Introducing yourself in French | Coffee Break French Podcast S1E03

Summary

In this engaging French language lesson, learners are introduced to essential phrases for introducing themselves and asking about others' names. The instructor contrasts informal and formal language usage, highlighting the difference between 'tu' and 'vous.' Students also learn how to inquire about someone's origin, practice naming their towns, and express their nationalities using 'je suis.' The lesson concludes with a recap of the vocabulary and phrases covered, encouraging learners to participate actively and continue their French studies.

Takeaways

• 😀 You can ask someone's name informally by saying 'Je m'appelle [your name], et toi?'
• 😀 The formal way to ask someone's name is 'Comment vous appelez-vous?'
• 😀 'Et toi?' is used for informal contexts, while 'Et vous?' is for formal situations.
• 😀 To ask where someone is from informally, use 'D'où viens-tu?'
• 😀 The formal version for asking where someone is from is 'D'où venez-vous?'
• 😀 When answering where you are from, say 'Je viens de [city].'
• 😀 Nationalities have masculine and feminine forms in French, e.g., 'français' (male) and 'française' (female).
• 😀 'Je suis [nationality]' is the structure used to state your nationality.
• 😀 Pronunciation is key, particularly with silent letters in French.
• 😀 Engaging with language learning communities can enhance your learning experience.

Q & A

What phrase is used in French to say 'My name is'?

In French, you say 'Je m'appelle' followed by your name.

How do you informally ask someone their name in French?

You can ask informally, 'Comment t'appelles-tu?' which means 'What is your name?'

What is the formal way to ask someone their name in French?

The formal way to ask is 'Comment vous appelez-vous?'

What does 'd'où viens-tu?' mean?

'D'où viens-tu?' translates to 'Where are you from?' in an informal context.

How would you formally ask someone where they are from?

You would say 'D'où venez-vous?' to ask where someone is from in a formal context.

What is the response structure for answering where you are from in French?

You would respond with 'Je viens de' followed by the name of your town, such as 'Je viens de Glasgow.'

What does 'Je suis' mean in French?

'Je suis' means 'I am' in French.

How do you express your nationality in French?

To express your nationality, you say 'Je suis' followed by your nationality, such as 'Je suis français' for 'I am French.'

What is the difference between masculine and feminine forms of nationalities in French?

In French, most nationalities have both masculine and feminine forms, for example, 'français' (masculine) and 'française' (feminine).

What should you consider when using informal vs. formal language in French?

You should consider the relationship with the person you are speaking to; use informal language with peers and formal language with those older or in positions of respect.