une conversation
In French, "a conversation" is translated as une conversation.
The phrase refers to an oral exchange of ideas or news between two or more people. To express the act of maintaining or carrying out a conversation, you can use the verbal phrase tenir une conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the noun is feminine, you must use the feminine indefinite article une.
Did you know?
- To describe a conversation that is interrupted or fragmented, French speakers use the phrase une conversation hachée. The word hachée literally means 'chopped' or 'minced', as if the words were cut with a knife.
- The Latin root of conversation, conversātiōnem, did not originally mean talking. It referred to a general way of living or the act of spending time with others in a community.
- The French word conversation shares a root with the word convertir meaning 'to convert'. Historically, the term referred to a turning toward someone or a change in behavior through social interaction.
Examples in context
- J'ai eu une conversation avec Tom.I had a conversation with Tom.This sentence shows how to say you had a conversation with someone.Tatoeba #5304927 by Aiji, translation #2331562 by CK
- Il ne peut pas maintenir une conversation.He can't maintain a conversation.This sentence illustrates the ability to maintain a conversation.Tatoeba #8313772 by Julien_PDC, translation #5111800 by katsmal
- Tenir une conversation avec elle, c'est comme traverser un champ de mine.Holding a conversation with her feels like walking across a minefield.This sentence uses a metaphor regarding the difficulty of holding a conversation.Tatoeba #8413071 by Aiji, translation #5138548 by AlanF_US
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are talking about a meeting with their boss.
- EmmaTu as eu une conversation avec le patron ?Did you have a conversation with the boss?
- HugoOui, nous avons discuté de mon projet.Yes, we discussed my project.
- EmmaC'était une conversation productive ?Was it a productive conversation?
- HugoOui, il a accepté toutes mes idées.Yes, he accepted all my ideas.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conversation, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
