A2French

Making Small Talk

Use these phrases to make simple, everyday small talk with colleagues or acquaintances.

Key Phrases

Voice
Asking how someone is · 2 ways to say it

Salut, ça va ?

casual

Hi, how are things?

The most common everyday greeting among friends and colleagues.

Bonjour, comment allez-vous ?

polite

Hello, how are you?

Use this more formal greeting with strangers or management.

Asking about the weekend · 2 ways to say it

Tu as passé un bon week-end ?

casual

Did you have a good weekend?

Vous avez passé un bon week-end ?

polite

Did you have a good weekend?

Replying about the weekend · 2 ways to say it

Oui, je me suis reposé. Et toi ?

casual

Yes, I rested. And you?

Use 'toi' to ask the question back in informal settings.

Oui, très bien, merci. Et vous ?

polite

Yes, very good, thank you. And you?

Commenting on the weather

Il fait vraiment beau aujourd'hui, non ?

casual

It's really nice out today, right?

Adding 'non ?' at the end invites the other person to agree.

Asking about weekend plans · 2 ways to say it

Qu'est-ce que tu vas faire ce week-end ?

casual

What are you going to do this weekend?

Qu'est-ce que vous allez faire ce week-end ?

polite

What are you going to do this weekend?

Ending the conversation · 2 ways to say it

Bon, je dois y aller. À plus !

casual

Well, I have to go. See ya!

'À plus' is the short, everyday way to say 'à plus tard'.

Je dois retourner au travail. Bonne journée !

neutral

I have to get back to work. Have a good day!

Practice Dialogue

Developer
Salut Luc, ça va ?
Accountant
Salut Paul ! Oui, très bien. Et toi ?
Developer
Ça va. Tu as passé un bon week-end ?
Accountant
Oui, je me suis beaucoup reposé. Et toi ?
Developer
Je suis allé au parc avec des amis. Il fait beau aujourd'hui.
Accountant
Oui, c'est vrai. Bon, je dois retourner au travail.
Developer
D'accord, bonne journée. À plus !

More Greetings & Socializing (A2)

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