Introducing yourself in French is the first step to making meaningful connections. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time, attending a business event, or traveling in France, knowing how to introduce yourself properly can boost your confidence. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to introduce yourself in French, from basic greetings to more detailed self-descriptions.
Basic Self-Introduction in French
A simple and polite way to introduce yourself in French is by stating your name, nationality, and profession. Here’s the most common structure:
Basic Formula:
Bonjour, je m’appelle [Your Name]. Je suis [Your Nationality]. Enchanté(e) de vous rencontrer.
Example:
Bonjour, je m’appelle Marie. Je suis française. Enchantée de vous rencontrer.
If you want to include your age or occupation:
Bonjour, je m’appelle Lucas. J’ai 25 ans et je suis ingénieur.
Adding a warm “Enchanté(e)” at the end is a great way to express pleasure in meeting someone.
Introducing Your Background & Interests
To make your introduction more engaging, you can talk about your background, hobbies, or interests:
Je viens de [Your City/Country].
J’habite à [Your Current City].
J’aime [Your Hobbies].
Example:
Je viens de Paris, mais maintenant j’habite à Lyon. J’aime voyager et découvrir de nouvelles cultures.
This helps the conversation flow naturally and invites others to share about themselves.
Introducing Yourself in a Formal Setting
In professional or formal settings, a more structured introduction is necessary:
Bonjour, je me permets de me présenter. Je m’appelle [Your Name] et je travaille en tant que [Your Profession] chez [Your Company].
Example:
Bonjour, je me permets de me présenter. Je m’appelle Thomas Dupont et je travaille en tant que chef de projet chez Renault.
Using “Je me permets de me présenter” sounds more professional and respectful.
Self-Introduction for Students
If you’re a student and need to introduce yourself in a classroom or academic setting:
Bonjour, je suis étudiant(e) en [Your Field of Study] à [Your University].
J’étudie [Your Major] et j’aimerais travailler dans [Your Career Goal].
Example:
Bonjour, je suis étudiante en médecine à l’Université de Bordeaux. J’étudie la pédiatrie et j’aimerais travailler avec les enfants.
This introduction helps you connect with classmates and professors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many beginners make small mistakes when introducing themselves in French. Here are a few key points to remember:
- Avoid using “Je suis” for names. Say “Je m’appelle” instead of “Je suis Marie.”
- When saying your age, use “J’ai” instead of “Je suis” (e.g., “J’ai 20 ans” instead of “Je suis 20 ans”).
- Be careful with formal vs. informal settings. “Salut” is too casual for professional introductions.
How to Continue the Conversation
After introducing yourself, keep the conversation going by asking the other person about themselves:
Et vous, comment vous appelez-vous ? (And you, what’s your name?)
D’où venez-vous ? (Where are you from?)
Que faites-vous dans la vie ? (What do you do for a living?)
These questions show interest and encourage further discussion.
Learn More About French Introductions
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