French for Confirming Understanding: Key Phrases for Intermediate Learners
Learn to confirm what you've understood in French with phrases like 'Donc, tu dis que...' and 'Si je comprends bien...'. Master the art of checking comprehension in conversations.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In any conversation, making sure you've understood the other person correctly is crucial. This lesson focuses on French phrases that let you confirm your understanding by paraphrasing or summarizing what you heard. You'll learn expressions like 'Donc, tu dis que...' (So you're saying that...) and 'Si je comprends bien...' (If I understand correctly...). These phrases are essential for avoiding misunderstandings and showing active listening. We'll cover their usage, pronunciation, and cultural nuances, with plenty of examples and practice.
By the end, you can…
- use a variety of French phrases to confirm that I have understood what someone said.
- accurately paraphrase someone's statement in French to check comprehension.
- distinguish between formal and informal registers when seeking confirmation.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Donc, tu dis que...
So you're saying that...
dɔ̃k ty di kə
Informal, used with friends or peers. Follow with a paraphrase of what you heard.
Si je comprends bien,...
If I understand correctly,...
si ʒə kɔ̃.pʁɑ̃ bjɛ̃
Neutral, can be used in most situations. Often followed by a restatement.
Vous voulez dire que...
You mean that...
vu vu.le diʁ kə
Formal or polite, using 'vous'. Good for professional settings or with strangers.
En d'autres termes,...
In other words,...
ɑ̃ d‿otʁ tɛʁm
Used to rephrase what the other person said to confirm understanding.
Si j'ai bien compris,...
If I understood correctly,...
si ʒe bjɛ̃ kɔ̃.pʁi
Similar to 'Si je comprends bien', but in past tense, implying you're referring to what was just said.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Many confirmation phrases follow a pattern: a lead-in phrase + que + a restatement. For example, 'Donc, tu dis que tu viens demain.' (So you're saying that you're coming tomorrow.) The lead-in can be 'Donc, tu dis que...', 'Vous voulez dire que...', or 'Si je comprends bien, ...'. The restatement often uses the same tense as the original statement. Note that 'que' becomes 'qu'' before a vowel sound: 'Donc, tu dis qu'il vient.'
When to use it
Use these phrases when you want to verify that you've correctly understood someone's message, especially in important conversations. For instance, if your colleague gives you instructions, you might say, 'Si je comprends bien, je dois envoyer le rapport avant vendredi.' (If I understand correctly, I need to send the report before Friday.) In casual chats, 'Donc, tu dis que...' is common. Avoid overusing these phrases in rapid succession, as it may seem like you're not listening. Instead, use them at key points to confirm critical information.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Je pense que nous devrions reporter la réunion à la semaine prochaine.
I think we should postpone the meeting to next week.ʒə pɑ̃s kə nu də.vʁi.jɔ̃ ʁə.pɔʁ.te la ʁe.y.njɔ̃ a la sə.mɛn pʁɔ.ʃɛnDonc, tu dis que la réunion est reportée ?
So you're saying that the meeting is postponed?dɔ̃k ty di kə la ʁe.y.njɔ̃ ɛ ʁə.pɔʁ.teOui, c'est ça. Si je comprends bien, tu es d'accord ?
Yes, that's right. If I understand correctly, you agree?wi sɛ sa. si ʒə kɔ̃.pʁɑ̃ bjɛ̃ ty ɛ da.kɔʁOui, mais je préfère confirmer la date exacte plus tard.
Yes, but I prefer to confirm the exact date later.wi mɛ ʒə pʁe.fɛʁ kɔ̃.fiʁ.me la dat ɛɡ.zakt ply taʁA little context goes a long way
In French conversations, especially in professional settings, it's common to use 'vous' when seeking confirmation with someone you don't know well. Using 'tu' with a superior or stranger might be considered too familiar. Additionally, French speakers often use these confirmation phrases with a rising intonation to signal a question, even without inversion. For example, 'Donc, tu dis que...?' with a rising tone at the end. In more formal writing, 'Si je comprends bien' is preferred over 'Donc, tu dis que'.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Donc, tu dis que...' in a formal context with a superior.
Try this instead: In formal situations, use 'Vous voulez dire que...' or 'Si je comprends bien,...' instead. For example, 'Vous voulez dire que le projet est annulé ?' is more appropriate than 'Donc, tu dis que le projet est annulé ?' when speaking to a boss.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you informally ask a friend to confirm that they said they are moving to Lyon?
Show a sample answer
Donc, tu dis que tu déménages à Lyon ?
This uses the informal 'tu' and the phrase 'Donc, tu dis que...' which is suitable for friends. Alternatively, 'Si je comprends bien, tu déménages à Lyon ?' also works.
2What is a polite way to confirm understanding with a new acquaintance?
Show a sample answer
Vous voulez dire que vous êtes végétarien ?
Using 'vous' and 'Vous voulez dire que...' is polite and appropriate for someone you've just met. 'Si je comprends bien, vous êtes végétarien ?' is also correct.
3Rephrase the following statement to confirm understanding: 'Je ne peux pas venir parce que j'ai un rendez-vous.' Use a formal phrase.
Show a sample answer
Si je comprends bien, vous ne pouvez pas venir parce que vous avez un rendez-vous.
This uses 'Si je comprends bien' and maintains the formal 'vous' form. 'Vous voulez dire que vous ne pouvez pas venir...' is another option.
Use phrases like 'Donc, tu dis que...' and 'Si je comprends bien...' to confirm you've understood. Match the register to the situation: 'tu' for informal, 'vous' for formal. Always paraphrase to check comprehension.
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