Learning how to say “What do you say?” in French can be quite useful when you want to engage in conversations or express curiosity. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to convey this expression, offering helpful tips and examples along the way. So, whether you want to impress your French-speaking colleagues or strike up a conversation with a local, read on to discover the various ways you can ask “What do you say?” in French.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
When speaking in formal contexts or addressing people you don’t know very well, it’s essential to use appropriate language. Here are a few formal expressions to ask “What do you say?” in French:
“Que dites-vous?”
“Que dites-vous, s’il vous plaît?”
These expressions use the formal vous form and can be used when conversing with colleagues, elders, or people you meet for the first time. Make sure to pronounce the words clearly and politely. Let’s see the usage in a sentence:
“Excusez-moi, monsieur. Que dites-vous concernant ce projet?” (Excuse me, sir. What do you say about this project?)
2. Informal Expressions:
When conversing with friends, family members, or people you are familiar with, you can use more casual and informal expressions to ask “What do you say?” in French. Here are a few examples:
“Qu’est-ce que tu dis?”
“Qu’est-ce que tu en penses?”
These expressions use the informal tu form. Remember, informal expressions are better suited for friendly, close relationships. Pronounce them in a relaxed and friendly manner. Let’s see how they can be used:
“Salut Marie! Qu’est-ce que tu dis de partir en vacances ensemble?” (Hi Marie! What do you say about going on vacation together?)
3. Tips and Regional Variations:
While the expressions provided above are commonly used throughout the French-speaking world, it’s worth noting that some regional variations exist. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Regional Vocabulary: In some regions, you might come across different words or expressions. For example, in Quebec, you might hear “Qu’est-ce que tu penses?” instead of “Qu’est-ce que tu dis?”
- Gestures and Body Language: In informal situations, you can accompany your question with appropriate gestures or body language. A quizzical look or raising your eyebrows can signal curiosity and engagement.
- Context Matters: Always consider the context in which the conversation takes place. The appropriateness of formal or informal expressions can vary based on the situation and the relationship you have with the person you are speaking to.
4. Additional Examples:
To further enhance your understanding, here are a few more examples of asking “What do you say?” in different scenarios:
Situation 1: At a professional meeting:
“Madame, que dites-vous de cette proposition?” (Madam, what do you say about this proposal?)
Situation 2: In a casual conversation:
“Hé, David! Qu’est-ce que tu en penses de ce film?” (Hey, David! What do you say about this movie?)
Situation 3: Talking to a loved one:
“Chérie, qu’est-ce que tu dis de dîner au restaurant ce soir?” (Darling, what do you say about having dinner at a restaurant tonight?)
Remember, the more you immerse yourself in the French language and practice these expressions, the more comfortable you will become in various social settings.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You now have a better understanding of how to ask “What do you say?” in French. By learning both formal and informal expressions, as well as understanding regional variations and context, you will be better equipped to engage in conversations with French speakers. Continue practicing and exploring the French language to sharpen your communication skills. Bonne chance! (Good luck!)
