How to Say Your Name and Basic Information Politely in French
Learn to introduce yourself in French with formal and informal phrases for giving your name, age, origin, and responding when someone introduces themselves.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
When you meet someone in French, the first thing you often need to do is state who you are. This lesson teaches you how to give your name and a few basic details politely, using the right level of formality. You will learn set phrases for formal situations, such as with a teacher or a stranger, and informal ones for friends and people your own age. You will also learn how to respond when someone introduces themselves, so you can keep the conversation going naturally.
By the end, you can…
- state my name politely in formal and informal French.
- give basic information about myself, such as my age and where I am from.
- respond appropriately when someone introduces themselves to me.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Je m'appelle Marie.
My name is Marie.
zhuh mah-PEL mah-REE
The most common way to give your name. Use it in both formal and informal situations.
Moi, c'est Sophie.
Me, I'm Sophie.
mwah, say so-FEE
Informal and friendly. Common among friends, students, and young people.
Enchanté, madame.
Nice to meet you, ma'am.
ahn-shahn-TAY, mah-DAHM
Formal polite response when meeting a woman. Use 'enchantée' if you are female, with an extra 'e' in writing but the same pronunciation.
J'ai vingt ans.
I am twenty years old.
zhay van tahn
French uses 'avoir' (to have) for age, not 'être' (to be). Literally 'I have twenty years.'
Je viens des États-Unis.
I come from the United States.
zhuh vyen day zay-TAH-zoo-NEE
Use 'je viens de' plus a place to say where you are from. For a city, use 'je viens de' + city name.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To give your name, use 'Je m'appelle' + name. This works everywhere. In informal speech, you can also say 'Moi, c'est' + name. To give your age, use 'J'ai' + number + 'ans'. For example: 'J'ai dix-huit ans' (I am eighteen). To say where you are from, use 'Je viens de' + place. 'Je viens de Lyon' means 'I come from Lyon.' Note that 'de' changes to 'du' for masculine countries, 'de la' for feminine countries, and 'des' for plural countries: 'Je viens du Canada,' 'Je viens de la France,' 'Je viens des États-Unis.'
When to use it
Use 'Je m'appelle' and 'Enchanté(e)' in formal contexts: with older people, officials, or anyone you do not know well. Use 'Moi, c'est' and 'Salut' in informal contexts with friends, classmates, or people your age. When someone says 'Je m'appelle Paul,' you can respond with your own name and 'Enchanté(e).' If you are female, write 'Enchantée' but pronounce it the same. In Quebec, 'Enchanté' is also common, but informal introductions may use 'Bonjour' alone. In Belgium and Switzerland, the same phrases are used, though 'Salut' is very informal.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, je m'appelle Claire. Et vous ?
Hello, my name is Claire. And you?bohn-ZHOOR, zhuh mah-PEL kler. ay vooBonjour, moi, c'est Thomas. Enchanté.
Hello, I'm Thomas. Nice to meet you.bohn-ZHOOR, mwah, say toh-MAH. ahn-shahn-TAYEnchantée. J'ai vingt-deux ans. Et vous ?
Nice to meet you. I am twenty-two. And you?ahn-shahn-TAY. zhay van-duh tahn. ay vooJ'ai vingt-cinq ans. Je viens de Belgique.
I am twenty-five. I come from Belgium.zhay van-sank tahn. zhuh vyen duh bel-ZHEEKA little context goes a long way
In French-speaking cultures, using 'vous' with strangers or elders shows respect, while 'tu' is for friends, family, and peers. When giving your name, a handshake is common in formal settings in France, while cheek kisses (la bise) are common among friends. In Quebec, a handshake is also standard in business. Always use 'Enchanté(e)' when meeting someone for the first time, but avoid overusing it in very casual settings.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Je suis vingt ans' to mean 'I am twenty years old.'
Try this instead: French uses 'avoir' for age, not 'être.' Say 'J'ai vingt ans.' The verb 'être' is used for names and professions: 'Je suis étudiant' (I am a student).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'My name is Paul' in a formal situation?
Show a sample answer
Je m'appelle Paul.
'Je m'appelle' is the standard formal and informal way to give your name. 'Moi, c'est Paul' is also correct but more informal.
2How do you say 'I am fifteen years old' in French?
Show a sample answer
J'ai quinze ans.
Use 'avoir' for age: 'J'ai' + number + 'ans.' 'Je suis quinze ans' is incorrect.
3What is a polite response when someone says 'Je m'appelle Sophie'?
Show a sample answer
Enchanté(e), moi, c'est [your name].
'Enchanté(e)' means 'nice to meet you.' Adding 'moi, c'est' introduces your own name. If you are female, write 'Enchantée' but pronounce it the same.
Use 'Je m'appelle' for your name, 'J'ai ... ans' for your age, and 'Je viens de ...' for where you are from. Respond to introductions with 'Enchanté(e)' and your own name. Choose 'vous' for formal situations and 'tu' for informal ones.
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