conversation
/kɔ̃.vɛʁ.sa.sjɔ̃/feminine
The English word 'conversation' is translated into French as conversation.
conversation refers to the expression and exchange of individual ideas through talking with other people.
Meaning: expression and exchange of individual ideas through talking with other people (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so you should use the indefinite article une to say 'a conversation' (une conversation).
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because the word looks identical to its English counterpart, English speakers may mistakenly use the masculine article un instead of the feminine une.
Did you know?
- The word conversation is derived from the Latin conversātiōnem, which originally referred to a way of living or conduct rather than just speaking.
- The phrase engager la conversation is the standard way to say 'to start a conversation', using a verb that literally means 'to engage' or 'to hire'.
- French distinguishes between a conversation and a discussion, where the latter often implies a more argumentative or debating tone.
Examples in context
- Je surpris votre conversation.I overheard your conversation.This sentence is useful for showing how to express overhearing a conversation.Tatoeba #2390113 by sacredceltic, translation #2389591 by CK
- Cette conversation est terminée.This conversation is over.This sentence is useful for stating that a conversation has ended.Tatoeba #12961853 by lbdx, translation #8365571 by Amastan
- Nous poursuivons la conversation.We're continuing the conversation.This sentence is useful for expressing that a conversation is being continued.Tatoeba #10984185 by Aiji, translation #5199932 by AlanF_US
- Nous avons eu une discussion intéressanteWe had an interesting conversation
- Nous avons eu un échange verbal importantWe had an important conversation
- Nous avons eu un entretien constructifWe had a constructive conversation
- Le dialogue entre les deux parties a abouti à un accordThe conversation between the two parties led to an agreement
- J'ai eu une discussion intéressante avec mon amiI had an interesting conversation with my friend
- On a eu une petite causerie sympaWe had a nice chat
- On aime bien papoter autour d'un caféWe enjoy chatting over a coffee
- On a eu un échange intéressant sur ce sujetWe had an interesting conversation about this topic
- Nous avons eu une bonne conversation hierWe had a good conversation yesterday
- 115 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are at a coffee shop discussing their recent meeting.
- LéaTa conversation avec le directeur était comment ?How was your conversation with the director?
- NathanC'était très formel, mais efficace.It was very formal, but efficient.
- LéaJe suis contente pour toi, Nathan.I am happy for you, Nathan.
- NathanMerci, Léa, c'est gentil de ta part.Thanks, Léa, that is kind of you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “conversation” translations and entries conversation, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conversation, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
