The French you learned in school isn’t incredibly useful in everyday situations where you actually have to USE your French because the French we speak isn’t the same as what I call “school” French. But don’t worry! Once you shift your focus to learning spoken French, you’ll see quicker progress in your fluency.
Let’s start by learning some “scripts” that you can use on your next visit to France in situations you’re actually likely to encounter there.
C’est parti!
Index:
- Dialogue 1: À la gare – At the train station
- Dialogue 2: Au petit-déjeuner de chambre d’hôte – At the B&B breakfast
- Dialogue 3: Dans un taxi – In a taxi
- Dialogue 4: Dans un musée avec une amie – In a museum with a friend
- Dialogue 5: Au marché aux puces – At the flea market
Each dialogue comes with an analysis, a vocabulary review and more resources about its theme or difficulties.
Dialogue 1: À la gare – At the train station
Géraldine : Bonjour !
Géraldine: Hello!
L’agent de guichet : Bonjour !
Ticket Agent: Hello!
Géraldine : J’aimerais acheter un billet pour Strasbourg, s’il vous plaît. Ce serait pour samedi prochain, le plus tôt possible.
Géraldine: I’d like to buy a ticket to Strasbourg, please. For next Saturday, as early as possible.
L’agent de guichet : Pas de problème. Laissez-moi vérifier. Alors, nous avons un TGV Ouigo qui part à 7h18 et arrive à 13h, et un TGV Inoui qui part à 8h50, arrivée 15h13.
Ticket Agent: No problem. Let me check. So, we have a TGV Ouigo that leaves at 7:18 am and arrives at 1 pm, and a TGV Inoui that leaves at 8:50 am, arrival at 3:13 pm.
Géraldine : Oui, alors j’ai vu ça sur Internet, mais du coup, ils passent forcément par Paris ? C’est pas possible d’avoir une correspondance à Lyon à la place, par exemple ?
Géraldine: Yes, so I saw that on the Internet, but then, do they necessarily go through Paris? Isn’t it possible to have a connection in Lyon instead, for example?
L’agent de guichet : Je regarde… Ah, si ! Avec le train de 9h12, vous n’avez qu’une correspondance de 17 minutes à Lyon. Mais il est plus long, vous arriverez à Strasbourg à 16h30.
Ticket Agent: Let me see… Oh, yes! With the 9:12 am train, you have just a 17-minute connection in Lyon. But it takes longer, you arrive in Strasbourg at 4:30 pm.
Géraldine : Je vais prendre une place sur ce train-là, dans ce cas. En deuxième classe, côté fenêtre si possible.
Géraldine: I’ll take a seat on that train, then. Second class, window side if possible.
L’agent de guichet : C’est possible ! Ce sera un billet aller simple ou aller-retour ?
Ticket Agent: It’s possible! Will this be a one-way ticket or round trip?
Géraldine : Un aller simple !
Géraldine: One-way, please!
L’agent de guichet : D’accord. Alors ça fera 118 euros, s’il vous plaît. Vous payez par carte bancaire ?
Ticket Agent: Okay. That will be 118 euros, please. Are you paying by credit card?
Géraldine : Exactement. Alors… Voilà.
Géraldine: Exactly. Here it is.
L’agent de guichet : C’est tout bon. Voici votre billet. Bonne journée et bon voyage !
Ticket Agent: It’s all good. Here is your ticket. Have a good day and a pleasant journey!
Géraldine : Merci, bonne journée, au revoir !
Géraldine: Thank you, have a good day, goodbye!
Analysis:
1. Je vais prendre une place sur ce train-là, dans ce cas. En deuxième classe, côté fenêtre si possible. = I’ll take a seat on that train, then. Second class, window side if possible.
This sentence indicates the person intends to purchase a train ticket, expressing a clear and concise request to travel in second class and preferring a window seat.
- Je vais prendre une place sur ce train-là. – The sentence begins by clearly expressing the person’s intention to take a seat on a specific train.
- En deuxième classe, côté fenêtre si possible. – The person specifies a preference for a second-class seat, and the sentence concludes with a specific request for a seat by the window if possible.
2. Ce sera un billet aller simple ou aller-retour ? = Will this be a one-way ticket or a round trip?
The sentence involves asking about the type of ticket, seeking clarification on whether it’s a one-way or round-trip ticket, and indicating the speaker’s intent to facilitate appropriate travel arrangements.
- The sentence starts by inquiring whether the ticket will be for a one-way journey or a round-trip, indicating the need to clarify on the nature and extent of the travel.
- The question presents two distinct options: “aller simple” (= one way) or “aller-retour” (= round-trip), highlighting the common choices when purchasing tickets.
Vocabulary:
- Le plus tôt possible = The sooner, the better.
Le plus tard possible = As late as possible. - Laissez-moi vérifier. = Let me check.
Laisser = to leave.
Laisse-moi tranquille. = Leave me alone. - Avoir une correspondance à + a place = to have a connection in.
Prendre une correspondance = to catch a connecting flight/train.
Une correspondance = correspondence, connection, letters. - Prendre une place = to get a seat, to take a seat.
Prendre place = to settle in.
Prendre la place de quelqu’un = to take over from somebody.
La place = a place like in à ma place = in my place; a square, a role, a spot, a seat.
À la place de = in place of.
Faire de la place = to make way. - Acheter un billet = to buy a ticket.
Un (billet) aller simple = a one-way ticket.
Un (billet) aller-retour = a round-trip ticket.
Keywords: un aller simple, un aller-retour, une correspondance.
Dialogue 2: Au petit-déjeuner de chambre d’hôte – At the B&B breakfast
Géraldine : Bonjour !
Géraldine: Good morning!
L’hôtesse : Bonjour ! Vous avez bien dormi ?
Hostess: Good morning! Did you sleep well?
Géraldine : Comme un loir. On se sent vraiment très bien ici !
Géraldine: Like a log. You really feel great here!
L’hôtesse : Oui, c’est vrai que la région est magnifique. C’est même pour ça que je me suis installée ici. Vous avez un programme pour aujourd’hui ? Vous avez prévu quelque chose ?
Hostess: Yes, it’s true that the area is beautiful. That’s even why I settled here. Do you have plans for today?
Géraldine : J’aimerais aller me balader dans la montagne. Qu’est-ce que vous me conseillez comme balade ?
Géraldine: I would like to go for a walk in the mountains. What hike would you recommend?
L’hôtesse : Eh bien, la randonnée de la Pierre Percée est vraiment très sympa. Vous croisez des cascades, et à la fin vous pouvez en profiter pour nager dans le lac.
Hostess: Well, the Pierre Percée hike is really nice, you come across waterfalls, and at the end you can enjoy a swim in the lake.
Géraldine : Ah, ça a l’air bien, effectivement ! J’irai après le petit-dej alors. Ces œufs ont l’air délicieux !
Géraldine: Ah, that does sound good indeed! I’ll go after breakfast then. These eggs look delicious!
Analysis:
1. J’aimerais aller me balader dans la montagne. Qu’est-ce que vous me conseillez comme balade ? = I would like to go for a walk in the mountains. What hike would you recommend?
The sentence expresses a desire for a mountain walk and politely seeks advice on recommended trails, reflecting an openness to suggestions.
- J’aimerais aller me balader dans la montagne. – The sentence begins by stating the speaker’s wish to go for a walk in the mountains, indicating a recreational and leisurely activity. Using “J’aimerais” (= I would like) adds a polite and considerate tone to the request, making it more of a friendly inquiry.
- Qu’est-ce que vous me conseillez comme balade ? – This sentence involves seeking recommendations or advice on suitable walks or trails. The speaker is open to suggestions and asks for the best options. The construction “qu’est-ce que vous me conseillez comme + a noun” is always used when seeking recommendations.
Vocabulary:
- Dormir comme un loir = to sleep like a log, or literally “to sleep like a dormouse”.
Un loir = a dormouse.
Dormir comme une souche = to sleep like a log.
Une souche = a log.
Dormir comme un bébé = to sleep like a baby. - Prévoir = to plan something, to anticipate, to predict, to foresee.
Prévu = planned, expected, scheduled.
Vous avez prévu quelque chose ? = Do you have plans for today?
Je n’ai rien de prévu. = I don’t have any plans. - Se balader = se promener = to go for a walk, to take a walk, to stroll.
Une balade = une promenade = a walk, a stroll, a ride.
Une balade à cheval = a horseback ride.
Une randonnée = hiking.
Faire de la randonée = to hike. - Avoir l’air + an adjective = to look, to look like, to seem.
Un air = the air, the look, a tune, a melody. - Profiter de = to enjoy, to take advantage of, to make the most of.
Profiter de la vie = to live it up, to enjoy life.
Profiter de l’occasion = to take the opportunity.
Keywords: une balade, une randonnée.
Dialogue 3: Dans un taxi – In a taxi
Géraldine : Bonjour, je vais à la gare de l’Est, s’il vous plaît.
Géraldine: Hello, I’m going to Gare de l’Est, please.
Le chauffeur de taxi : Bonjour madame. Bien sûr, montez.
Taxi Driver: Good morning, madam. Of course, hop in.
Géraldine : C’est parti.
Géraldine: Let’s go.
Le chauffeur de taxi : Vous avez un itinéraire préféré ou je peux suivre le GPS?
Taxi Driver: Do you have a preferred route, or shall I follow the GPS?
Géraldine : Euh non, pas d’itinéraire préféré, allez-y.
Géraldine: Uh, no preferred way, go ahead.
Le chauffeur de taxi : Ça marche.
Taxi Driver: Alright.
Géraldine : Par contre j’ai un train dans quarante minutes… Vous pensez que je vais l’avoir ?
Géraldine: However, I have a train in forty minutes… Do you think I’ll make it?
Le chauffeur de taxi : Hum, le GPS me dit trente-cinq minutes pour arriver à la gare… Mais vous inquiétez pas madame. Vous l’aurez votre train. On va y arriver.
Taxi Driver: Hmm, the GPS says it takes thirty-five minutes to get to the station… But don’t worry, madam. You’ll catch your train. We can do this!
Géraldine : Merci.
Géraldine: Thank you.
Le chauffeur de taxi : Vous partez en voyage ?
Taxi Driver: Are you going on a trip?
Géraldine : Je vais voir de la famille pour le week-end.
[pause]
Géraldine: I’m visiting family for the weekend.
[pause]
Le chauffeur de taxi : Eh voilà, vous êtes arrivée. Pile à l’heure pour votre train !
Taxi Driver: There you are, arrived right on time for your train!
Géraldine : Merci beaucoup ! Ça fera combien ?
Géraldine: Thank you so much! How much do I owe you?
Le chauffeur de taxi : Ça fera 26 euros.
Taxi Driver: That will be 26 euros.
Géraldine : Super. Voici 30 euros, gardez la monnaie.
Géraldine: Great. Here are 30 euros, keep the change.
Le chauffeur de taxi : Merci beaucoup madame, bonne journée !
Taxi Driver: Thank you very much, madam. Have a nice day!
Géraldine : Merci, bonne journée à vous aussi !
Géraldine: Thank you, you too have a good day!
Analysis:
1. J’ai un train dans quarante minutes… Vous pensez que je vais l’avoir ? = I have a train in forty minutes… Do you think I’ll make it?
The sentence communicates concern about catching a scheduled train, seeks an opinion on the likelihood of making it, and maintains a casual tone in the interaction, reflecting a time constraint.
- J’ai un train dans quarante minutes. – The statement indicating a time constraint — a train is scheduled to depart in forty minutes. Pay attention: to indicate a time in future in French, we use the preposition “dans” and NOT “en”.
- Vous pensez que je vais l’avoir ? – The phrase expresses concern and seeks the driver’s opinion on the likelihood of catching the train, suggesting a degree of uncertainty or anxiety about the timely arrival. Using “Vous pensez” (= Do you think) adds a conversational and casual tone to the inquiry. Note that in French, we use the “vous” pronoun when we talk to someone we don’t know, and it shows respect.
Click here to learn more:
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2. Vous l’aurez votre train. On va y arriver. = You’ll catch your train. We can do this!
The sentence conveys reassurance and confidence in the context of catching a train, expressing a reassuring and encouraging statement with a collaborative and informal tone, indicating confidence that the person will catch their train.
- Vous l’aurez votre train. – The phrase translates to “You’ll catch your train.” and expresses reassurance and confidence that the person will make it in time for their train.
- On va y arriver. – This sentence translates to “We will make it.” and reinforces the positive sentiment, indicating a collective effort to ensure the successful outcome of catching the train. The tone is encouraging, emphasizing the belief in reaching the destination on time. The use of the informal pronoun “On” (= We) and the expression “y arriver” (= to make something) contribute to a conversational and supportive tone.
Click here to learn more:
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Vocabulary:
- C’est parti. = Let’s go.
Partir = to leave, to leave, to depart.
Partir en voyage / en vacances = to go on a trip / holiday.
J’ai un train qui part dans 40 minutes. = I have a train that departs in 40 minutes.
Click here to learn more:
Sortir vs Partir: How to say “I’m leaving” in French
- Arriver = to arrive, to happen.
Arriver à + an infinitive form of the verb = to make something, to succeed in doing something.
Tu sais ce qui m’est arrivé ? = Do you know what happened to me? - Pile à l’heure = right on time, just in time.
À midi pile = at exactly noon, at noon sharp. - Ça fera combien ? = How much do I owe you? How much will it be?
Ça fera 26 euros. = It will be 26 euros. - Gardez la monnaie. = Keep the change.
Garder = to keep, to maintain.
La monnaie = the currency, the coin, the change, and NOT the money!
Keywords: Gardez la monnaie ! On va y arriver !
Dialogue 4: Dans un musée avec une amie – In a museum with a friend
Géraldine : Merci de m’avoir proposé de venir, c’était une super idée.
Géraldine: Thank you for suggesting we come, it was a great idea.
Pauline : Bah oui, je me suis dit : “Il pleut, il fait froid, c’est le moment de visiter les musées au chaud.”
Pauline: Well, yes, I thought: “It’s raining, it’s cold, it’s the perfect time to visit museums in the warmth.”
Géraldine : Et puis surtout, ça faisait longtemps que je voulais voir cette expo.
Géraldine: Above all, I’ve wanted to see this exhibition for a long time.
Pauline : J’étais surprise de voir qu’elle passait par le musée de Grenoble, oui.
Pauline: I was surprised to see that it was passing through the museum of Grenoble, yes.
Géraldine : C’est clair. Enfin, je suis contente d’avoir acheté les billets en ligne, pour éviter de refaire la file d’attente.
Géraldine: Clearly. Anyway, I’m glad I bought the tickets online to avoid queuing again.
Pauline : Carrément.
Pauline: Totally.
Géraldine : Bon, par quoi on commence ? L’expo ou les galeries permanentes ?
Géraldine: Well, what shall we start with? The exhibition or the permanent galleries?
Pauline : On n’a qu’à se dire qu’on démarre par l’expo ; comme ça, c’est fait.
Pauline: Let’s just say we’ll start with the exhibition; that way, it’s done.
Géraldine : Ça me va.
Géraldine: That works for me.
Pauline : Allez c’est parti, on avance !
Pauline: Alright, let’s go, let’s move on!
Analysis:
1. Et puis surtout, ça faisait longtemps que je voulais voir cette expo. = And above all, I’ve wanted to see this exhibition for a long time.
The sentence expresses a sentiment of fulfillment regarding visiting an exhibition, conveying a sense of anticipation, emphasizing the duration of the desire to see the exhibition, and expressing satisfaction at finally realizing this long-standing wish.
- Et puis surtout… – It translates to “And especially, and above all” and serves as a causal conjunction, indicating the fulfillment of the desire is particularly noteworthy.
- Ça faisait longtemps que je voulais voir cette expo… – The use of “ça faisait longtemps” (= for a long time, it’s been a long time) emphasizes the duration of the desire, highlighting the anticipation that has built up over an extended period. The person finally fulfills a long-standing wish to see the exhibition, conveying a sense of satisfaction. The informal word “expo” indicates it’s a casual conversation between friends.
2. Allez c’est parti, on avance ! = Alright, let’s go, let’s move on!
The sentence is an exclamation that encourages action, conveying a sense of initiative and urging others to join in moving forward or taking action.
- Allez – This exclamation mark contributes to an informal and dynamic tone, suggesting a friendly and motivating atmosphere.
Click here to learn more:
French Vocabulary: “Allez” en français !
- C’est parti. – This is an enthusiastic expression encouraging movement or action that translates to “Let’s go”.
- On avance ! – The sentence reinforces the idea of taking action, moving forward and making progress.
Vocabulary:
- Au chaud = hot, in the warmth, in the heat.
Chaud = hot, warm.
J’ai chaud. = I am hot. I am warm.
Je suis chaud. = I’m up for it. - Une expo (informal) = une exposition (formal) = an exhibition.
Une exhibition = an exhibition, flashing someone.
Click here to learn more:
Essentials of Spoken French – Cutting words
- La file d’attente = la queue = the queue, the line.
Faire la file d’attente = faire la queue = to wait in line. - Carrément = totally, definitely, downright.
- Ça me va. = It works for me.
Ça te va ? = Does it work for you?
Ça va ? = How are you?
Keywords: une expo, la file d’attente, carrément.
Dialogue 5: Au marché aux puces – At the flea market
Brocanteur : Bonjour ! Vous trouvez ce qui vous intéresse ?
Antiques Dealer: Good morning! Are you finding what you’re interested in?
Géraldine : Bonjour ! Eh bien pas vraiment… Vous avez d’autres montres à gousset, comme celle-ci ?
Géraldine: Good morning! Well, not really… Do you have other pocket watches like this one?
Brocanteur : Non madame, mais celle-ci est une belle pièce d’époque, de 1913.
Antiques Dealer: No, madam, but this one is a fine period piece from 1913.
Géraldine : Et elle est en bon état, à l’intérieur ? Il y a un petit défaut sur le côté.
Géraldine: And it’s in good condition inside? There’s a little flaw on the side.
Brocanteur : Je l’ai faite réviser il n’y a pas longtemps. Elle marche parfaitement, madame.
Antiques Dealer: I had it serviced not long ago; it works perfectly, madam.
Géraldine : Ça pourrait faire un chouette petit cadeau pour mon beau-père. Elle est à combien ?
Géraldine: It could make a nice little gift for my father-in-law. How much is it?
Le vendeur : Pour cette montre, on est à 130 euros.
The Seller: For this watch, we’re at 130 euros, madam.
Géraldine : Hum, c’est au-dessus de mon budget. Vous me la faites à 100 ?
Géraldine: Hmm, that’s above my budget. Would you do 100?
Le vendeur : Je peux faire un effort, mais je ne peux pas descendre en dessous de 120 euros.
The Seller: I can make an effort but can’t go below 120 euros.
Géraldine : Même pas 110 ?
Géraldine: Not even 110?
Le vendeur : Écoutez madame, on va dire 120 avec le petit kit de nettoyage. Mais je peux vraiment pas aller plus bas que 120.
The Seller: Listen, madam, let’s say 120 with the little cleaning kit. But I really can’t go lower than 120.
Géraldine : Disons 120, alors, ça me va. Je vais vous payer par carte.
Géraldine: Let’s say 120 then, that works for me. I’ll pay by card.
Le vendeur : Parfait, je suis content qu’elle trouve une nouvelle maison. Vous la prendrez comme ça ou je vous l’emballe ?
The Seller: Perfect, I’m glad it’s finding a new home. Will you take it as is, or should I wrap it up for you?
Géraldine : Si vous avez un petit sac, ce serait parfait.
Géraldine: If you have a little bag, that would be perfect.
Le vendeur : Bien sûr, je vous emballe ça. Voilà. Merci beaucoup et bonne continuation sur le marché !
The Seller: Of course, I’ll wrap it up for you. There you go, thank you very much, and enjoy the rest of the market!
Géraldine : Merci à vous, et bonne journée. Au revoir !
Géraldine: Thank you, and have a good day. Goodbye!
Analysis:
1. Vous me la faites à 100 ? – Would you do 100?
The sentence is a straightforward price negotiation about the cost of a watch, directly inquiring about the possibility of obtaining the watch at a particular price.
- The phrase “Vous me la faites à 100 euros ?” translates to “Can you make it 100 euros for me?” and indicates a negotiation or inquiry about the price of the watch. The use of “Vous” adds a level of formality and politeness to the request, maintaining a respectful tone. The mention of “100 euros” specifies the desired price, suggesting that the speaker is proposing a more favorable price.
2. Je ne peux pas descendre en dessous de 120 euros. = I can’t go below 120 euros.
It is a clear and straightforward response to a price negotiation, indicating the minimum amount the speaker is willing to accept and leaving no ambiguity about the acceptable price.
- The phrase “Je ne peux pas descendre en dessous de 120 euros” communicates a firm stance, indicating that the speaker is not willing to accept a price lower than 120 euros.
- Je ne peux pas (= I cannot) adds a polite tone to the refusal, maintaining a level of courtesy.
- “En dessous de” (= below) establishes a boundary for the negotiation, making it clear that the speaker has set a minimum limit.
En dessus de = above.
En dessous de = below, beneath.
Au-dessous de = below, underneath.
Au-dessus de = above, over, beyond.
Vocabulary:
- Une belle pièce d’époque = a fine period piece.
(un objet) d’époque = dating from the period to which they are attributed.
Un meuble d’époque = a period furniture.
Une époque = time, era, period.
À l’époque = at the time, at that time.
La Belle Époque = Belle Epoque, the good old time, the golden age.
Click here to learn more:
- Même pas = not even.
Même si = even if.
Même (adjective) = identique = semblable = same.
Cela revient au même. = C’est exactement pareil. = It’s the same.
Même (adverb) = exactement, précisément = exactly, precisely. - Un défaut = a flaw, a defect, an error, a weakness.
Une qualité = une vertu = a virtue. - Chouette = nice, cool.
C’est chouette ! = That’s nice!
Click here to learn more:
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- Bonne continuation ! = Good luck with your ongoing endeavors.
Keywords: un défaut, chouette, bonne continuation.
Congrats! You completed the dialogues, what did you write down to remember? Which of these French words or sentences can you reuse, next time you’re in Paris?
If you enjoyed this format, by the way, you’ll be interested in my longer courses. You’ll get to practice and listen to real spoken French with real French people and situations, and real dialogues on a whole array of different topics., with programs from intermediate to advanced, such as French Conversation with Confidence, French Vocabulary & Pronunciation – or the 30-Day French Challenges almost every month! They’re all very fun, with our lovely community of open francophiles, and they’re designed to help you find confidence whatever life in France throws at you.
For now, write down two sentences that you want to remember from today’s dialogues, in the comments on the blog.
Or you can keep watching 6 more scripts of real-life French situations, with me!
Click here to get your next lesson:
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excellent! ça m’aide bien avant de ma voyage à Paris