Finding Your Voice in French
Everyday French expressions for asking people to slow down, admitting a slip and keeping a conversation going with confidence.
Language exchanges (un tandem or un échange linguistique) are popular in French cities, often in bars or on apps, and partners usually use tu straight away. French speakers talk fast and run words together, so asking « Tu peux parler moins vite ? » is normal and welcome. People rarely mind mistakes; what they appreciate is that you try in French rather than switching to English.
- 1
Je l'ai sur le bout de la langue.
It's on the tip of my tongue.
- 2
Tu peux parler un peu moins vite ?
Could you speak a bit more slowly?
- 3
J'ai pas capté un mot.
I didn't catch a single word.
- 4
Je crois que j'ai mis les pieds dans le plat.
I think I put my foot in it.
- 5
Il a la langue bien pendue.
He's a real chatterbox.
- 6
Me coupe pas, laisse-moi finir.
Don't cut me off, let me finish.
- 7
Qu'est-ce que tu veux dire par là ?
What do you mean by that?
- 8
Je suis un peu rouillé.
I'm a bit rusty.
Tip: A woman would add one letter at the end.
- 9
Corrige-moi si je me trompe.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
- 10
T'inquiète, je te comprends très bien.
No worries, I understand you perfectly.
- 11
Petit à petit, je prends le coup de main.
Little by little, I'm getting the hang of it.
- 12
Je me suis emmêlé les pinceaux.
I got my words all muddled up.
- 13
Parle plus fort, je t'entends pas.
Speak up, I can't hear you.
- 14
C'est comme parler à un mur.
It's like talking to a brick wall.
- 15
Vas-y, lance-toi !
Go on, take the plunge!
- 16
Je trouve pas le mot juste.
I can't find the right word.
- 17
On parle en français, ça m'aidera.
Let's speak French, it'll help me.
- 18
J'ai peur de dire des bêtises.
I'm afraid of saying something silly.
- 19
T'as l'oreille !
You've got a good ear!
- 20
Bref, il a pas envie de venir.
In short, he doesn't feel like coming.