The point of this lesson
A good introduction is not a speech. It is a handful of small pieces that give the other person an easy place to respond.
A useful rhythm
Read it. Notice it. Use it.
When learners memorise one long introduction, the conversation can feel fragile. A better approach is to learn four pieces you can rearrange: your name, your place, your work or study, and one small personal detail.
The four pieces of an introduction
| Piece | French shape | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Je m’appelle… | Je m’appelle Sam. |
| Place | J’habite à… | J’habite à Montréal. |
| Work / study | Je travaille dans… | Je travaille dans la santé. |
| Personal detail | J’aime… | J’aime cuisiner. |
Useful sentence shapes
Simple and direct
- Je m’appelle Sam.
- J’habite à Montréal.
- Je travaille dans la santé.
A little more personal
- Je suis nouveau / nouvelle ici.
- J’apprends le français depuis six mois.
- J’aime découvrir les cafés du quartier.
You do not need to use every sentence. Pick two that are true today. The best introduction is one you can say while paying attention to the person in front of you.
Ask the question back
| French | Meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Et vous ? | And you? | A simple, polite return. |
| Vous habitez où ? | Where do you live? | After talking about place. |
| Vous faites quoi dans la vie ? | What do you do? | In an informal conversation. |
| Vous apprenez le français aussi ? | Are you learning French too? | When language is part of the context. |
Roleplay · 90 seconds
Introduce yourself to a new neighbour or colleague.
- Say your name and where you live.
- Add work, study, or one interest.
- Ask one question back.
- Repeat it with one detail changed.
Open a model answer
Bonjour, je m’appelle Sam. J’habite à Montréal et je travaille dans la santé. J’apprends le français depuis six mois. Et vous ?
Keep it available
Say your short introduction once today, once tomorrow, and once to a real person this week. Repetition across different moments is what turns a sentence into something you can reach for.
Keep the thread going
One lesson becomes useful when it connects to another small action.