How to Talk in French in Social Situations

Our loved ones are a source of happiness, comfort and harmony. They are always there for us to help us whenever we need them. However, they might feel down, sometimes, or they might need our guidance and advice. Being there for them to guide and comfort them, in turn, is very important to forge and cultivate strong, caring, and endearing friendships and connections.

In this article, we will see what we should say to our loved ones to comfort them, advise them and ask for their help using the French language.

What to say to console/comfort a friend

When we receive sad/bad news about a close loved one, we may wonder what is the appropriate response and what we should say to this beloved one to comfort and soothe them. These words may mean a great deal to them.

Accident

“Je suis heureux que ça aille ! On est arrivés dès qu’on a su.” [I am so glad that all is well! We arrived as soon as we knew.]

Saying this is one of the easiest ways to show someone you care. It also demonstrates that you cared enough to provide assistance as quickly as possible.

“Je suis désolé pour votre accident. J’aimerais vous apporter le dîner ce soir. Quand puis-je passer ?” [I’m sorry about your accident. I’d like to bring you dinner tonight. When can I stop by?]

After an accident, it’s hard to concentrate on mundane chores like making supper. Give the present of your company and a nice meal to a friend or loved one..

Chronic illness

“Ça va si bien ! Vous retournerez courir cinq kilomètres en peu de temps.” [You are recovering quickly! You will be running 5km again in no time!]

Encourage someone by noting how much better they are doing now that they are feeling better. If you want your loved one to resume their active lifestyle, which may include jogging, hiking, or biking, then you should encourage them to do so.

“Vous m’inspirez pour affronter des défis comme vous.” [You always inspire me to keep on going! ]

You might use this to tell someone how much they have encouraged you to keep fighting through difficult times, such as a serious illness. Knowing he motivates you gives your friend or loved one courage to confront anything.

Mourning

“Si tu as besoin de pleurer, pleure” [Cry it out! It is okay!]

Trying to hide or withhold emotions is not positive for anyone, so it is essential to convey this message to your grieving loved one. Indeed, during these difficult times, for some people, the best thing to do is to let your feelings come out and relieve yourself by crying, screaming or expressing your emotions in one way or another.

“Je suis là pour toi” [I am always here for you.]

Saying this helps your friend realize and remember that they have someone to learn on, always! This might help them also realize that you are always there for them to help them, especially in such difficult circumstances. 

What to say to give advice to a friend

At first glance, offering guidance in French may appear like a daunting task. Different approaches employ somewhat different language structures to express the same idea. The question now is how to choose on which one to really implement. Use these three French straightforward pieces of advice-giving guidance to advise someone.

“Je te conseille de + verbe à l’infinitif” [I advice you to]

Exemple: Je te te conseille de manger des fruits et des légumes. [I advise you to eat fruits and vegetables.]

“Tu dois + verbe à l’infinitif” [you have to]

Exemple: tu dois réviser avant l’examen [You have to revise before taking an exam]

“Il faut + verbe à l’infinitif”

Exemple: Il faut boire du lait chaque jour. [It is important that you drink milk everyday.]

What to say to ask for help from a friend

We all need help and support from time to time, whether it’s in making a significant decision or completing a challenging assignment on time. It’s possible that asking for guidance from a trusted friend or family member can keep us on the path to our goals. Listed below are three French expressions that might be used to do so.

Que devrais-je faire à votre / ton avis? [What should I do, according to you?]

By saying so, we are able to know the perspective and point of view of our loved one which in turn may guide our decision-making in any given situation.

Que me conseillez-vous? [What would you advise me to do?]

This is another way for us to ask for the opinion and guidance of a loved one in terms of any matter. 

Pourrais-tu m’ aider s’il te plait? [Could you help me, please?]

This is a straightforward, direct, polite and simple way for us to ask for the assistance of a loved one. 

Now, you are aware of the exact expressions and words to say in these different circumstances and happenings. Making sure that you are always there for your loved ones is key for you to see such bonds flourishing and also to find support and assistance whenever they are needed.

Our blog is full of articles to assist you in your French speaking journey. Albert Learning provides a wide range f courses for you to learn French along with other high profile languages.