Introducing yourself can be a bit intimidating, especially in a new language. But don't worry, with some preparation and practice, you’ll no longer struggle with the dreaded question "Présente-toi" ("Tell me about yourself"). Let's break it down together!
Bonjour / Bonsoir
First things first, you need to know how to say 'Hello.' During the day, you can use "Bonjour," and after 5:30 or 6 PM when it gets dark, switch to "Bonsoir," which means 'Good evening.' For a more casual greeting, "Salut" or "Coucou," meaning 'Hi,' works perfectly.
Je m'appelle + [name]
Next, you would typically introduce your name. In French, say "Je m'appelle..." instead of "Je suis." While "Je suis" translates to "I am," native speakers prefer "Je m'appelle," which means "I call myself." In less formal contexts, you might just say your name right after "Hello."
J'ai … ans
When it comes to stating your age, use the verb "avoir" (to have) rather than "être" (to be). For instance, "J'ai vingt ans" means "I am 20 years old."
Je viens de + [your city/country]
To say where you’re from, use "Je viens de + [feminine country]" or "Je viens du + [masculine country]." For example, "Je viens de France" (I’m from France) and "Je viens du Canada" (I’m from Canada).
J'habite à [+ your city]
If you live in a different city now, say "J’habite à [your city]," which means "I live in [your city]." When referring to a country, the preposition changes based on gender and number:
-
For feminine countries, use "en"—like "en Angleterre," "en France," "en Allemagne."
-
For masculine countries, use "au"—like "au Congo," "au Canada," "au Venezuela."
-
For plural countries, use "aux"—like "aux États-Unis" (in the United States).
-
For cities, always use "à," like "à Paris" or "à Londres."
Je suis + [your profession]
To share your profession, use "Je suis + [your profession]." For example, "Je suis professeur" means "I am a teacher." Avoid using an article in French; simply say "Je suis médecin" (I am a doctor).
Family and Personal Information
To talk about your family, you might say, "Je suis marié(e)" (I am married) or "Je suis célibataire" (I am single). For siblings, you could say, "J'ai un frère" (I have a brother) or "J'ai une sœur" (I have a sister). If you have children, say, "J'ai [number] enfant(s)"—for example, "J'ai deux enfants" (I have two children).
Hobbies
Sharing your hobbies can make your introduction more interesting. Use "J'aime + [activity]" to express your likes:
-
"J'aime lire" (I like reading)
-
"J'aime faire du sport" (I like playing sports)
-
"J'aime cuisiner" (I like cooking)
-
"J'aime écouter de la musique" (I like listening to music)
To express love for something, use "J'adore + [activity]," such as "J'adore voyager" (I love traveling).
Interesting Facts
Consider adding some unique facts about yourself. For example, "J'adore l'équitation" means "I love horse riding," or "Je déteste les épinards" means "I hate spinach."
My Introduction
Let's put it all together. Here’s my introduction in French: "Bonjour! Je m'appelle Mélodie. J'ai 30 ans. Je viens de France mais j'habite à l'Île Maurice. Je suis tutrice de français et spécialiste en marketing. Je suis mariée et j'ai deux enfants. J'ai aussi un frère. J'adore cuisiner, voyager et écouter de la musique. Je déteste les épinards!"
Translation:"Hello! My name is Mélodie. I am 30 years old. I'm from France but I live in Mauritius. I am a French tutor and a marketing specialist. I am married and I have two children. I also have a brother. I love cooking, traveling, and listening to music. I hate spinach!"Now you know how to introduce yourself in French. Don’t forget to practice with your friends or in class. Practice makes perfect!
