Should You Learn Formal or Informal French First?

Introduction: Bonjour or Salut? That Is the Question

Imagine you land at Charles de Gaulle Airport, eager to use your newly acquired French skills. You spot a friendly barista and say with confidence, “Salut!”—only to be met with a slightly raised eyebrow. Later, at a dinner party, you try to impress an older guest with “Tu veux du vin?” and notice the host subtly wince.

It’s not that you pronounced something wrong. It’s that you chose the wrong register. In French, the difference between formal and informal speech isn’t just a matter of politeness—it’s a whole cultural framework.

French is a language with layers, and one of the biggest early hurdles learners face is understanding when to use vousversus tu, formal versus casual vocabulary, and polished versus relaxed phrasing. Unlike English, which has largely collapsed these distinctions (you can say "you" to your boss or your dog), French maintains a careful social dance between respect and intimacy.

Think of the French language as having two distinct wardrobes: one for business meetings and dinner with your partner’s parents (formal), and one for hanging out with your closest friends on a lazy Sunday (informal). Neither is more important than the other—they’re just suited to different contexts. But imagine showing up to a wedding in flip-flops or to the beach in a tuxedo. That’s what it can feel like when you use the wrong kind of French in a social setting.

Here’s another example: You’re a tourist asking for directions. You approach someone with, “Excuse-moi, tu peux m’aider?” It’s friendly, yes—but also jarringly familiar if you don’t know the person. The stranger might answer, but they’ll likely be a bit taken aback. Now imagine the same sentence said as, “Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous m’aider, s’il vous plaît?” The vibe changes instantly—now you sound respectful, thoughtful, and culturally aware.

This is especially important in French-speaking cultures, where language is more than communication; it reflects values like respect, hierarchy, and social roles. Formal French tends to dominate public life: on the news, in the classroom, at work. Informal French reigns in private: between siblings, lovers, friends, and people of similar age or social circles.

If you’ve ever watched a French film or listened to a French podcast and felt like you were hearing a different language than what you learned in class, you’re not alone. Many students start learning formal French—Comment allez-vous?, Je voudrais un café, Je suis désolé(e)—only to realize that real-world French often sounds like: Ça va?, J’veux un café, Désolé!

So the dilemma remains: which French should you focus on first? Should you learn to navigate the world with polished phrases and perfect politeness—or should you dive headfirst into the lively, casual rhythm of how people actually speak?

Let’s break down the pros, the pitfalls, and how you can strike the right balance for your goals.

The Basics: What Is Formal vs. Informal French?

Formal French:

  • Uses vous (the formal "you")

  • Includes polite phrases like je voudrais (I would like) instead of je veux (I want)

  • Follows stricter grammar rules

  • Found in written communication, customer service, news, business, and with strangers or authority figures

Informal French:

  • Uses tu (the casual "you")

  • Is more relaxed in grammar and vocabulary

  • Includes contractions like t'as instead of tu as, chuis instead of je suis

  • Common in everyday speech between friends, peers, family, and in casual texting or writing

The Case for Learning Formal French First

1. It’s Universally Accepted

If you’re in doubt, formal French is always safe. You can use it in any setting without offending anyone.

2. You'll Be Respected—and Understood

French speakers appreciate non-natives who make an effort to be polite. It reflects cultural awareness.

3. It Teaches Better Grammar

Formal French sticks to clearer, full grammatical structures. This gives you a strong foundation before meeting contractions and idioms.

4. Exams and Certifications Use It

Tests like the DELF or DALF require formal writing and speaking. This is the variety you'll be graded on.

5. You're Less Likely to Make a Social Misstep

Using tu too early can come off as disrespectful. Formal speech helps you stay on the safe side.

The Case for Learning Informal French First

1. It’s What People Actually Speak

From street conversations to YouTube and TikTok, real-life French is often informal.

2. It Feels More Natural and Fun

Informal French includes expressive phrases, cultural slang, and idiomatic shortcuts.

3. It Helps You Speak Sooner

It’s easier to say T’es là? than Est-ce que vous êtes ici? Confidence comes quicker.

4. It Builds Listening Comprehension

Contractions, slang, and dropped syllables dominate in speech. Start training your ear early.

5. It’s Useful If You’re Socializing or Dating

Texting, parties, dating apps—you’ll need casual French to fit in naturally.

So… Which One First?

It depends on your goal. Here's a quick guide:

  • Moving to France to Work or Study: Start with formal French.

  • Backpacking or Traveling Socially: Begin with informal French.

  • Taking French Exams: Prioritize formal French.

  • Dating a French Person: Learn both, and fast!

  • Living with French Speakers: Start with formal, shift to informal once rapport is built.

The Hybrid Approach: Learn Both Strategically

You don’t have to choose one forever. Try this phased approach:

Weeks 1–4: Emphasize Formal French

  • Learn greetings (Bonjour, enchanté), polite phrases, and professional structures.

  • Practice customer service scenarios.

Weeks 5–8: Introduce Informal Phrasing

  • Add casual greetings: Salut, ça roule?

  • Watch French shows with subtitles.

  • Text or chat with French-speaking friends using casual forms.

Ongoing: Context Awareness

  • Always observe who’s using tu vs vous.

  • Adapt your style depending on setting (interview vs. hangout).

Real-World Examples

Meeting Someone’s Grandmother

  • Formal: Enchanté, madame. Comment allez-vous ?

  • Informal (inappropriate): Salut mamie, ça va ou quoi ?

Texting a Friend

  • Informal: T’es dispo ce soir ?

  • Formal (awkward): Êtes-vous disponible ce soir ?

Job Application Email

  • Formal: Je vous écris pour postuler au poste de...

  • Informal (inappropriate): Salut, j’veux bosser chez vous !

Tips for Switching Between Formal and Informal French

  • Use vous by default. Switch to tu only when invited.

  • Observe how others speak before matching tone.

  • Practice both registers—write a formal email and text in slang.

  • Watch films and series for exposure to real-life usage.

  • Ask French speakers what they’d say in casual vs formal situations.

Conclusion: Speak Like a Local, Respect Like a Native

So, should you learn formal or informal French first?

The truth is, both are essential. Formal French gives you credibility, structure, and cultural safety. Informal French opens doors to everyday conversations, social fluency, and vibrant expression.

Choose the one that aligns with your immediate goals—but aim to master both. Language isn’t just about words—it’s about context, tone, and culture. The real skill lies in switching between registers smoothly, like a native.

And remember, it’s not just about speaking the language—it’s about connecting through it.

Learn French the Smart Way at Polyglottist Language Academy

At Polyglottist Language Academy, we help you navigate these exact challenges. Our expert teachers guide you in mastering both formal and informal French so you can communicate confidently—whether you're speaking to a CEO or your new French roommate.

📍 Based in Berkeley, we offer in-person and online French classes tailored to real-life use, culture, and your goals.

👉 Explore our French classes here

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