Formal/Informal Speech
Spoken Description
Learn the key differences between formal and informal French speech: pronouns, vocabulary, and common expressions. Practice common greetings, polite requests, and casual slang to improve conversational fluency.
Explore the differences between formal and informal French speech: pronoun use, vocabulary choices, and common expressions. Practice greetings, requests, and slang to sound natural in conversation.
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French distinguishes carefully between formal and informal speech, and choosing the right form shows respect and social awareness. This guide explains when to use tu and vous, how to adjust verbs and phrases, and useful expressions for each register.
Tu: Informal Speech
Use tu with friends, family, peers, and others who invite closeness; it signals familiarity and ease. Verbs always agree with tu and pronouns match.
—(parler) français ?
Choose the correct verb form for 'tu' (to speak).
Vous: Formal Speech
Use vous for strangers, elders, superiors, and in professional or polite contexts; it marks distance and respect. Verbs agree with vous and forms remain consistent.
Est-ce que(vous)(pouvoir) m'aider ?
Complete the polite question (to wait).
Turning Tu to Vous
To change from tu to vous, replace the pronoun and conjugate the verb accordingly; also adjust possessives and related forms if needed. When in doubt, start with vous to stay polite.
—Tu(avoir) l'heure ? → —(vous)(avoir) l'heure ?
Convert to 'vous' and conjugate (to have).
Polite Expressions
Polite phrases often use vous forms and softeners like s’il vous plaît, merci, pardon and formulas such as bonjour, monsieur/madame. These set a respectful tone in formal interactions.
(vous)(pourriez) me(passer) le sel, s'il vous plaît ?
Could you pass me the salt, please?
Complete the polite request (to pass).
Familiar Expressions
Informal speech includes shortcuts, slang, and set phrases that rely on tu forms; expressions like salut, merci, à plus reflect everyday friendliness. Use them with peers and in casual settings.
—Salut ! —(thank you - informal) ! Ça va ?
—Hi! —Thanks! How are you?
Complete the informal exchange.
Summary
Use tu for informal, close relations and vous for formal, respectful contexts. Match pronouns, verb endings, and expressions to each register to communicate smoothly and appropriately.
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