Bonjour! Are you planning a trip to a French-speaking country, or simply eager to learn how to ask for suggestions and recommendations in French? Knowing how to express “What to do?” in both formal and informal settings can be incredibly useful! In this guide, we will explore various ways to ask this question, regional variations, and provide you with essential tips and examples to help you perfect your French language skills. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What to Do?”
In formal situations, it is important to use polite and respectful language. Here are some formal ways to ask “What to do?” in French:
- Que faire ? – This is the most common and straightforward way to ask “What to do?” in formal French.
- Quelles sont vos recommandations ? – This means “What are your recommendations?” and is a polite way to inquire about suggestions.
- Auriez-vous des idées d’activités ? – This phrase translates to “Would you have any activity ideas?” and is a polite way to seek suggestions.
Remember to accompany these phrases with appropriate body language and maintain a respectful tone to ensure effective communication.
Informal Ways to Say “What to Do?”
When interacting with friends or in casual settings, you can use more relaxed language to ask for suggestions. Here are some informal ways to say “What to do?” in French:
- Qu’est-ce qu’on fait ? – This is a popular colloquial way to ask “What to do?” among friends, which translates directly to “What are we doing?”
- T’as des idées de trucs à faire ? – This informal phrase means “Do you have any ideas of things to do?” and is commonly used in friendly conversations.
- On pourrait faire quoi ? – This translates to “What could we do?” and is an easy and casual way to ask for suggestions.
Feel free to adapt these phrases based on your relationship with the person you are speaking to. Remember, informal language is best reserved for close friends or familiar acquaintances.
Regional Variations
French-speaking regions around the world may have specific variations in their language. While the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood in most French-speaking countries, here are a few regional variations to keep in mind:
Québec: In Quebec, you will often hear the phrase “Qu’est-ce qu’on fait icitte ?” which means “What are we doing here?” It’s a distinct phrase unique to the province.
Belgium: In Belgium, they commonly use the word “activités” instead of “trucs à faire” when asking “Do you have any ideas of things to do?” For example, “T’as des idées d’activités ?”
Cultural and regional variations add richness to language, but the phrases covered earlier will still serve you well across various French-speaking countries.
Tips for Asking “What to Do?” in French
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when asking for suggestions in French:
- Use polite words: When in doubt, opt for more formal expressions. It’s better to be overly polite than accidentally rude.
- Be clear about your preferences: If you have specific interests or limitations, be sure to mention them. For example, “Je cherche une activité en plein air” means “I’m looking for an outdoor activity.”
- Learn essential verbs: It’s helpful to learn verbs related to activities and leisure, such as “jouer” (to play), “visiter” (to visit), and “découvrir” (to discover).
- Practice listening skills: Listening to native French speakers or podcasts will improve your understanding of common expressions when discussing activities.
Examples
Now, let’s take a look at some examples of how to use these phrases in context:
Formal:
Person A: Bonjour, que faire ici pendant mon séjour ?
Person B: Je vous recommande de visiter le Louvre et de goûter aux spécialités locales.
(Translation: Person A: Hello, what to do here during my stay? Person B: I recommend you visit the Louvre and try local specialties.)
Informal:
Person A: Salut, t’as des idées de trucs à faire ce week-end ?
Person B: On pourrait aller faire une randonnée ou regarder un film au cinéma.
(Translation: Person A: Hey, do you have any ideas of things to do this weekend? Person B: We could go hiking or watch a movie at the cinema.)
Remember, practice is key to improving your language skills. So, don’t hesitate to use these phrases in real conversations or have a language partner to practice with.
Voilà! Now you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “What to do?” in French. Whether you are exploring the magnificent streets of Paris, strolling through the charming cities of Quebec, or venturing into the beautiful countryside of Belgium, these phrases will help you engage in enjoyable and meaningful conversations. Bonne chance et amusez-vous bien! (Good luck and have fun!)
