Making Small Talk
Use these phrases to make natural small talk, show interest in others, and smoothly transition out of a conversation.
Key Phrases
Quoi de neuf depuis la dernière fois qu'on s'est vus ?
casualWhat's new since the last time we saw each other?
A friendly way to catch up with someone you haven't seen in a while.
Comment vont les choses pour toi en ce moment ?
neutralHow are things going for you right now?
Works well with colleagues or acquaintances.
Il fait vraiment beau aujourd'hui, ça fait tellement de bien de voir le soleil.
neutralIt's really nice today, it feels so good to see the sun.
A safe, universal icebreaker for almost any situation.
Tu as vu ce temps ? Je suis tellement content qu'il fasse enfin beau !
casualDid you see this weather? I'm so glad it's finally nice out!
Uses the subjunctive ('qu'il fasse'); great for chatting with friends or close coworkers.
Tu as fait quoi de beau ce week-end ? Tu as pu te reposer ?
casualDid you do anything nice this weekend? Were you able to rest?
Adding 'de beau' (nice/good) is a very common colloquial habit in French.
Avez-vous passé un bon week-end ? Vous êtes parti quelque part ?
politeDid you have a good weekend? Did you go anywhere?
Use 'vous' when talking to a boss, a client, or an older neighbor.
Comment ça se passe au travail ? Ce n'est pas trop stressant en ce moment ?
neutralHow are things going at work? Is it not too stressful right now?
A considerate way to ask about someone's job without being too intrusive.
Qu'est-ce que tu fais en général quand tu as un peu de temps libre ?
neutralWhat do you usually do when you have a little free time?
A great open-ended question to transition from small talk to deeper conversation.
Ah oui, c'est super intéressant ! Ça fait longtemps que tu fais ça ?
neutralOh yes, that's super interesting! Have you been doing that for a long time?
Keeps the conversation flowing by encouraging the other person to elaborate.
C'est dingue ! Je ne savais pas du tout que tu t'intéressais à ça.
casualThat's crazy! I didn't know at all that you were interested in that.
Use 'dingue' (crazy/wild) to express genuine surprise with friends.
Bon, il faut que je file, mais on se reparle très vite !
casualWell, I have to run, but we'll talk again very soon!
Using 'filer' (to run/dash) is very common in informal speech.
C'était vraiment un plaisir d'échanger avec vous, mais je dois retourner travailler.
politeIt was really a pleasure talking with you, but I have to get back to work.
A polite and professional way to excuse yourself in a formal setting.
On essaie de se capter la semaine prochaine pour prendre un café ?
casualShall we try to catch up next week to grab a coffee?
'Se capter' is a casual slang term meaning to meet up or catch up.
Tiens-moi au courant de tes disponibilités, on ira boire un verre à l'occasion.
neutralKeep me updated on your availability, we'll go for a drink sometime.
A low-pressure way to suggest hanging out without setting a firm date.