Getting your first French introduction right is a game-changer. It’s often the very first thing you learn, and for good reason—it’s your key to opening up a conversation and making a great first impression, whether you’re ordering a coffee in Montreal or meeting a new colleague in Paris.

The good news? It’s much easier than you might think. You don't need to memorize a dictionary. All it takes is a handful of essential phrases and understanding one crucial cultural rule.

Let's dive into the practical scripts and tips you can start using today. This isn't about textbook theory; it's about giving you the confidence to walk into a room and introduce yourself with ease.

The All-Important Tu vs. Vous

Before we even get to the phrases, we need to talk about the most important distinction in French conversation: the difference between tu (informal "you") and vous (formal "you"). Getting this right is about showing respect, and it’s a dead giveaway of a speaker’s experience level.

• Use tu when you're talking to friends, family, kids, or anyone your age in a casual setting. Think of it as the "buddy" form.
• Use vous as your go-to for anyone you don't know, someone older than you, or in any professional context (your boss, a client, a shopkeeper). It's the safe and respectful default.

My Personal Tip: When you're in doubt, always start with vous. It's far better to be a little too formal than too familiar. If the other person is comfortable switching to a more casual dynamic, they'll likely say, "On peut se tutoyer," which is a friendly invitation to start using tu.

A Quick-Reference Guide to French Introductions

Sometimes, you just need to see the options side-by-side. This little table is perfect for quickly grabbing the right phrase for the right moment. Keep it handy as you practice!

Formal vs Informal French Introductions At A Glance

Use this quick reference guide to see the essential phrases for introducing yourself in formal (vous) and informal (tu) settings.

As you can see, the core of the introduction—Je m'appelle—stays the same. It's the bookends, your greeting and closing, that signal the level of formality.

So, if you’re meeting a friend of a friend at a party, you could say: "Salut ! Je m'appelle Nicolas. Enchanté de te rencontrer."

But if you're introducing yourself to a potential employer, you'd want something more polished: "Bonjour. Je m'appelle Nicolas. Ravi de faire votre connaissance."

Mastering these two simple scripts is genuinely all you need to handle most initial encounters. From here, the conversation can begin to flow.

Building Your Core Introduction Phrases

Everyone learns Je m'appelle on day one, and it's a great start. But if that's the only phrase you use, your introductions can start to feel a little stiff and textbook-ish. To really introduce yourself in French in a way that feels natural, you need a few more options up your sleeve.

The real trick is knowing which phrase to pull out for the right situation. Let's look at some key phrases for saying your name, greeting people, and wrapping up the conversation smoothly. These are the building blocks for making genuine connections.

More Ways to Say Your Name

How you state your name can instantly set the tone, signalling whether you're in a formal business meeting or just chatting with new friends. While Je m'appelle is always a safe bet, native French speakers often reach for other phrases in everyday life.

Here are a couple of fantastic alternatives:

• Je suis [Your Name]: This literally means "I am [Your Name]." It’s direct, incredibly common, and just a touch more relaxed than Je m'appelle. It works beautifully in almost any context, from professional to casual.
• Moi, c'est [Your Name]: Think of this as, "Me, I'm [Your Name]." This is your go-to for informal, friendly situations. It’s perfect when meeting people your age at a party or in a café. It has a modern, easy-going vibe.

When you break it down, a good introduction really only has three parts. Greet them, tell them your name, and then close with a pleasantry.

This simple flow—Greet, Name, Close—is your roadmap for any introduction.

Essential Greetings and Polite Closings

Your greeting is your first impression, and your closing is what you leave them with. Getting these "bookends" right is just as important as saying your name correctly.

For your opening:

• Bonjour: The classic, all-purpose "hello" or "good day." You can truly never go wrong with a confident Bonjour.
• Bonsoir: Once evening rolls around (usually after 6 p.m.), switch to this for "good evening."
• Salut: This is a casual "hi." Keep it for friends, family, and informal settings with peers.

A quick cultural tip: Politeness is a big deal in France. Always say Bonjour when you walk into a small shop, bakery, or doctor's office, and Au revoir (goodbye) when you leave. It’s a small sign of respect that goes a long way.

Once you've both said your names, you'll need something polite to say.

• Enchanté(e): This is the most common response. It means "Delighted" or "Pleased to meet you." It’s short, sweet, and works everywhere. Just remember to use the feminine form, enchantée, if you're female.
• Ravi(e) de faire votre connaissance: A more formal option, this translates to "Pleased to make your acquaintance." Save this for business contexts or when you want to show a higher degree of respect.

If you want to explore more of these phrases, our guide on the different ways to say "nice to meet you" in French is a great next step.

Keep the Conversation Going

The best introductions aren't monologues; they're invitations to a conversation. Don't just state your name and stand there in silence! The easiest way to turn your intro into a genuine exchange is to ask them for their name in return.

After you introduce yourself, simply add:

• Et vous ? (And you?) – for formal situations.
• Et toi ? (And you?) – for informal situations.

Putting it all together, it looks like this: "Bonjour, je suis Marc. Enchanté. Et vous ?" See how that simple addition passes the conversational ball back to them? It shows you're engaged and interested in connecting, not just reciting a script.

Mastering Pronunciation for a Great First Impression

Knowing the right words to say is a great start, but it's only half the story. When you introduce yourself in French, how you say those words can make all the difference. It’s the gap between sounding hesitant and sounding genuinely confident.

Don't worry, nobody expects perfection. It’s really about being understood and showing you've put in the effort to connect. Let’s walk through a few common pronunciation hurdles. If you can get a handle on these, you'll feel much more comfortable and make a fantastic first impression.

Tackling Tricky French Sounds

Some French sounds just don't exist in English, and that's often where learners get stuck. The good news is you don't have to master them all at once. Focusing on the few that pop up in your basic introduction phrases will give you a massive confidence boost.

The Nasal Vowels in Bonjour and Enchanté

Those famous nasal vowels are what give French its signature melodic quality. The trick is to let air flow through both your mouth and your nose. Critically, you don't want to close off the sound with a hard 'n' or 'm' like we do in English.

• For the “on” in Bonjour: Start by saying the English word "own." Now, try saying it again, but this time, imagine the sound resonating more in your nasal passage. You should feel a slight vibration in your nose. It’s an open sound.
• For the “en” in Enchanté: This one is quite similar, but your mouth should be a little more open, almost like you’re about to say "ah." Think of the sound a cartoon character makes when a lightbulb appears over their head.

A great way to practice is just to repeat "bon... bon... bon..." and then "en... en... en..." over and over. Focus on feeling that nasal resonance. It feels a bit strange at first, but you’re building essential muscle memory.

The Infamous French 'R'

Ah, the French 'r'. This sound, a uvular fricative, is probably the most well-known challenge for English speakers. It's not the rolled 'r' of Spanish or the hard 'r' of English. The sound is actually generated in the very back of your throat.

Here’s a trick I tell all my students: pretend you're about to gargle with water. That light, scraping vibration you feel at the back of your throat just before the liquid hits? That's it! That's the French 'r'. Try making that gentle sound without any water.

Focus on Rhythm and Linking Words

Beyond individual sounds, the real key to sounding more natural is understanding French rhythm. English is a "stress-timed" language, where we punch certain syllables. French, on the other hand, flows more evenly, with a slight lift at the very end of a phrase. It’s more musical.

This flow is helped along by something called liaison. This is where you pronounce the final consonant of one word when it’s followed by a word starting with a vowel. For instance, in vous appelez, the 's' in vous connects to the 'a' in appelez, so it sounds more like "voo-za-play." Spotting these links is a huge breakthrough for many learners. If you want to dive deeper, we have a whole guide on why spoken French can be so difficult for learners.

The goal isn't to sound like a Parisian overnight. Instead, focus your energy on these high-impact areas: nail the nasal sounds in your greeting, soften that 'r' sound, and listen for opportunities to link your words smoothly. This targeted practice will make your French introductions sound remarkably more authentic.

Adapting Your Introduction for Real-World Scenarios

A one-size-fits-all introduction will only get you so far. The real world is nuanced, and how you introduce yourself in French at a business conference in Lyon is a world away from how you’d greet a new neighbour in Montreal.

Knowing how to tweak your phrasing shows you understand the culture, not just the language. It’s what helps you build a genuine connection. Let's break down how to handle these different situations, from professional settings to the everyday realities of being a traveller or expat.

Professional Introductions for Work and Networking

In a business context, your introduction needs to be clear, formal, and efficient. The goal is to quickly establish who you are and why you're there, all while sounding polite and professional.

When meeting a client, a new colleague, or a contact at a networking event, you'll want to stick with the formal vous. A firm handshake (if you're meeting in person) and a confident Bonjour are the perfect start.

Here's a go-to script that I've seen work time and time again:

• Bonjour, je m’appelle [Your Name]. Je suis [Your Job Title] chez [Your Company Name]. (Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I am [Your Job Title] at [Your Company Name].)

To keep the conversation flowing and show interest in them, you can follow up with:

• Ravi(e) de faire votre connaissance. (Pleased to make your acquaintance.)
• Et vous, que faites-vous ? (And you, what do you do?)

This structure is my favourite because it’s respectful, gets all the key information across, and opens the door for a real conversation. It’s the ideal way to kick off a professional relationship on solid ground.

Everyday Introductions for Travellers and Expats

As a traveller or someone living abroad, your introductions will be far more varied and usually much more casual. Whether you're meeting your voisins (neighbours) for the first time or just buying a baguette, a friendly greeting can completely change the tone of your experience.

These interactions aren’t about your job title; they’re about being a friendly new face in the community.

Meeting Neighbours in Your Building: You don’t need anything fancy here. A simple, warm introduction is all it takes.

"Bonjour, je suis votre nouveau voisin / votre nouvelle voisine. Je m’appelle [Your Name]. Enchanté(e) !" (Hello, I am your new neighbour. My name is [Your Name]. Nice to meet you!)

Interacting in a Local Shop: You won't be giving a full introduction, but those little pleasantries are non-negotiable in French culture.

• Upon entering: Bonjour !
• When ordering: Bonjour, je voudrais... (Hello, I would like...)
• Upon leaving: Merci, au revoir !

These small courtesies are a sign of respect and can make a huge difference in how locals respond to you. If you've ever felt frustrated when locals switch to English, we have a guide on how to encourage French speakers to stick to French with some great, practical tips.

A Special Focus on Quebec

Introducing yourself in Quebec is a slightly different ball game. The language is French, of course, but the culture around it is unique. French holds a powerful place in both professional and daily life, and your approach should reflect that.

While it’s common to switch to the informal tu more quickly in Quebec than in France, starting with vous is still the safest and most respectful choice in formal or intergenerational settings. The real key is to understand that using French isn't just a polite gesture—it’s the expected norm.

Recent data shows that 73% of workers in Quebec most frequently use French in formal settings, and 83% use it most often in stores. These statistics from Quebec's official statistics institute drive home the point: making the effort to introduce yourself in French is your direct ticket to an authentic local experience. By adapting your words to the situation, you move beyond just reciting phrases and start having real, meaningful conversations.

Turning Your Introduction Into a Real Conversation

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A great introduction is just the beginning. It's not the finish line, but the starting block for a real connection. Those first few seconds after you’ve said your name are where the magic happens. This is your chance to pivot from someone who can just repeat phrases to someone who can truly hold a conversation.

The whole point is to keep the conversational ball rolling. You already know the simplest way to do this is with a quick Et vous? or Et toi?, but now it's time to add a few more tools to your kit. These follow-up questions are the bridge between that initial "hello" and an actual chat.

Asking Essential Small-Talk Questions

Think of your first interaction like a friendly exchange of business cards, but with words. After you’ve shared your name, people are naturally curious about where you’re from and what you do. Being ready to ask these questions back shows you’re just as interested in them.

Here are the key questions that will keep the dialogue flowing smoothly:

• D’où venez-vous ? (Where are you from?) — This is the formal version, perfect for anyone you’d address with vous.
• Tu viens d’où ? (Where are you from?) — The informal equivalent, which works great for peers, classmates, and new friends.

Asking about someone's job is another classic. It’s a common and polite way to get to know them a little better, whether you're at a party or a professional mixer.

• Qu’est-ce que vous faites dans la vie ? (What do you do for a living?) — A respectful, formal way to ask about their profession.
• Qu’est-ce que tu fais dans la vie ? (What do you do for a living?) — The informal version for more relaxed situations.

Once you have these questions down, you’ve built a clear pathway to continue the chat right after you introduce yourself in French.

What to Do When You Don't Understand

Let’s be honest: real conversations can be messy. People might talk faster than you’re used to, use slang you’ve never heard, or have an accent that throws you off. It’s easy to panic, but having a few key phrases ready can turn that confusion into a chance to connect.

My best advice is to embrace these moments! Asking someone to repeat themselves isn't a sign of failure; it’s a sign of engagement. It shows you genuinely care about what they're saying and want to understand.

Here are your essential lifeline phrases:

• Pouvez-vous répéter, s'il vous plaît ? (Can you repeat, please?)
• Pardon, je n'ai pas compris. (Sorry, I didn't understand.)
• Pourriez-vous parler plus lentement ? (Could you speak more slowly?)

Keep these in your back pocket. Using them confidently shows that you're an active participant in the conversation, not just a passive listener hoping to catch every single word. It gives you back a sense of control and stops the interaction from fizzling out.

Putting It All Together in a Mini-Dialogue

So, let's see how this all clicks together in a realistic scenario. Picture yourself at a networking event where you approach a new contact.

You: Bonjour, je m'appelle Sarah. Enchantée. (Hello, my name is Sarah. Nice to meet you.)

Them: Bonjour Sarah, moi c’est Lucas. Ravi de faire votre connaissance. (Hello Sarah, I’m Lucas. Pleased to make your acquaintance.)

You: Et vous, Lucas, d'où venez-vous ? (And you, Lucas, where are you from?)

Them: Je viens de Lyon, mais je travaille à Paris maintenant. (I’m from Lyon, but I work in Paris now.)

You: Ah, Lyon est une ville magnifique ! Et qu’est-ce que vous faites dans la vie ? (Ah, Lyon is a magnificent city! And what do you do for a living?)

See how that flows? You opened with a simple intro, then used a follow-up question to dig a little deeper. This is exactly how you build rapport and turn a basic greeting into a memorable conversation.

Common Questions About French Introductions

As you start practicing how you introduce yourself in French, you’ll find that a few questions tend to come up again and again. It’s completely normal to worry about making a common mistake or how to handle a specific situation. Let’s clear up some of that confusion right now, so you can feel more prepared for the real world.

Think of this as your personal FAQ for making a great first impression.

What Is the Biggest Mistake Learners Make?

By far, the most common pitfall is mixing up formality levels. It's a classic learner error. Using the informal tu with a stranger, an older person, or anyone in a business setting can sound a bit rude. It’s a tiny word, but it carries a lot of cultural weight in France.

My best advice? When in doubt, always use the formal vous. It’s much better to come across as a little too polite than too familiar. If the other person is comfortable switching to the informal tu, they'll usually let you know by saying something like, "On peut se tutoyer."

Another slip-up I see a lot involves pronunciation, especially with key words like Bonjour or Enchanté. No one expects you to sound like a native speaker overnight, but getting those nasal sounds and the rhythm right shows you’re making a real effort. It makes a surprisingly big difference.

How Do I Add My Profession to My Introduction?

This is a great question, especially for networking or any professional setting. Adding your job title gives people important context right away. Thankfully, the structure is very straightforward. After you’ve given your name, you just say Je suis... and add your profession.

Here’s what that looks like:

• "Bonjour, je m'appelle Marc. Je suis ingénieur." (Hello, my name is Marc. I am an engineer.)
• "Je m'appelle Sophie. Je suis professeure." (My name is Sophie. I am a teacher.)

One small but important detail: notice how there’s no 'a' or 'an' (un or une) before the job title. That's a key difference from English. If you’re in a more formal business environment, you might also add where you work: "Je travaille chez [Company Name]." (I work at [Company Name].)

What Is the Best Way to Practise My French Introduction?

Honestly, the single most effective thing you can do is practise out loud. A lot. Just reading the phrases in your head won't build the muscle memory you need to actually say them when you’re face-to-face with someone.

Start by yourself. Use your phone to record yourself saying your introduction, then play it back and compare it to a recording of a native speaker. It feels a bit strange at first, but it’s an incredible way to hear your own pronunciation quirks with tricky sounds like the French 'r' or those nasal vowels.

Then, find a way to get some feedback. Many modern language apps have AI chat features where you can simulate a conversation and get instant corrections on your pronunciation. It’s a great, low-pressure way to build up your confidence before trying it with a real person.

Finally, you have to take it into the real world. Start small! Greeting the barista at a French-style café or a shopkeeper in a little boutique are perfect, low-stakes opportunities. The goal is to shift from just reading and studying to actively speaking, as often as you can.

Ready to stop memorizing phrases and start having real conversations? The AI-powered practice tools at Simply French are designed to give you instant pronunciation feedback and build your confidence in just 15 minutes a day. Start your free trial and see how quickly you can improve.