas à me faire signe !” is an encouraging phrase, indicating that the speaker is ready and willing to help with any additional requests. The expression “faire signe” means “to wave” or “to signal”.

This sentence conveys politeness, helpfulness, and a willingness to assist the customer further if needed, and it’s a common way to conclude a customer interaction in a service or hospitality setting.

Vocabulary:

  • Une table de libre = a free table.
    Une table réservée = a reserved table.
  • Un expresso = an espresso.
    Attention! We do pronounce the sound “x” in this word as “ks”: /éks·pré·so/.
  • Un café viennois = a Viennese coffee.
  • Régler = to settle, to pay, to adjust, to regulate.
    Régler l’addition = to pay the bill.
    Régler la température du chauffage = to adjust the heating temperature.
  • Le comptoir = the counter.
    Au comptoir = at the counter, at the bar.
    Régler / Payer au comptoir = to pay at the counter.
    Service au comptoir = service au bar = counter service, bar service.

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Dialogue 6: L’invitation - The invitation

Géraldine : Ah ! Bonsoir madame Loisel. Vous allez bien ?
Géraldine: Ah! Good evening, Mrs. Loisel. How are you?
La voisine : Bonjour ! Ça va très bien, et vous ? …Et “toi”, d’ailleurs ; tu peux me tutoyer, et appelle moi Nadine ! Comment se passe l’installation ?
Neighbor: Hello! I’m doing very well, and you? …And “you,” actually; you can use “tu” with me and call me Nadine! How is the move going?
Géraldine : Ça marche, Nadine. Tout se passe bien ici, on est vraiment contents de l’appart et du quartier. Justement, puisque je vous… puisque je te croise, je me demandais, est-ce que ça vous dirait de venir prendre l’apéro chez nous, avec ton mari ? On va faire une petite pendaison de crémaillère jeudi soir, pour marquer le coup. Et rencontrer les voisins ! Ça vous dirait ?
Géraldine: Sounds good, Nadine. Everything is going well here; we’re really happy with the apartment and the neighborhood. Actually, since I ran into you… since I ran into you, I was wondering… Would you like to come over for drinks with your husband? We’re having a little housewarming party on Thursday evening to celebrate. And to meet the neighbors! Would you be interested?
La voisine : Eh bien ma foi, c’est une très bonne idée. Jeudi soir, c’est ça ? Oui, j’ai des choses à faire dans l’après-midi mais ça devrait le faire pour moi. Par contre, Yves est en déplacement cette semaine, donc ce sera sans lui.
Neighbor: Well, that’s an excellent idea. Thursday evening, right? I have things to do in the afternoon, but it should work for me. However, Yves is away on business this week, so that it will be without him.
Géraldine : Oh, OK. Donc jeudi on pense démarrer vers 19 heures, mais sinon tu peux passer quand tu veux. Ça nous fera plaisir de te voir !
Géraldine: Oh, OK. So, we’re thinking of starting around 7 p.m. on Thursday, but otherwise, you can come by whenever you like. We’d be happy to see you!
La voisine : Eh bien moi aussi ! C’est vraiment une bonne idée d’inviter tous les voisins de l’immeuble.
Neighbor: Well, me too! It’s really a good idea to invite all the neighbors from the building.
Géraldine : Bah oui, c’est sympa de se connaître. Je vais mettre un mot dans l’ascenseur tout à l’heure, pour proposer à tout le monde.
Géraldine: Well, yes, it’s nice to get to know each other. I’ll put a note in the elevator later to invite everyone.
La voisine : Qu’est-ce que j’amène ? Je peux faire des gâteaux si tu veux. Et j’ai quelques bonnes bouteilles à la cave, on peut en ouvrir une pour l’occasion !
Neighbor: What should I bring? I can make cakes if you want. And I have some good bottles in the cellar; we can open one for the occasion!
Géraldine : On s’occupe de tout pour la nourriture, mais si tu veux ramener une bouteille ce sera chouette !
Géraldine: We’ll take care of all the food, but if you want to bring a bottle, that would be great!
La voisine : C’est noté alors ! Allez, à jeudi, alors !
Neighbor: Noted then! See you on Thursday!
Géraldine : À jeudi Nadine ! Bonne journée !
Géraldine: See you on Thursday, Nadine! Have a good day!

Analysis:

1) On va faire une petite pendaison de crémaillère jeudi soir, pour marquer le coup. Et rencontrer les voisins ! Ça vous dirait ? = We’re having a little housewarming party on Thursday evening to celebrate. And to meet the neighbors! Would you be interested?

  • On va faire une petite pendaison de crémaillère jeudi soir, pour marquer le coup. Et rencontrer les voisins ! – It’s a friendly invitation and a way to mark the occasion of moving into their new residence and have an opportunity to meet their neighbors.
  • Ça vous dirait ? It’s a polite invitation, asking the recipient if they would like to attend the housewarming party. The form in the present conditional is another mark of politeness.

This is an invitation to a housewarming party, highlighting the occasion, the date, and the opportunity to meet the neighbors while also extending a friendly invitation to the recipient.

2) C’est noté alors ! Allez, à jeudi, alors ! = Noted, then! See you on Thursday!

  • C’est noté alors ! This sentence expresses acknowledgment or agreement with the previous statement, indicating they have accepted the invitation.
  • Allez” is a transition into the next part of the sentence and could be translated as “Well”.
  • À jeudi, alors !” – is a friendly farewell, indicating the speaker looks forward to meeting the person at the housewarming party on Thursday. So, to express the moment when you’ll meet someone, use the expression “à + time”, for example, À demain (= See you tomorrow), À plus (= See you later), À tout à l’heure (= See you soon today).

Vocabulary:

  • Se tutoyer = to address each other informally, in a casual, friendly manner, using the second-person singular pronoun “tu” in French.
    Se vouvoyer = to address someone formally, politely and respectfully, using the second-person plural pronoun “vous” in French.
    Tutoyer someone is a sign that you’re close or that you don’t want a formal distance between you. Two young people would spontaneously say “tu” to each other. In the business world, “vous” is more used by default.
  • Croiser = to cross or to meet, depending on the context.
    Croiser quelqu’un = to meet someone (by chance), to come across someone.
    Se croiser = to run into each other.
    Les mots croisés = the crossed words.
  • Une pendaison de crémaillère = une pendaison = une crémaillère = a housewarming party. It translates literally to: “hanging off the trammel hook”, the last thing you use to set up when moving into a new house with a fireplace.
    Faire / Organiser une pendaison de crémaillère = pendre la crémaillère = to organize a housewarming party.
  • Marquer le coup = to mark the occasion, to celebrate in style.
  • Chouette = Super = great, cool.

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Join the conversation!

  • “C’est parti !” never means none left or it has all gone!
    Je vais (vous) prendre …
    I like this as it is different from “Je voudrais… ”
    “Vous avez une table de libre ?” – unexpected uses of de makes French more interesting.

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