Phrases you can say during French Speaking Test

When engaging in conversation—whether in everyday settings, academic discussions, or professional meetings—being able to express your thoughts clearly and politely is essential. The following sections cover various categories of phrases in French that can help you articulate opinions, request clarification, provide examples, express preferences, and more.

1. Expressing Opinions

Expressing your opinion is central to many discussions. In French, there are several ways to state what you think or believe. These expressions vary in tone and formality and can be adjusted according to the context.

Key Expressions and Their Usage

• Je pense que…
  Translation: I think that…
  Usage:

  • This phrase is a direct way to state your opinion. It is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal conversations.
  • Example:
    • Je pense que ce film est excellent.
      (I think that this movie is excellent.)

• À mon avis…
  Translation: In my opinion…
  Usage:

  • Often used to introduce a personal viewpoint, this phrase lends a subjective tone and is a polite way to preface your thoughts.
  • Example:
    • À mon avis, il serait préférable de reporter la réunion.
      (In my opinion, it would be preferable to postpone the meeting.)

• Je crois que…
  Translation: I believe that…
  Usage:

  • This expression conveys a belief or conviction. It may imply that your opinion is based on personal experience or intuition rather than on hard facts.
  • Example:
    • Je crois que nous devrions investir dans les énergies renouvelables.
      (I believe that we should invest in renewable energies.)

• Je suis d’accord avec toi/vous.
  Translation: I agree with you.
  Usage:

  • Use this phrase when you want to show support for someone else’s opinion. The informal form “toi” is used among friends or peers, while “vous” is appropriate for formal situations or when addressing more than one person.
  • Example:
    • Je suis d’accord avec vous sur l’importance de la formation continue.
      (I agree with you on the importance of ongoing training.)

• Je ne suis pas d’accord.
  Translation: I disagree.
  Usage:

  • This is a polite and clear way to express a differing opinion. It is important to use a respectful tone when disagreeing, particularly in formal or sensitive discussions.
  • Example:
    • Je ne suis pas d’accord avec cette décision, car elle ne prend pas en compte tous les facteurs.
      (I disagree with this decision because it does not take all factors into account.)

Tips for Expressing Opinions

• Context Matters:
  Consider the setting and your relationship with the conversation partner. In professional settings, prefacing your opinions with phrases like “à mon avis” or “je pense que” is common.

• Politeness and Softening Statements:
  If you need to express disagreement, you might soften your language by adding qualifiers:

  • Je ne suis pas tout à fait d’accord… (I don’t entirely agree…)
  • Je comprends ton point de vue, mais… (I understand your point of view, but…)

• Intonation and Body Language:
  Non-verbal cues, such as a calm tone or open gestures, can help mitigate any perceived harshness when disagreeing.

2. Asking for Clarification

Understanding what someone else means is as important as conveying your own ideas. These phrases will help you ask for repetition or explanation when needed.

Key Expressions and Their Usage

• Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ?
  Translation: Can you repeat, please?
  Usage:

  • This polite request is useful in any conversation when you need the speaker to say something again. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
  • Example:
    • Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ? Je n’ai pas bien entendu.
      (Can you repeat, please? I didn’t hear that well.)

• Je ne comprends pas, pouvez-vous expliquer ?
  Translation: I don’t understand, can you explain?
  Usage:

  • Use this phrase when you need further explanation on a point or concept. It shows your willingness to learn and engage in the conversation.
  • Example:
    • Je ne comprends pas, pouvez-vous expliquer ce concept plus en détail ?
      (I don’t understand; can you explain this concept in more detail?)

• Qu’est-ce que cela signifie ?
  Translation: What does that mean?
  Usage:

  • This is a direct way to ask for the meaning of a word, phrase, or idea. It’s particularly useful when encountering unfamiliar vocabulary or complex expressions.
  • Example:
    • Qu’est-ce que cela signifie exactement ?
      (What does that mean exactly?)

Tips for Asking Clarification

• Be Direct but Polite:
  Maintaining a respectful tone is crucial. Adding “s’il vous plaît” can help keep the request courteous.

• Contextual Cues:
  Often, restating what you understood and then asking for clarification can help:

  • Si je comprends bien, vous voulez dire que… mais pouvez-vous préciser ?
    (If I understand correctly, you mean that… but could you clarify?)

3. Giving Examples

When explaining your point or clarifying an idea, giving examples can help illustrate your message more vividly.

Key Expressions and Their Usage

• Par exemple…
  Translation: For example…
  Usage:

  • This phrase is a straightforward way to introduce an example that supports your argument or explanation.
  • Example:
    • Il existe de nombreuses langues régionales en France, par exemple le breton et l’occitan.
      (There are many regional languages in France, for example, Breton and Occitan.)

• Un bon exemple est…
  Translation: A good example is…
  Usage:

  • Use this phrase to highlight an example that strongly supports your point. It implies that the example is particularly illustrative or relevant.
  • Example:
    • Un bon exemple est la façon dont l’entreprise a réussi à intégrer le télétravail dans son modèle d’affaires.
      (A good example is the way the company successfully integrated remote work into its business model.)

Tips for Giving Examples

• Relevance:
  Ensure that the examples you provide are directly related to the topic or point you are discussing.

• Clarity:
  Choose examples that are clear and easily understood by your audience.

• Variety:
  In longer discussions, using multiple examples can help reinforce your argument from different angles.

4. Expressing Preferences

Expressing what you like or dislike, or stating your preference, is common in both personal and professional conversations.

Key Expressions and Their Usage

• Je préfère…
  Translation: I prefer…
  Usage:

  • Use this phrase to clearly state a preference for one thing over another.
  • Example:
    • Je préfère travailler le matin, car je suis plus productif à ce moment-là.
      (I prefer to work in the morning because I am more productive at that time.)

• J’aime bien…
  Translation: I like…
  Usage:

  • This expression is slightly less forceful than “j’aime” and is used to indicate that you have a liking or fondness for something.
  • Example:
    • J’aime bien ce restaurant, la cuisine y est toujours délicieuse.
      (I like this restaurant; the food is always delicious.)

• Je n’aime pas…
  Translation: I don’t like…
  Usage:

  • Use this phrase to express dislike in a straightforward way.
  • Example:
    • Je n’aime pas le café trop fort, je préfère qu’il soit plus léger.
      (I don’t like very strong coffee; I prefer it to be milder.)

Tips for Expressing Preferences

• Comparative Phrases:
  You might also include comparative structures to contrast different preferences:
  • Je préfère A à B. (I prefer A to B.)
• Contextualizing Preferences:
  Providing a reason for your preference can make your statement more engaging:
  • J’aime bien voyager en train parce que c’est relaxant et on peut admirer le paysage.
    (I like traveling by train because it’s relaxing and you can enjoy the scenery.)

5. Connecting Ideas

Effective communication often requires linking your ideas logically. The following expressions help you connect thoughts, contrast ideas, and structure your statements clearly.

Key Expressions and Their Usage

• En plus…
  Translation: Moreover… / In addition…
  Usage:

  • Use this expression to add another point or piece of information that reinforces your previous statement.
  • Example:
    • Le projet est non seulement innovant, mais en plus il est respectueux de l’environnement.
      (The project is not only innovative, but moreover, it is environmentally friendly.)

• Cependant…
  Translation: However…
  Usage:

  • This word is used to introduce a contrast or a caveat to the previous idea. It signals that you are about to present an exception or a differing point of view.
  • Example:
    • Le plan de développement est ambitieux. Cependant, il nécessite des investissements considérables.
      (The development plan is ambitious. However, it requires considerable investments.)

• D’abord… puis… enfin…
  Translation: First… then… finally…
  Usage:

  • This sequence helps you structure your ideas or steps logically, guiding the listener or reader through your thought process.
  • Example:
    • D’abord, nous analyserons les données, puis nous établirons un plan d’action, et enfin nous mettrons en œuvre les solutions.
      (First, we will analyze the data, then we will establish an action plan, and finally, we will implement the solutions.)

Tips for Connecting Ideas

• Logical Flow:
  Ensure that the ideas you connect follow a logical sequence to avoid confusing your audience.

• Transitional Words:
  Practice using various transitional words and phrases to diversify your linking vocabulary.

• Punctuation and Pausing:
  In written French, punctuation (commas, semicolons) can help indicate the flow of connected ideas. In speech, appropriate pausing is important.

6. Expressing Uncertainty

Sometimes, you may not be completely sure about a fact or an opinion. Expressing uncertainty in a polite manner is an important conversational skill.

Key Expressions and Their Usage

• Je ne suis pas sûr(e), mais…
  Translation: I’m not sure, but…
  Usage:

  • This phrase is useful for expressing doubt while still contributing your thoughts. It shows humility and openness to correction.
  • Example:
    • Je ne suis pas sûr(e), mais je pense que le train partira à l’heure.
      (I’m not sure, but I think the train will leave on time.)

• Je crois que…
  Translation: I believe that…
  Usage:

  • As mentioned earlier, this expression can also imply a degree of uncertainty, especially when the speaker is expressing an opinion without definitive proof.
  • Example:
    • Je crois que nous devrions envisager une autre solution, même si je ne suis pas entièrement certain(e).
      (I believe that we should consider another solution, even though I’m not entirely sure.)

• Peut-être…
  Translation: Maybe…
  Usage:

  • This is a simple and informal way to indicate possibility or uncertainty.
  • Example:
    • Peut-être que le restaurant est fermé aujourd’hui.
      (Maybe the restaurant is closed today.)

Tips for Expressing Uncertainty

• Combine with Evidence:
  When expressing uncertainty, you might combine these phrases with reasoning to show that your opinion is based on careful thought.

• Balanced Statements:
  Avoid overusing uncertainty phrases to maintain confidence in your speech. They work best when you want to leave room for discussion or additional information.

7. Asking for Time or Pausing

In conversations, taking a moment to think or asking for a pause can help you articulate your thoughts more clearly and ensure that you respond appropriately.

Key Expressions and Their Usage

• Donnez-moi un moment pour réfléchir.
  Translation: Give me a moment to think.
  Usage:

  • This polite request is useful when you need extra time to consider a question or formulate your response.
  • Example:
    • Donnez-moi un moment pour réfléchir à votre proposition.
      (Give me a moment to think about your proposal.)

• Je vais réfléchir à ça.
  Translation: I’ll think about that.
  Usage:

  • This phrase indicates that you will consider the idea or suggestion further before providing an answer. It can be used in both casual and professional contexts.
  • Example:
    • C’est une idée intéressante, je vais réfléchir à ça et je vous reviens.
      (That’s an interesting idea; I’ll think about it and get back to you.)

• Attendez une seconde, s’il vous plaît.
  Translation: Wait a second, please.
  Usage:

  • This is a straightforward request for a short pause in conversation. It is useful if you need a brief moment to collect your thoughts or check something before continuing.
  • Example:
    • Attendez une seconde, s’il vous plaît, je dois vérifier cette information.
      (Wait a second, please; I need to check that information.)

Tips for Asking for Time or Pausing

• Politeness:
  Always include “s’il vous plaît” (or the informal “s’il te plaît” with friends) to maintain courtesy.

• Non-Verbal Cues:
  In face-to-face interactions, a brief pause accompanied by a smile or a nod can signal that you are thinking and not ignoring the speaker.