25 Essential Phrases for Everyday French Conversations

This transcript is edited for readability. It retains the lesson’s French models, explanations and humor; punctuation and English grammar are corrected. English translations are checked. Bracketed notes clarify factual meanings, register or caption errors; they are editorial additions rather than words spoken in the recording.

00:00 — Opening and introduction

[Opening sketch: hesitation, « Euh… »]

If you are learning French but still freezing up in real conversations, don’t worry! This video is exactly what you need. I’ve got 25 must-know phrases to help you sound natural and confident in French. No more awkward silences, I promise you. Stick around till the end because I’ll also share my two favourite phrases that I use all the time. Let’s go!

00:36 — Ease into conversations: phrases 1–6

Let’s start with some phrases to help you ease into conversations.

1. T’as une minute ? — Do you have a minute? We usually say this when we want to start a quick chat. Hé Alex, t’as une minute ? Je voulais te demander quelque chose. — Hey Alex, do you have a minute? I wanted to ask you something.

2. Ça te va ? — Does that work for you? Perfect to check if someone agrees or a plan works for them. On peut se voir à 17 h, ça te va ? — We can meet at 5 p.m.; does that work for you?

3. T’es dispo pour en parler ? — Are you available to talk about it? Use it when you want to talk about something and check that the other person is available and willing to chat. Salut Sam, t’es dispo pour en parler plus tard ? — Hi Sam, are you free to talk about it later?

4. Tu veux qu’on en discute plus tard ? — Want to talk about it later? Perfect if you’re not sure whether now is the right time. Pas de soucis, tu veux qu’on en discute plus tard quand tu auras le temps ? — No worries; would you like to talk about it later when you have time?

5. Je te tiens au courant. — I’ll keep you updated. Or: On se tient au courant. — Let’s keep each other updated. A great way to wrap things up and show you’ll keep in touch. On se tient au courant quand j’en sais plus, OK ? — We’ll keep each other updated once I know more, OK?

6. Tu veux en parler ? — Want to talk about it? When you want to show someone you’re open to listening in a simple, natural way. J’ai entendu dire que t’étais stressé. Tu veux en parler ? — I heard you were feeling stressed. Want to talk about it?

02:21 — Positive reactions: phrases 7–12

Moving on. Sometimes you just want to react positively, right? Here are some sweet ways to do it.

7. C’est trop chou ! — That’s so cute!

8. C’est vraiment sympa de ta part. — That’s really nice of you. A natural way to show gratitude when someone does something kind. C’est vraiment sympa de ta part, merci beaucoup ! — That’s really kind of you; thank you so much!

9. J’adore ton idée ! — I love your idea! When you love someone’s idea or want to support their creative spark. J’adore ton idée, c’est super créatif ! — I love your idea; it’s really creative!

10. Je suis vraiment contente de cette nouvelle. — I’m really happy about this news. Perfect when family or friends have good news to share. Je suis trop contente de cette nouvelle, c’est génial ! — I’m really happy about this news; it’s great!

11. Ça me paraît bien. — Sounds good to me. When you agree with what’s being said or suggested. Oui, ça me paraît bien comme plan ! — Yes, that sounds like a good plan to me!

12. Ce n’est pas grave. — It’s OK; no big deal. Use it to reassure someone or let them know it’s not a problem. Oh, mais ce n’est pas grave, t’inquiète. — Oh, it’s no big deal; don’t worry.

03:51 — Free study guide

Now that you’ve got some new key phrases, why not take the next step in your French learning? Our free study guide offers simple, step-by-step guidance to help you learn smarter and see real progress. You can check out the link in the description. Let’s keep going!

04:12 — Hangouts and plans: phrases 13–18

It’s time to get social. Here are some must-know phrases for making plans.

13. On se fait un apéro ? — Shall we have a drink together? A very common, classic French invitation. Hé, ça te dit pas qu’on se fasse un apéro ce soir ? — Hey, how about getting together for a drink tonight?

14. On se fait une bouffe ? — Want to grab a bite? Use it to make casual food plans. It’s friendly and very French. On se fait une bouffe un de ces quatre ? — Shall we get together for a meal one of these days?

15. Tu veux que je ramène quelque chose ? — Do you want me to bring something? Great when you’re invited and want to offer to bring something. Tu veux que je ramène quelque chose pour le dîner ce soir ? — Do you want me to bring anything for dinner tonight?

16. Ça te dirait qu’on prenne un café ? — Feel like grabbing a coffee? Use it to invite someone for a relaxed coffee meetup.

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17. Ça fait un bail qu’on ne s’est pas vus ! — It’s been ages since we last saw each other! Perfect when you’re reconnecting with old friends after a long time. Ça fait un bail qu’on ne s’est pas vus ! Tu deviens quoi depuis tout ce temps ? — It’s been ages since we last saw each other! What have you been up to all this time?

18. Tu veux que je passe chez toi ? — Want me to come over? A casual, caring way to suggest visiting their place.

05:48 — Updates and gossip: phrases 19–22

All right. Now that we’ve seen how to start a conversation, share positive reactions and make plans, let’s talk about what interests us most: sharing updates and juicy gossip.

19. Tu as entendu la nouvelle ? — Have you heard the news? Good for starting juicy chats. Tu as entendu la nouvelle sur Clara ? — Have you heard the news about Clara?

20. J’ai entendu dire que… — I heard that… Great for introducing a piece of gossip or new information. J’ai entendu dire qu’il partait au Canada ! — I heard he was going to Canada!

21. Tu devineras jamais ce que j’ai appris ! — You’ll never guess what I found out! Use it when you really want to catch their attention. [The recording uses informal speech without ne: in formal written French, Tu ne devineras jamais…]

22. J’ai un truc à te raconter. — I have something to tell you. Use it when you’ve got exciting news. J’ai un truc à te raconter, t’es pas prête ! — I have something to tell you; you’re not ready for this!

07:00 — Surprise and reactions: phrases 23–25

Let’s have a look at the last three phrases, ones that native speakers use a lot to show surprise or react. Note them down to make your French sound super natural.

23. Tu sais ce qui s’est passé ? — Do you know what happened? Perfect for teasing a story or some gossip. Mais tu sais ce qui s’est passé ? Elle l’a quitté ! — But do you know what happened? She left him!

24. Tu savais pas ? — You didn’t know? A short but effective way to show surprise when someone doesn’t know some news or gossip. Tu savais pas ? Elle se marie le mois prochain ! — You didn’t know? She’s getting married next month!

And finally, the last one, one of my absolute favourites for gossip:

25. Mais non, raconte ! — No way; tell me more! Use it when you’re dying to hear more details.

07:57 — Recap and favourite phrases

So that’s it: 25 useful phrases to help you sound more French, more natural and way more fun. My personal favourites? Mais non, raconte ! and On se fait un apéro ? I just can’t pick one. And if you want to sound even more natural and less like a tourist, check out my video “Don’t Say Je veux in French” to learn some cool alternatives. Click here to watch it. See you there!