Arguing and debating are integral parts of communication, and this is no different in French. When engaged in such discussions, it is essential to articulate your points clearly and understand the common expressions used. In this article, we will explore some of the key French expressions that can help you navigate arguments and debates effectively.
Je ne suis pas d’accord
This phrase means “I do not agree.” It is a fundamental expression used to indicate disagreement with someone else’s point of view.
Je ne suis pas d’accord avec ton interprรฉtation de la situation.
Exactement
“Exactly” or “that’s right” is the meaning of this term. You would use this when you agree with someone’s statement or find it precise.
Exactement, c’est ce que je voulais dire!
Pas du tout
It translates to “not at all” and is used to strongly disagree with a statement or suggestion.
Pas du tout, je pense que tu te trompes.
Peut-รชtre, mais…
“Perhaps, but…” indicates you partially agree with something, yet you have reservations or additional points to consider.
Peut-รชtre, mais nous devons aussi prendre en compte les autres facteurs.
Je dois avouer que…
This expression means “I must admit that…” and is used when conceding a point or admitting something in an argument.
Je dois avouer que tu as fait un excellent point lร -dessus.
En revanche
It translates to “on the other hand” and is used to present an opposing or contrasting view.
C’est un bon argument, en revanche, il faut considรฉrer l’autre cรดtรฉ de la question.
Tout ร fait
Meaning “absolutely” or “completely,” this expression shows strong agreement or confirmation.
Tout ร fait, c’est inacceptable de se comporter ainsi.
Qu’en penses-tu ?
This question means “What do you think?” It invites someone to share their opinion on the subject.
La proposition semble bonne, qu’en penses-tu ?
Dโun cรดtรฉ… de lโautre cรดtรฉ…
This means “on one hand… on the other hand…” and is useful for discussing two sides of an argument.
Dโun cรดtรฉ, je comprends votre point de vue, de lโautre cรดtรฉ, je n’en suis pas totalement convaincu.
Jโai lโimpression que…
The phrase “I have the impression that…” is used to express a personal belief or feeling on an issue.
Jโai lโimpression que nous nโabordons pas le vrai problรจme.
Ce qui me prรฉoccupe, c’est que…
Translated as “What worries me is that…,” this phrase is used to express concern about a specific aspect of the argument.
Ce qui me prรฉoccupe, c’est que nous n’avons pas considรฉrรฉ tous les risques potentiels.
Selon moi / ร mon avis
Both phrases mean “in my opinion.” They are used to introduce a personal viewpoint.
Selon moi, c’est la meilleure dรฉcision ร prendre dans ces circonstances. or
ร mon avis, il serait prรฉfรฉrable de reconsidรฉrer cette stratรฉgie.
Cโest indiscutable
“It’s indisputable” or “it’s undeniable.” Use this when you believe something to be an absolute truth.
Cโest indiscutable, les faits parlent d’eux-mรชmes.
Pour conclure
“To conclude” or “in conclusion.” This is a closing phrase, signalling the end of an argument or speech.
Pour conclure, je dirais que nous avons abordรฉ tous les points essentiels.
Mastering these expressions can enhance your ability to engage in discussions and present your arguments effectively in French. Whether you are debating formally or having a casual argument, these phrases will help you communicate with confidence and clarity.