Hello there! If you’re eager to learn different ways to express the phrase “What about” in French, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to communicate formally or casually, I’ll provide you with a variety of tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s dive right in!
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Formal Ways to Say “What About” in French
When you’re in a formal setting or engaging in professional conversations, it’s important to use appropriate language. Below are some formal expressions you can use to convey the meaning of “What about” in French:
- Et si on parlait de – And if we talked about
- Concernant – Regarding
- En ce qui concerne – As for
- Qu’en est-il de – What about
Now let’s see these phrases in action through some examples:
Et si on parlait de l’environnement ? – What about talking about the environment?
Concernant le projet, avez-vous des suggestions ? – Regarding the project, do you have any suggestions?
En ce qui concerne votre demande, je vous contacterai demain. – As for your request, I will contact you tomorrow.
Qu’en est-il de votre voyage prévu en Italie ? – What about your planned trip to Italy?
Informal Ways to Say “What About” in French
When conversing informally or having friendly discussions, you can use more relaxed expressions to convey “What about” in French. Here are some informal variations:
- Et si on parlait de (the same as formal) – What about talking about
- On parle de – Let’s talk about
- Ça te dit de – How about
- Et, followed by a question or suggestion – And, [question/suggestion]?
Let’s take a look at these informal phrases in context:
Et si on parlait de nos vacances d’été ? – What about talking about our summer vacations?
On parle de tes projets pour ce week-end ? – Let’s talk about your plans for this weekend?
Ça te dit de sortir ce soir ? – How about going out tonight?
Et, on se retrouve à quelle heure ? – And, what time should we meet?
Regional Variations
While the French language is primarily standardized, there may be some regional variations in expressions. However, don’t worry too much about these, as the previously mentioned formal and informal variations are widely used and understood throughout the French-speaking world.
Tips for Using “What About” in French
Now that you have an array of formal and informal ways to say “What about” in French, here are some additional tips to help you in your conversations:
- Pay attention to word placement: In French, the word order may differ from English. Be sure to place the subject after the verb in questions or sentences that include “What about.” For example, “Et si on parlait de” (What about talking about), and then specify the topic.
- Use appropriate intonation: Tone can greatly impact the meaning and intent of your question. Ensure your intonation aligns with whether you are asking a genuine question or suggesting a topic of discussion.
- Practice and immerse yourself: The more you actively use these expressions and practice conversations, the more natural they will become. Immersing yourself in the French language will help you internalize these phrases and integrate them seamlessly into your communication.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now acquired various ways to say “What about” in French, both formally and informally. Remember to use the appropriate expressions based on the context and the relationships you have with your conversation partners. Just keep practicing, and soon these phrases will naturally flow off your tongue.
Happy conversing in French, and best of luck on your language-learning journey!
