🌤️ French phrase guide
How to make small talk in French
Small talk is where real fluency shows: no script, no menu, just a friendly chat. These phrases (in the casual "you" you'd use with a friendly neighbour) get you through the weather, the weekend and a warm goodbye.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key French phrases
| French | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Ça va ? | How's it going? | |
| Il fait beau aujourd'hui, hein ? | Nice weather today, isn't it? | |
| Il fait tellement chaud / froid ! | It's so hot / so cold! | |
| Tu as des projets pour le week-end ? | Any plans for the weekend? | |
| Pas grand-chose, je vais me reposer. | Not much, just relaxing. | |
| Tu as passé un bon week-end ? | How was your weekend? | |
| Tu habites ici depuis combien de temps ? | How long have you lived here? | |
| Tu fais quoi dans la vie ? | What do you do for work? | |
| Ça m'a fait plaisir de discuter ! | Nice talking to you! | |
| À la prochaine ! | See you around! |
Example conversation
Neighbour
Salut ! Ça va ?
Hi! How's it going?
You
Ça va, merci ! Il fait beau aujourd'hui, hein ?
Good, thanks! Nice weather today, isn't it?
Neighbour
Enfin ! Tu as des projets pour le week-end ?
Finally! Any plans for the weekend?
You
Je vais à la plage avec des amis. Et toi ?
I'm going to the beach with some friends. And you?
Neighbour
Rien de spécial, je vais me reposer à la maison.
Nothing special, just relaxing at home.
You
Bonne idée ! À la prochaine !
Sounds good! See you around!
Good to know
💡 These phrases use the friendly "tu". With an older neighbour or someone you've just met, switch to "vous": "Vous avez des projets pour le week-end ?".
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
Have this conversation with an AI partner who plays the other person, answers back, gives you a tip when something sounds off, and lets you speak your replies out loud. Free, no signup needed.
Practice "Small talk" in French →More French situations
☕ How to order coffee🍽️ How to order at a restaurant🧭 How to ask for directions🏨 How to check into a hotel🙋 How to introduce yourself🩺 How to make a doctor's appointment🚆 How to buy a train ticket👕 How to shop for clothes📞 How to book a table💊 How to ask for help at a pharmacy