How to Say “What is Your Phone Number?” in French

Gaining the ability to ask someone for their phone number in a foreign language can be incredibly helpful, especially when you’re trying to connect with new friends, potential business partners, or even a romantic interest. In French, there are both formal and informal ways to ask for someone’s phone number. In this guide, we will explore these various expressions, providing you with tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in and learn how to say “What is your phone number?” in French!

Formal Expression: Comment vous dérange-t-on?

When it comes to formal situations, such as talking to someone you’ve just met or addressing someone older or in a position of authority, it’s essential to use polite language. In French, the most appropriate phrase to ask for someone’s phone number in a formal setting is “Comment vous dérange-t-on?” This translates to “How can one reach you?”. Let’s break it down:

Comment: How

vous: you (formal/plural)

dérange: one reaches

-t-: linking consonant

on?: you (formal/plural)

For instance, you might say:

“Bonjour, comment vous dérange-t-on?” (Hello, how can one reach you?)

Informal Expression: Quel est ton numéro de téléphone?

When addressing friends, relatives, or people of a similar age or status, you can use a more casual expression. In this case, the phrase “Quel est ton numéro de téléphone?” meaning “What is your phone number?” is commonly used. Here’s a breakdown of the words:

Quel: What

est: is

ton: your

numéro de téléphone?: phone number

Here’s an example sentence using this phrase:

“Salut! Quel est ton numéro de téléphone?” (Hi! What is your phone number?)

Further Examples and Tips

To help you become more confident with these expressions, let’s provide a few more examples along with some additional tips:

Examples:

• “Puis-je avoir votre numéro de téléphone s’il vous plaît?” – May I have your phone number, please?
• “Est-ce que je pourrais obtenir ton numéro de portable?” – Could I get your mobile number?
• “Pourrais-tu me donner ton numéro de téléphone?” – Could you give me your phone number?
• “Je peux te laisser mon numéro si tu veux.” – I can give you my number if you’d like.

Tips:

• Remember to use appropriate greetings like “Bonjour” (Hello) or “Salut” (Hi) before asking for someone’s phone number.
• Being polite and using “s’il vous plaît” (please) or “s’il te plaît” (please) can go a long way in establishing a positive connection.
• If you’re unsure about using formal language, it’s generally better to err on the side of being more polite.
• It’s common in French culture to exchange numbers quite early in social interactions, so don’t hesitate to ask!
• If someone hesitates or refuses to provide their number, respect their decision and don’t push further.

By learning these expressions and practicing them in real-life scenarios, you’ll gain the confidence to ask for someone’s phone number in French, whether it’s in a formal or informal setting. Remember, language learning is not just about words and phrases; it’s also about building connections and fostering relationships. Bonne chance!