Differentiate Between Formal and Informal French

One of the most important topics in French is the correct use of formal or informal French. You should be mindful of where to use formal and where to use informal French. It shows your awareness of the culture, respect, and friendliness.

In French, there are two words used to say “you” –

• Vous – formal, polite, or plural
• Tu – informal, familiar, or friendly

The knowledge of when to use “tu”or “vous” makes a lot of difference. It makes you sound natural and respectful.

How should one decide when to use formal or informal French?

You should use the formal French “vous” when-

• Talking to strangers
• Speaking to elders
• Talking to hotel staff, shopkeepers, or waiters
• In any professional setting, like in the office, meetings, interviews, etc
• In conversation with anyone who is not known to use.

You should use informal French “tu when-

• Talking to friends, family, classmates, etc
• With people you know well
• In informal chats, conversation, social media, etc

It’s best to use “vous” to start with, if you are unsure about the formality. You may ask the other person if you don’t mind using “tu” and then switch to “tu” later.

How to Begin a Formal Conversation in French?

We all know that the first impression is the last impression!

Here are a few phrases that are beginner-friendly and will help you initiate a formal conversation.

– Bonjour Madame / Monsieur – Good morning, Ma’am / Sir

– Bonsoir Madame / Monsieur – Good evening

– Comment allez-vous ? – How are you?

– Excusez-moi, puis-je vous poser une question ? – Excuse me, may I ask you a question?

– Pourriez-vous m’aider, s’il vous plaît ? – Could you help me, please?

How to begin an informal conversation in French?

These are a few phrases you can use with people you know well – friends, family, etc

– Salut! – Hi!

– Ça va? – How’s it going?

– Quoi de neuf? – What’s new?

– Tu fais quoi? – What are you up to?

– Hé, dis-moi… – Hey, tell me…

Phrases to keep conversations going-

Here’s a mini dialogue in formal French-

– Bonjour Monsieur, comment allez-vous ?
– Très bien, merci. Et vous ?
– Ça va bien, merci. Je voulais vous demander un renseignement…

In English, this means-

Hello Sir, how are you? – Very well, thank you. And you? – I’m well, thank you. I wanted to ask for some information…

Here’s a mini dialogue in formal French-

– Salut! Ça va?
– Oui, et toi?
– Ça roule! Tu fais quoi ce soir?

In English, this means-

Hi! How are you? – Good, and you? – All good! What are you doing tonight?

How to end a conversation in a formal way?

It is as important to end the conversation in the right way as it is to begin with formal French

Ways to say goodbye formally-

• Bonne journée, Madame / Monsieur – Have a good day
• Au revoir – Goodbye
• À bientôt, j’espère – Hope to see you soon
• Merci pour votre temps – Thank you for your time

Ways to say goodbye informally –

• Salut! – Bye!
• À plus! – See you later!
• À tout à l’heure – See you in a bit
• Bisous ! – Hugs/kisses (with close friends/family)

A few extra tips to remember-

1. Even if you want to ask a quick and short question, always begin with “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir”
2. When you talk to someone, pay close attention to their tone and if they are referring you as “tu”. It usually means that you can also use “tu” with them
3. Do not worry about mistakes, you will learn with time and practice. People appreciate the efforts and will always be open to help you.

Do you want to become fluent in French?

It’s a great start to learn a few French phrases to begin with, but speaking French comes naturally only with the right practice. At Learn French with Avani, our expert team helps you master French through our live, interactive classes. We try to make French a part of your daily life, so that it becomes natural for you to use it.