First impressions matter, and knowing how to introduce yourself in French can open doors to meaningful connections and cultural experiences.
One of the most fundamental phrases to learn is 'Bonjour, je m'appelle...' which translates to 'Hello, my name is...'. This phrase is essential for clear communication and building connections with French speakers.
Whether you’re meeting a new french friend, starting a job in a French-speaking country, or simply practicing your language skills, mastering the art of French introductions is key.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore over 50 essential French phrases for self-introduction, covering various contexts from casual meetups to formal settings. We’ll also delve into cultural nuances, provide tips for making a great first impression, and offer insights into the etiquette of French introductions.
How to introduce yourself in French in 75 ways
You're learning french "Comment vous appelez vous" is likely the first question any french person will ask you.
And introducing yourself in French is more than just saying "Bonjour, je m'appelle..."
The way you introduce yourself in french can vary greatly depending on the context, the person you're speaking to, and the impression you want to make.
Context also plays a crucial role in French introductions. The setting (professional, casual, academic), the age and status of the person you're meeting, and whether you're being introduced by someone else all influence how you should introduce yourself. The way you introduce yourself in French while making french friends should different from the way you do it meeting some public figures.
Also note that French society places a high value on politeness and social etiquette, so choosing the right level of formality is key to making a good first impression.
French introductions generally fall into two categories: formal and informal.
-
Formal introductions are used in professional settings, with older individuals, or in any situation where respect and distance need to be maintained. These often use the "vous" form of address.
-
Informal introductions are for casual settings, informal context, with peers, or in situations where a friendly, approachable tone is appropriate. These typically use the "tu" form.
Essential phrases for basic self-introduction: "je m'appelle ..."
Here are some essential phrases for basic self-introductions in French, suitable for various contexts:
French phrase | English translation | Context | IPA Pronunciation |
---|---|---|---|
Je m'appelle [Nom] | My name is [Name] | Universal | /ʒə mapɛl/ |
Je suis [Nom] | I am [Name] | Universal, slightly less formal | /ʒə sɥi/ |
Enchanté(e) | Pleased to meet you | Universal, after introducing yourself | /ɑ̃ʃɑ̃te/ |
Bonjour, je me présente | Hello, let me introduce myself | Formal | /bɔ̃ʒuʁ ʒə mə pʁezɑ̃t/ |
Salut, moi c'est [Nom] | Hi, I'm [Name] | Very informal | /saly mwa sɛ/ |
Permettez-moi de me présenter | Allow me to introduce myself | Very formal | /pɛʁmɛte mwa də mə pʁezɑ̃te/ |
Je suis ravi(e) de faire votre connaissance | I'm delighted to meet you | Formal, after introduction | /ʒə sɥi ʁavi də fɛʁ vɔtʁ kɔnɛsɑ̃s/ |
Comment allez-vous ? | How are you? | Formal, often follows introduction | /kɔmɑ̃t‿ale vu/ |
Ça va ? | How's it going? | Informal, often follows introduction | /sa va/ |
Je viens de [Lieu] | I'm from [Place] | Universal, adding information | /ʒə vjɛ̃ də/ |
Examples and explanations of usage:
-
In a job interview: " Bonjour, je me présente, je m'appelle Marie Dubois. Je suis ravie de faire votre connaissance. " ( Hello, let me introduce myself, my name is Marie Dubois. I'm delighted to meet you. ) This formal introduction is appropriate for a professional setting, using "je me présente" and the formal "ravie de faire votre connaissance."
-
Meeting a friend of a friend at a party: " Salut, moi c'est Thomas. Ça va ? " ( Hi, I'm Thomas. How's it going? ) This casual introduction uses informal language and the condensed "moi c'est" instead of "je m'appelle."
-
Introducing yourself to a new neighbor: " Bonjour, je m'appelle Claire. Je viens d'emménager à côté. " ( Hello, my name is Claire. I just moved in next door. ) This introduction is polite without being overly formal, and includes relevant information about being a new neighbor.
It's worth mentioning that the response to the question "Comment vous appelez vous" helps you to come up with a few words important to your french introduction.
Formal ways to introduce yourself in French
In more formal or professional situations, it's important to use the appropriate level of language to show respect and establish the right tone. Here are some formal ways to introduce yourself in French:
French phrase | English translation | Context | IPA Pronunciation |
---|---|---|---|
Permettez-moi de me présenter | Allow me to introduce myself | Very formal, opening | /pɛʁmɛte mwa də mə pʁezɑ̃te/ |
Je suis [Nom], le/la [Titre/Fonction] | I am [Name], the [Title/Position] | Formal, professional | /ʒə sɥi lə/la/ |
J'ai l'honneur de faire votre connaissance | I have the honor of meeting you | Very formal, showing respect | /ʒe lɔnœʁ də fɛʁ vɔtʁ kɔnɛsɑ̃s/ |
Je me présente, [Nom], de la société [Nom] | I'm [Name], from [Company Name] | Formal, business context | /ʒə mə pʁezɑ̃t də la sɔsjete/ |
Je suis ravi(e) de vous rencontrer | I'm delighted to meet you | Formal, after introduction | /ʒə sɥi ʁavi də vu ʁɑ̃kɔ̃tʁe/ |
Je suis à votre disposition pour [raison] | I am at your disposal for [reason] | Formal, offering service | /ʒə sɥi a vɔtʁ dispɔzisjɔ̃ puʁ/ |
C'est un honneur de faire votre connaissance | It's an honor to make your acquaintance | Very formal, showing high respect | /sɛt‿œ̃n‿ɔnœʁ də fɛʁ vɔtʁ kɔnɛsɑ̃s/ |
Je vous remercie de me recevoir | Thank you for receiving me | Formal, showing gratitude | /ʒə vu ʁəmɛʁsi də mə ʁəsəvwaʁ/ |
Je me permets de me présenter | I take the liberty of introducing myself | Formal, polite | /ʒə mə pɛʁmɛ də mə pʁezɑ̃te/ |
Enchanté(e) de faire votre connaissance | Delighted to make your acquaintance | Formal, polite | /ɑ̃ʃɑ̃te də fɛʁ vɔtʁ kɔnɛsɑ̃s/ |
Examples and explanations of usage:
-
In a job interview: " Permettez-moi de me présenter. Je suis Marie Dubois, ingénieure en informatique. Je suis ravie de vous rencontrer et vous remercie de me recevoir. " ( Allow me to introduce myself. I am Marie Dubois, a computer engineer. I'm delighted to meet you and thank you for receiving me .) This introduction combines several formal phrases. It starts with a very polite opening, states the name and profession, expresses pleasure at the meeting, and shows gratitude. This level of formality is appropriate for a job interview or similar professional setting.
-
At a business conference:
" Bonjour, je me présente, Jean Leclerc, de la société Innovatech. C'est un honneur de faire votre connaissance. Je suis à votre disposition pour discuter de nos nouveaux projets. " ( Hello, I'm Jean Leclerc, from Innovatech company. It's an honor to make your acquaintance. I'm at your disposal to discuss our new projects. ) This introduction is suitable for formal business situations. It includes the company name, expresses honor at the meeting, and offers availability for further discussion, which is appropriate in a networking context.
3. Meeting a high-ranking official: " J'ai l'honneur de faire votre connaissance, Madame la Ministre. Je suis Dr. Sophie Martin, directrice de recherche à l'Institut National de la Santé. " ( I have the honor of meeting you, Madam Minister. I am Dr. Sophie Martin, research director at the National Health Institute. ) This very formal introduction is suitable for meeting a high-ranking official. It expresses great respect through the phrase "J'ai l'honneur" and includes the full title and position, which is important in such formal contexts.
When using these formal introductions, remember:
-
Always use the "vous" form, never "tu".
-
Speak clearly and at a measured pace.
-
Maintain eye contact and offer a handshake if appropriate.
-
Body language should be open but reserved – avoid overly expansive gestures.
-
If you're not sure about the level of formality required, it's better to err on the side of being too formal rather than too casual.
So, how should the interlocuter respond? : "C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer." is the most common in such formal contexts.
Casual and informal self-introductions in French
In more relaxed settings or when meeting people your age or in informal situations, you can use these casual self-introduction phrases. Remember, in French culture, it’s important to gauge the appropriate level of formality, even in casual settings.
French Phrase | English Translation | Context | IPA Pronunciation |
---|---|---|---|
Salut, moi c’est [Nom] | Hi, I’m [Name] | Very casual | /saly mwa sɛ/ |
Coucou, je m’appelle [Nom] | Hey there, my name is [Name] | Friendly, very informal | /kuku ʒə mapɛl/ |
Enchanté(e), je suis [Nom] | Nice to meet you, I’m [Name] | Casual but polite | /ɑ̃ʃɑ̃te ʒə sɥi/ |
Moi c’est [Nom], et toi ? | I’m [Name], and you? | Casual, expecting reciprocation | /mwa sɛ e twa/ |
Je m’appelle [Nom], mais mes amis m’appellent [Surnom] | My name is [Name], but my friends call me [Nickname] | Friendly, offering closeness | /ʒə mapɛl mɛ mez‿ami mapɛl/ |
[Nom], enchanté(e) | [Name], nice to meet you | Brief, casual | /ɑ̃ʃɑ̃te/ |
Ravi(e) de te rencontrer, je suis [Nom] | Glad to meet you, I’m [Name] | Casual but warm | /ʁavi də tə ʁɑ̃kɔ̃tʁe ʒə sɥi/ |
Tu peux m’appeler [Nom] | You can call me [Name] | Offering familiarity | /ty pø maple/ |
Salut tout le monde, moi c’est [Nom] | Hi everyone, I’m [Name] | Casual group introduction | /saly tu lə mɔ̃d mwa sɛ/ |
Yo, [Nom] | Yo, [Name] | Very informal, youth slang | /jo/ |
Examples and explanations of usage:
-
At a party with people your age:
“ Salut, moi c’est Alex. Ravi de te rencontrer ! “ ( Hi, I’m Alex. Glad to meet you! )
This casual introduction is perfect for a relaxed social setting. The use of “Salut” and “moi c’est” immediately sets a friendly, informal tone. “Ravi de te rencontrer” adds a touch of warmth without being overly formal.
2. Meeting a friend of a friend:
“ Coucou, je m’appelle Sophie, mais mes amis m’appellent Soso. Et toi, comment tu t’appelles ? “ ( Hey there, my name is Sophie, but my friends call me Soso. And you, what’s your name? )
This introduction is very friendly and open. By sharing a nickname, Sophie is inviting a closer, more familiar relationship. The question at the end encourages the other person to respond in kind.
3. Joining a casual sports club:
“ Salut tout le monde, moi c’est Thomas. C’est ma première fois ici, ravi de vous rencontrer tous ! “ ( Hi everyone, I’m Thomas. It’s my first time here, glad to meet you all! )
This is a good way to introduce yourself in french to a group in a casual setting. It’s friendly and open, and by mentioning it’s your first time, you’re inviting others to welcome you and perhaps offer help or information.
4. Meeting someone at a music festival:
“ Yo, moi c’est Léa. Tu viens voir quel groupe ? “ ( Yo, I’m Léa. Which band are you here to see? )
This very casual introduction uses youth slang (“Yo”) and immediately follows up with a relevant question, which is a great way to start a conversation in this kind of setting.
How to introduce yourself in French: Talking about yourself
When introducing yourself in French, it's often appropriate to elaborate beyond just your name.
Providing information about your profession, studies, or background can help create a more meaningful connection and provide context for further conversation. The key is to strike a balance between being informative and concise, while considering the social context of the interaction.
In French culture, what you do (your profession or studies) is often seen as an important part of your identity. However, it's generally presented in a matter-of-fact way, without too much self-promotion.
Discussing your profession or studies in French: "je suis ..."
Here are some useful phrases for talking about your profession or studies when introducing yourself:
French Phrase | English Translation | Context | IPA Pronunciation |
---|---|---|---|
Je suis [profession] | I am a [profession] | Universal | /ʒə sɥi/ |
Je travaille comme [profession] | I work as a [profession] | Slightly less formal | /ʒə tʁavaj kɔm/ |
Je travaille dans [domaine] | I work in [field] | General field of work | /ʒə tʁavaj dɑ̃/ |
Je suis étudiant(e) en [domaine] | I'm a student in [field] | For students | /ʒə sɥi etydjɑ̃(t) ɑ̃/ |
Je fais mes études en [domaine] | I'm studying [field] | For students, alternative | /ʒə fɛ mez‿etyd ɑ̃/ |
J'étudie à l'université de [nom] | I study at [name] university | Specifying institution | /ʒetydi a lynivɛʁsite də/ |
Je suis en [année] année de [programme] | I'm in my [year] year of [program] | Specifying study progress | /ʒə sɥi ɑ̃ ane də/ |
Je me spécialise en [spécialité] | I specialize in [specialty] | For specialized fields | /ʒə mə spesjalizɑ̃/ |
Je suis à la recherche d'un emploi en [domaine] | I'm looking for a job in [field] | For job seekers | /ʒə sɥi a la ʁəʃɛʁʃ dœ̃n‿ɑ̃plwa ɑ̃/ |
Je suis en stage chez [entreprise] | I'm an intern at [company] | For interns | /ʒə sɥi ɑ̃ staʒ ʃe/ |
Examples and explanations of usage:
-
In a professional networking event: " Bonjour, je m'appelle Marie Dupont. Je suis ingénieure en informatique. Je travaille chez TechSolutions depuis trois ans, et je me spécialise en intelligence artificielle. " ( Hello, my name is Marie Dupont. I'm a computer engineer. I've been working at TechSolutions for three years, and I specialize in artificial intelligence. ) This introduction provides a good amount of professional information: name, job title, company, length of experience, and specialization. It's detailed enough for a professional context without being overly lengthy.
-
At a university mixer: " Salut, moi c'est Thomas. Je suis étudiant en biologie à l'université de Lyon. Je suis en deuxième année et je m'intéresse particulièrement à la biologie marine. " ( Hi, I'm Thomas. I'm a biology student at the University of Lyon. I'm in my second year and I'm particularly interested in marine biology. ) This introduction is appropriate for an academic setting. It includes the field of study, the institution, the year of study, and a specific area of interest, which could help spark further conversation.
-
At a job fair: " Bonjour, je m'appelle Sophie Martin. J'ai récemment obtenu mon master en marketing digital, et je suis à la recherche d'un emploi dans le domaine de la publicité en ligne. " ( Hello, my name is Sophie Martin. I recently obtained my master's degree in digital marketing, and I'm looking for a job in the field of online advertising. ) This introduction is well-suited for a job-seeking context. It provides educational background and clearly states the type of job Sophie is looking for, which is crucial information at a job fair.
-
At a casual social gathering: " Salut, je suis Lucas. Je travaille comme graphiste freelance. En ce moment, je travaille surtout sur des projets pour des start-ups dans le domaine de la tech. " ( Hi, I'm Lucas. I work as a freelance graphic designer. Right now, I'm mainly working on projects for tech start-ups. ) This introduction gives professional information in a more casual way, appropriate for a social setting. It provides Lucas's job and a bit about his current work without going into too much detail.
Sharing your interests and hobbies in French
When getting to know someone, sharing your interests and hobbies can help create a more personal connection. Here are some phrases to help you discuss your pastimes in French:
French Phrase | English Translation | Context | IPA Pronunciation |
---|---|---|---|
J'aime beaucoup [activité] | I really like [activity] | General interest | /ʒɛm boku/ |
Je suis passionné(e) de [hobby] | I'm passionate about [hobby] | Strong interest | /ʒə sɥi pasjɔne də/ |
Mon passe-temps favori est [hobby] | My favorite pastime is [hobby] | Preferred hobby | /mɔ̃ pas tɑ̃ favɔʁi ɛ/ |
Dans mon temps libre, je fais [activité] | In my free time, I do [activity] | Casual hobby | /dɑ̃ mɔ̃ tɑ̃ libʁ ʒə fɛ/ |
Je pratique [sport/activité] | I practice [sport/activity] | Regular activity | /ʒə pʁatik/ |
Je collectionne [objets] | I collect [objects] | For collectors | /ʒə kɔlɛksjɔn/ |
Je suis fan de [sujet] | I'm a fan of [subject] | For enthusiasts | /ʒə sɥi fɑ̃ də/ |
Je m'intéresse beaucoup à [sujet] | I'm very interested in [subject] | General interest | /ʒə mɛ̃teʁɛs boku a/ |
J'adore [activité] | I love [activity] | Strong liking | /ʒadɔʁ/ |
Je fais partie d'un club de [activité] | I'm part of a [activity] club | Club membership | /ʒə fɛ paʁti dœ̃ klœb də/ |
Examples and explanations of usage:
-
At a social gathering: " Salut, je m'appelle Pierre. J'aime beaucoup la photographie. Dans mon temps libre, je fais souvent des balades pour prendre des photos de paysages. " ( Hi, I'm Pierre. I really like photography. In my free time, I often go for walks to take landscape photos. ) This introduction shares a hobby and how Pierre engages with it, which could lead to further discussion about photography or favorite locations.
-
At a sports club: " Bonjour, je suis Émilie. Je suis passionnée de tennis. Je pratique deux fois par semaine et je fais partie d'un club local. " ( Hello, I'm Émilie. I'm passionate about tennis. I practice twice a week and I'm part of a local club. ) Émilie's introduction is perfect for a sports-related context, showing her level of commitment to the sport.
-
In a casual conversation: " Moi c'est Lucas. J'adore la cuisine. Mon passe-temps favori est d'essayer de nouvelles recettes le week-end. " ( I'm Lucas. I love cooking. My favorite pastime is trying new recipes on weekends. ) This introduction gives insight into Lucas's interests and how he spends his free time, which could lead to conversations about food and cooking.
Talking about your origin and nationality in French
Discussing your origin or nationality can be an interesting part of your french introduction (It's same for ll foreign languages). Here are some phrases to help you do this in French:
French Phrase | English Translation | Context | IPA Pronunciation |
---|---|---|---|
Je viens de [pays/ville] | I come from [country/city] | Origin | /ʒə vjɛ̃ də/ |
Je suis originaire de [lieu] | I'm originally from [place] | Origin | /ʒə sɥi ɔʁiʒinɛʁ də/ |
Je suis [nationalité] | I am [nationality] | Nationality | /ʒə sɥi/ |
J'ai grandi à [lieu] | I grew up in [place] | Childhood location | /ʒe gʁɑ̃di a/ |
Je suis né(e) à [lieu] | I was born in [place] | Birthplace | /ʒə sɥi ne a/ |
J'habite à [lieu] depuis [durée] | I've been living in [place] for [duration] | Current residence | /ʒabit a dəpɥi/ |
Mes parents sont de [pays] | My parents are from [country] | Family origin | /me paʁɑ̃ sɔ̃ də/ |
J'ai la double nationalité [pays1] et [pays2] | I have dual citizenship, [country1] and [country2] | Dual nationality | /ʒe la dubl nasjɔnalite e/ |
Je suis d'origine [origine] | I'm of [origin] descent | Ethnic origin | /ʒə sɥi dɔʁiʒin/ |
J'ai déménagé en France il y a [durée] | I moved to France [duration] ago | For immigrants | /ʒe demenaʒe ɑ̃ fʁɑ̃s il j a/ |
Examples and explanations of usage:
-
In an international setting: " Bonjour, je m'appelle Sophia. Je suis canadienne, mais j'habite à Paris depuis trois ans. Je suis née à Toronto, mais mes parents sont originaires du Liban. " ( Hello, my name is Sophia. I'm Canadian, but I've been living in Paris for three years. I was born in Toronto, but my parents are originally from Lebanon. ) This introduction provides a rich background, touching on nationality, current residence, birthplace, and family origin.
-
At a language exchange meetup: " Salut, je suis Marco. Je viens d'Italie, plus précisément de Rome. J'ai déménagé en France il y a six mois pour mes études. " ( Hi, I'm Marco. I come from Italy, more precisely from Rome. I moved to France six months ago for my studies. ) Marco's introduction gives context to why he might be at a language exchange, mentioning his origin and recent move to France.
-
In a diverse workplace: " Bonjour à tous, je m'appelle Amina. Je suis d'origine marocaine, mais j'ai grandi à Marseille. J'ai la double nationalité française et marocaine. " ( Hello everyone, my name is Amina. I'm of Moroccan descent, but I grew up in Marseille. I have dual French and Moroccan citizenship. ) This introduction showcases Amina's multicultural background, which could be relevant in a diverse professional environment.
Navigating social situations: Beyond basic introductions
As you become more comfortable with French introductions, you'll often find yourself in situations where you need to introduce others. This is an important social skill in French culture, where formal introductions are highly valued.
The way you introduce others can vary based on the context, the relationship between the people being introduced, and the level of formality required. You won't introduce yourself in french to your old French boss the same way you did to your close or new French friend.
How to introduce others in French
Here's a table of useful phrases for introducing others in various situations:
French Phrase | English Translation | Context | IPA Pronunciation |
---|---|---|---|
Je vous présente [Nom] | Let me introduce you to [Name] | Formal | /ʒə vu pʁezɑ̃t/ |
Permettez-moi de vous présenter [Nom] | Allow me to introduce you to [Name] | Very formal | /pɛʁmɛte mwa də vu pʁezɑ̃te/ |
Voici [Nom] | This is [Name] | Casual | /vwasi/ |
Je te présente [Nom] | Let me introduce you to [Name] | Informal | /ʒə tə pʁezɑ̃t/ |
[Nom1], je vous présente [Nom2] | [Name1], let me introduce you to [Name2] | Formal, mutual | /ʒə vu pʁezɑ̃t/ |
[Nom1], voici [Nom2] | [Name1], this is [Name2] | Casual, mutual | /vwasi/ |
Avez-vous déjà rencontré [Nom] ? | Have you already met [Name]? | Checking if introduction is needed | /ave vu deʒa ʁɑ̃kɔ̃tʁe/ |
Je voudrais vous faire rencontrer [Nom] | I'd like you to meet [Name] | Formal | /ʒə vudʁɛ vu fɛʁ ʁɑ̃kɔ̃tʁe/ |
Laissez-moi vous présenter [Nom] | Let me introduce you to [Name] | Formal | /lɛse mwa vu pʁezɑ̃te/ |
Connaissez-vous [Nom] ? | Do you know [Name]? | Checking if introduction is needed | /kɔnɛse vu/ |
Examples and explanations of usage:
-
In a formal business setting: " Monsieur Dubois, permettez-moi de vous présenter Madame Martin, notre nouvelle directrice marketing. Madame Martin, voici Monsieur Dubois, le directeur financier de notre entreprise. " ( Mr. Dubois, allow me to introduce you to Mrs. Martin, our new marketing director. Mrs. Martin, this is Mr. Dubois, the financial director of our company. )
This formal introduction uses "permettez-moi de vous présenter" and includes the titles and roles of both individuals, which is appropriate in a professional context.
2. At a casual social gathering:
" Salut Marie ! Je te présente mon ami Thomas. Thomas, voici Marie, ma collègue dont je t'ai parlé. "
( Hi Marie! Let me introduce you to my friend Thomas. Thomas, this is Marie, my colleague I told you about. )
In such an informal context, the introduction uses "Je te présente" and "voici", suitable for a casual setting. It also adds a bit of context about how the speaker knows each person.
3. Introducing a guest speaker at an event: " Mesdames et Messieurs, j'ai l'honneur de vous présenter notre conférencière de ce soir, Dr. Sophie Leclerc, experte en climatologie. " ( Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honor of introducing our speaker for this evening, Dr. Sophie Leclerc, expert in climatology. ) This formal introduction is appropriate for a public speaking event, using "j'ai l'honneur de vous présenter" to show respect for the speaker.
4. At a dinner party: " Pierre, je ne sais pas si vous vous connaissez déjà... Pierre, voici Isabelle, ma voisine. Isabelle, je vous présente Pierre, un ami d'enfance. " ( Pierre, I don't know if you already know each other... Pierre, this is Isabelle, my neighbor. Isabelle, let me introduce you to Pierre, a childhood friend. ) This introduction begins by checking if an introduction is necessary, then uses a mix of casual ("voici") and slightly more formal ("je vous présente") phrases, suitable for a semi-formal dinner party.
When introducing others in French, keep in mind:
-
Always introduce the person of higher status or age first in formal situations.
-
In less formal settings, you might introduce the person you know better first.
-
It's polite to give a small piece of information about each person, like how you know them or what they do.
-
After the introduction, it's common to add "Enchanté(e)" (Nice to meet you) and shake hands or do 'la bise' (cheek kisses) depending on the setting.
-
If you're unsure whether two people know each other, it's better to introduce them anyway, perhaps prefacing with "Je ne sais pas si vous vous connaissez déjà..." (I don't know if you already know each other...).
Responding to introductions in French
Knowing how to respond appropriately when being introduced is just as important as knowing how to introduce yourself or others. Here are some common phrases used when responding to introductions:
French Phrase | English Translation | Context | IPA Pronunciation |
---|---|---|---|
Enchanté(e) | Pleased to meet you | Universal, formal and informal | /ɑ̃ʃɑ̃te/ |
Ravi(e) de faire votre connaissance | Delighted to make your acquaintance | Formal version | /ʁavi də fɛʁ vɔtʁ kɔnɛsɑ̃s/ |
C'est un plaisir de vous rencontrer | It's a pleasure to meet you | Formal situations | /sɛt œ̃ plɛziʁ də vu ʁɑ̃kɔ̃tʁe/ |
Heureux(se) de vous connaître | Happy to know you | Semi-formal version | /øʁø də vu kɔnɛtʁ/ |
Content(e) de vous rencontrer | Glad to meet you | Semi-formal version | /kɔ̃tɑ̃ də vu ʁɑ̃kɔ̃tʁe/ |
Salut, ça va ? | Hi, how's it going? | Very informal version | /saly sa va/ |
J'ai beaucoup entendu parler de vous | I've heard a lot about you | When you know of the person | /ʒe boku ɑ̃tɑ̃dy paʁle də vu/ |
Le plaisir est pour moi | The pleasure is mine | Formal, in response to a polite greeting | /lə plɛziʁ ɛ puʁ mwa/ |
Moi de même | Likewise | Universal | /mwa də mɛm/ |
Ça fait longtemps que je voulais vous rencontrer | I've been wanting to meet you for a long time | When meeting someone you've known about | /sa fɛ lɔ̃tɑ̃ kə ʒə vulɛ vu ʁɑ̃kɔ̃tʁe/ |
Examples and explanations of usage:
-
In a formal business setting:
A : " Monsieur Dubois, je vous présente Madame Martin, notre nouvelle directrice marketing. "
B : " Enchanté, Madame Martin. J'ai beaucoup entendu parler de vous. Ravi de faire enfin votre connaissance. " (A: " Mr. Dubois, let me introduce you to Mrs. Martin, our new marketing director. "
B: " Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Martin. I've heard a lot about you. Delighted to finally make your acquaintance. ")
This response is formal and warm, appropriate for a business setting. It acknowledges that the person has heard of Madame Martin before, which is polite and can help start a conversation.
2. At a casual social gathering:
A : " Sarah, je te présente mon ami Thomas. "
B : " Salut Thomas, ça va ? Contente de te rencontrer ! " (A: " Sarah, let me introduce you to my friend Thomas. " B: " Hi Thomas, how's it going? Glad to meet you! ")
This response is casual and friendly, suitable for an informal social setting. The use of "tu" and the casual greeting "ça va?" sets a relaxed tone. So you can use such french phrases making french friends for instance. Even it's a new french friend, you can refer t such french greetings.
Asking questions during introductions in French
Asking questions during introductions is a great way to show interest and start a conversation. Here are some useful phrases:
French Phrase | English Translation | Context | IPA Pronunciation |
---|---|---|---|
Que faites-vous dans la vie ? | What do you do for a living? | Formal | /kə fɛt vu dɑ̃ la vi/ |
Tu fais quoi comme travail ? | What kind of work do you do? | Informal | /ty fɛ kwa kɔm tʁavaj/ |
D'où venez-vous ? | Where are you from? | Formal | /du vəne vu/ |
Tu es d'où ? | Where are you from? | Informal | /ty e du/ |
Depuis combien de temps êtes-vous à [lieu] ? | How long have you been in [place]? | Formal | /dəpɥi kɔ̃bjɛ̃ də tɑ̃ ɛt vu a/ |
Qu'est-ce qui vous amène ici ? | What brings you here? | Formal | /kɛs ki vu amɛn isi/ |
Vous connaissez beaucoup de monde ici ? | Do you know many people here? | Formal | /vu kɔnɛse boku də mɔ̃d isi/ |
Tu connais d'autres personnes ici ? | Do you know other people here? | Informal | /ty kɔnɛ dotʁ pɛʁsɔn isi/ |
Quels sont vos centres d'intérêt ? | What are your interests? | Formal | /kɛl sɔ̃ vo sɑ̃tʁ dɛ̃teʁɛ/ |
Tu as des hobbies ? | Do you have any hobbies? | Informal | /ty a de ɔbi/ |
Examples and explanations of usage:
-
At a professional networking event:
A : " Je vous présente Monsieur Lefèvre, il vient de rejoindre notre équipe. "
B : " Enchanté, Monsieur Lefèvre. Que faites-vous exactement dans l'entreprise ? Et d'où venez-vous ? " (A: " Let me introduce you to Mr. Lefèvre, he has just joined our team. " B: " Pleased to meet you, Mr. Lefèvre. What exactly do you do in the company? And where are you from? ")
These questions are appropriate for a professional setting, showing interest in both the person's role and background.
2. At a party:
A : " Voici mon amie Claire. Elle vient d'emménager dans le quartier. "
B : " Salut Claire ! Bienvenue dans le coin. Tu es d'où à l'origine ? Et qu'est-ce qui t'a amenée ici ? " (A: " This is my friend Claire. She just moved to the neighborhood. " B: " Hi Claire! Welcome to the area. Where are you originally from? And what brought you here? ")
These questions are casual and friendly, appropriate for getting to know someone in a social setting. They show interest in Claire's background and reasons for moving.
Remember, when asking questions during introductions:
-
Match the level of formality used in the introduction (tu/vous).
-
Be mindful of personal boundaries. Some topics might be too personal for a first meeting, especially in more formal settings.
-
Show genuine interest by listening attentively to the answers and following up with relevant comments or questions.
-
In French culture, it's common to engage in a bit of small talk before diving into more personal questions, especially in formal settings.
-
In informal settings, you might also hear the question 'D'où venez-vous?' which means 'Where are you from?'. This question is commonly used to inquire about someone's origin in a friendly manner.
Quick responses:
To the french question "D'où venez-vous ?" (formal version) or "Tu es d'où ?" (informal version) which literally translates "Where are you from", each of your french friends who are native french speaker from france will respond "Je viens de paris".
In response to the question "Que faites-vous dans la vie ?" or "quel est ton travail" which literally translates "What do you do for a living?", any of your french friends in IT will proudly say "je travaille dans l'informatique".
Cultural nuances of French introductions
Politeness and formality play a central role in French introductions. If you love to study foreign languages, you're probably aware that any language has it's own nuances. Keep that in mind during all your language learning journey. The French language itself reflects this through its use of formal and informal forms of address. That's why it's a good idea to making french friends when learning French. It also help to have conversation partner.
When meeting someone for the first time, especially in professional or formal settings, it's generally expected to err on the side of formality. This means using polite phrases such as "Enchanté(e)" or "Ravi(e) de faire votre connaissance" rather than more casual french greetings.
The choice between "tu"(informal version) and "vous"(formal version) is a key aspect of French introductions that often puzzles non-native speakers.
-
"Vous" is the formal "you" and is used when addressing strangers, elders, or people in positions of authority. It's also used in professional settings, regardless of the age or status of the person you're addressing.
-
"Tu" is the informal version of "you" and is used with friends, family, children, and in casual settings among peers.
In introductory contexts, it's usually safer to start with "vous" unless you're in a very casual setting or have been explicitly invited to use "tu". The transition from "vous" to "tu" is a significant social marker in French culture and usually happens gradually as the relationship becomes more familiar.
Physical greetings are another important aspect of French introductions.
-
The handshake is common in formal and professional settings. It should be firm but not overpowering, and is usually accompanied by eye contact.
-
"La bise", the practice of kissing on the cheeks, is common in more informal settings, among friends, or when being introduced to friends of friends. The number of kisses can vary by region (typically between one and four).
However, in professional settings or with strangers, it's best to wait for the other person to initiate la bise. In recent years, especially post-pandemic, there's been a shift towards less physical contact in french greetings, so being observant and following the lead of others is advisable.
Practice dialogues for self-introductions in French
To better understand how these cultural nuances play out in real-life situations, let's examine some practice dialogues for self-introductions in various contexts.
-
Scenario 1: Formal business introduction
A : Bonjour, je suis Monsieur Dubois, le directeur commercial. Vous devez être Madame Martin ?
B : Tout à fait. Enchantée, Monsieur Dubois. Je suis la nouvelle responsable marketing.
A : Ravi de faire votre connaissance, Madame Martin. Comment trouvez-vous vos débuts dans notre entreprise ?
B : Très bien, merci. Tout le monde a été très accueillant. J'ai hâte de travailler avec votre équipe.
In this dialogue, note the use of formal titles (Monsieur, Madame) and the "vous" form. The greetings "Enchantée" and "Ravi de faire votre connaissance" are appropriately formal for a business setting.
The conversation remains polite and professional, with Monsieur Dubois showing interest in Madame Martin's experience so far.
-
Scenario 2: Casual social introduction
A : Salut ! Moi c'est Thomas. Je suis un ami de Marie.
B : Ah, salut Thomas ! Moi c'est Sophie. Comment tu connais Marie ?
A : On était ensemble à la fac. Et toi ?
B : On est collègues. Tu viens souvent à ses soirées ?
A : C'est la première fois, en fait. Tu me fais visiter ?
This dialogue demonstrates a much more casual tone. The use of "tu" is immediate, which is common among young people or in informal social settings. Note the use of casual phrases like "Salut" and "Moi c'est" instead of more formal introductions. The conversation quickly moves to establishing connections and shared experiences.
-
Scenario 3: Academic conference introduction
A : Excusez-moi, êtes-vous le Professeur Leclerc ? Je suis Docteur Émilie Rousseau.
B : Oui, c'est bien moi. Enchanté, Docteur Rousseau. J'ai lu votre dernier article avec grand intérêt.
A : Je suis ravie de l'entendre et très heureuse de vous rencontrer enfin. Votre travail a beaucoup influencé mes recherches.
B : C'est un plaisir de l'apprendre. Dans quel domaine travaillez-vous actuellement ?
This dialogue showcases a formal academic introduction. The use of titles (Professeur, Docteur) is important in this context. The language remains formal with "vous" throughout.
Note how both parties acknowledge each other's work, which is common in academic introductions as a way of establishing mutual respect and shared interests.
How to introduce yourself in French FAQ
How do introductions differ in Quebec French compared to France French?
While the basic structure of introductions remains similar, there are some notable differences between Quebec French and France French:
In Quebec, introductions tend to be slightly more informal and friendly. The use of "tu" instead of "vous" often happens more quickly than in France. Quebecois French also has some unique expressions, such as "Enchanté de faire votre connaissance" being more common than just "Enchanté."
Physical greetings differ as well. In Quebec, handshakes are more common in both formal and informal settings, while "la bise" is less prevalent than in France. Quebecois might use "Salut" more frequently in casual settings, where the French might still say "Bonjour."
The accent and some vocabulary will also be different. For example, "Je suis content de vous rencontrer" in France might be "Je suis ben content de vous rencontrer" in Quebec.
And obviously, to the question of origin, if you're from Quebec, you won't say "Je viens de paris" mais "Je viens du Quebec".
Is it necessary to shake hands or do 'la bise' when introducing yourself?
If it's part of your habits to study foreign languages (especially french for instance), you'll figure out the necessity of physical contact during introductions depends on the context and has been evolving, especially in recent years:
In formal or professional settings, a handshake is still common, particularly when meeting for the first time. However, it's becoming more acceptable to simply nod or give a verbal greeting without physical contact.
"La bise" is more common in informal settings among friends or when being introduced to friends of friends. The number of kisses can vary by region (usually between one and four). However, it's best to wait for the other person to initiate la bise, especially if you're unsure about the appropriate level of familiarity.
In light of recent global health concerns, many people have become more cautious about physical contact. It's perfectly acceptable to smile and give a verbal greeting without any physical contact if you're uncomfortable or unsure.
How can I politely end a conversation after introductions?
To politely end a conversation after introductions, you can use phrases like:
" C'était un plaisir de faire votre connaissance. J'espère qu'on aura l'occasion de reparler bientôt. " ( It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope we'll have the chance to talk again soon. )
" Je ne veux pas vous retenir plus longtemps, mais j'ai été ravi(e) de vous rencontrer. " ( I don't want to keep you any longer, but I've been delighted to meet you. )
" Je dois malheureusement y aller, mais j'ai été enchanté(e) de faire votre connaissance. " ( I unfortunately have to go, but I've been pleased to make your acquaintance. )
Remember to maintain a polite tone and body language, and if appropriate, you might suggest a future meeting or exchange contact information.
Are there any topics I should avoid when first introducing myself in French?
When first introducing yourself in French, it's generally best to avoid:
-
Sensitive personal topics like religion, politics, or salary.
-
Negative comments about France, its culture, or the French language.
-
Overly personal questions about family, relationships, or health.
-
Controversial current events or historical topics.
-
Comparisons between France and other countries, especially if they're unfavorable to France.
Stick to neutral topics like work, studies, hobbies, or general interests. If in doubt, let the other person guide the conversation and take cues from their level of disclosure.
How can I practice introducing myself in French?
There are several effective ways to practice introducing yourself in French:
-
Language exchange apps : Use apps like Tandem or HelloTalk to practice with native French speakers.
-
Role-play : Practice with a friend or language partner, creating different scenarios for introductions.
-
Mirror practice : Introduce yourself in french in front of a mirror to work on pronunciation and body language.
-
Record yourself : Use your phone to record your introductions, then listen back to identify areas for improvement.
-
Online French forums : Participate in French-language forums or social media groups, introducing yourself to the community.
-
Language meetups : Attend French language meetups in your area to practice introductions in person.
-
Watch and imitate : Study French films or TV shows, paying attention to how characters introduce themselves in different situations.