Starting your first day of school in France can be exciting yet nerve-wracking. Knowing how to break the ice with your new classmates is crucial for building friendships and feeling comfortable in your new environment. With these useful French conversation starters, you’ll be able to engage confidently with others—give them a try!
Greetings
Start every interaction with a polite greeting. Use “bonjour” when meeting someone new or entering a classroom—it’s the perfect way to set a positive tone and show respect. Here are key phrases to help you make a great first impression and ensure smooth, respectful interactions.
- Bonjour! – The essential “hello” or “good day” used in nearly all interactions in France. Always start with “bonjour” to set a polite tone.
- Merci – A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Use “merci” or “merci beaucoup” to show appreciation.
- Excusez-moi – Use this polite phrase to get someone’s attention or apologize for small inconveniences.
- S’il vous plaît – Meaning “please,” this phrase is crucial when making requests, showing respect and courtesy.
Read more about greetings in French here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/french-salutations/
Où habites-tu ? – Where do you live?
Asking where someone lives is a common way to start a conversation and learn more about your classmates. In France, you might find students from various parts of the country or even other nations, making this question a great way to discover more about your peers’ backgrounds.
D’où viens-tu ? – Where are you from?
This is another great conversation starter, especially in an international setting. Asking “D’où viens-tu ?” allows you to learn about someone’s origins, which can lead to deeper discussions about culture and experiences. It’s a perfect icebreaker for meeting fellow international students.
Quels sont tes passe-temps ? – What are your hobbies?
Talking about hobbies is a universal way to bond with others. By asking “Quels sont tes passe-temps ?” you can find common interests that might lead to lasting friendships. Whether it’s sports, music, or reading, sharing hobbies is a fantastic way to connect.
Que fais-tu généralement le week-end ? – What do you usually do on weekends?
This question is a great follow-up to discussing hobbies. Understanding how your classmates spend their weekends can help you find common activities to enjoy together outside of school. It’s a natural progression in getting to know someone better.
Qu’est-ce qui t’a poussé à apprendre le français ? – What made you start learning French?
For international students, this question can spark interesting conversations about motivations and experiences with learning French. “Qu’est-ce qui t’a poussé à apprendre le français ?” opens up discussions about language learning journeys and challenges, which can be both relatable and informative.
Depuis combien de temps étudies-tu le français ? – How long have you been studying French?
Continuing from the previous question, asking “Depuis combien de temps étudies-tu le français ?” can help you understand the language proficiency of your peers and share learning tips. It’s a supportive way to connect with others who are also on the journey of mastering French.
Start Practicing Now
Now that you’re equipped with these essential French conversation starters, don’t wait for your first day of school to practice them—start using them right away! You can break the ice with French students online through language exchange apps like Tandem or HelloTalk.
