Key Vocabulary for Basic French Conversations

Knowing some important words is key to having simple conversations in French. Here are some basic ideas to help you get started with your French skills.

1. Asking Simple Questions

Questions are important for talking with others. Here are some common phrases you can use:

• Comment ça va? (How are you?)
• Quel âge as-tu? (How old are you?)
• Où habites-tu? (Where do you live?)
• Qu'est-ce que tu aimes faire? (What do you like to do?)

These questions can help you start a conversation and find out more about people.

2. Talking About Likes and Dislikes

To share what you like or don't like, use the words aimer (to like) and ne pas aimer (to not like). Here’s how:

• J'aime (I like)
• Je n'aime pas (I do not like)

Examples:

• J'aime le chocolat. (I like chocolate.)
• Je n'aime pas le sport. (I do not like sports.)

3. Practicing Speaking with Role-Plays

Practice talking by doing role-plays or short conversations with friends. For example:

Person A: Comment ça va?
Person B: Ça va bien, merci! Et toi?
Person A: Ça va. Quel âge as-tu?
Person B: J'ai 14 ans.

Doing this can help you feel more confident when speaking.

4. Reading Simple Texts

Try reading short texts to pick out key information. Look at a simple paragraph and answer questions about it. For example:

Text: "Marie aime les livres. Elle n'aime pas les films."

• Question: Qu'est-ce que Marie aime? (What does Marie like?)

Answer: Marie aime les livres.

5. Improving Listening Skills

Pay attention to understanding spoken French. Listen to French conversations or audio clips and try to repeat what you hear. Focus on saying the words clearly and getting the meaning right.

By learning these words and practicing these skills, you'll be better at joining in on basic French conversations. Bonne chance! (Good luck!)