French Conversation · Level 19
89 words
French word
conversation
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔ̃vɛʁsasjɔ̃/
Meaning
- feminine nounconversation
Example
Nous avons eu une bonne conversation hier soir.
We had a good conversation last night.
More examples
Il a essayé d'engager la conversation avec son voisin.
He tried to start a conversation with his neighbor.
Core concept
People build a shared thread of meaning by exchanging words, information, and views.
Common phrases
engager la conversation
start a conversation
participer à la conversation
participate in the conversation
Similar words
dialogue: A back-and-forth conversation in which speakers take turns.
discussion: A talk focused on sharing opinions about a specific topic.
échange: The act of exchanging thoughts or information with others.
entretien: A purposeful talk held for work, an interview, or another specific aim.
Definition in French
Échange de paroles entre deux personnes ou plus pour partager des informations, des opinions ou des impressions.
Word origin
French conversation comes through Old French from Latin conversatio, derived from conversari, meaning to associate or keep company; its spoken-exchange sense developed later.
Usage tips
- Conversation is feminine in French, so standard forms include une conversation and cette conversation.
Other meanings
- discussionnoun
- chatnoun
- chatternoun
Opposites
- monologuemonologuenoun
Related words
- converserconverseverb