Making and Keeping Friends in France
Catch up with old friends, talk about how you met, make up after a falling-out and keep in touch, all in casual French.
French friendships can take a while to form, but people are loyal once you're in; many friend groups go back to school or la fac (university). Clubs, associations and afterworks with colleagues are the easiest way to meet people. Careful: « mon copain » or « ma copine » often means boyfriend or girlfriend, while « un ami » or the casual « un pote » is just a friend.
- 1
On s'est tout de suite bien entendus.
We hit it off straight away.
- 2
C'est un pote du boulot.
He's a mate from work.
- 3
C'est ma meilleure amie.
She's my best friend.
- 4
On se connaît depuis la fac.
We've known each other since uni.
- 5
On se fait un verre un soir ?
Shall we go for a drink one evening?
- 6
Ça fait une éternité que j'ai pas de tes nouvelles !
It's been ages since I heard from you!
- 7
On s'est perdus de vue.
We lost touch.
- 8
Il m'a posé un lapin.
He stood me up.
- 9
Je peux compter sur elle.
I can count on her.
- 10
On s'est un peu fâchés.
We had a bit of a falling-out.
- 11
Je peux me confier à toi ?
Can I confide in you?
- 12
Ça reste entre nous.
Keep it between us.
- 13
Tu es toujours là pour moi.
You're always there for me.
- 14
On a beaucoup de points communs.
We have a lot in common.
- 15
Tu me manques, tu sais.
I miss you, you know.
- 16
On reste en contact !
Let's keep in touch!
- 17
Excuse-moi, j'ai été lourd l'autre jour.
Sorry, I was a pain the other day.
Tip: Use the feminine ending if you're a woman.
- 18
C'est pas grave, on oublie.
It's no big deal, let's forget it.
- 19
Faudrait qu'on se voie plus souvent.
We should see each other more often.
- 20
Tu veux venir à mon anniv ?
Do you want to come to my birthday?