French texting · 6 minute read

Texting in French, one reply at a time

Start with Salut ! Ça va ? — “Hi! How are you?” Then add one thing about your day and a question. You can sound friendly without filling your messages with slang.

These example chats use informal French suited to friends, especially in France. They are written for practice, with full words and accents so you can reuse the sentences. Texting habits vary between people and places; follow your friend’s tone rather than trying to sound like everyone at once.

Say hello and give them something to answer

Incoming message:

A short reply is fine:

Or offer a detail they can pick up:

Salut is casual. For a first message to a host, teacher or someone you address formally, start with Bonjour and use vous. The distinction depends on the relationship, as TV5MONDE’s guide to tu and vous explains. The examples below assume you already use tu with each other.

Ask about the day, then follow a detail

Incoming message:

You don’t need a remarkable story. Choose a reply that fits:

The second reply invites a recommendation. If they name a film, ask Tu l’as déjà vu ? — “Have you seen it already?” A specific question is easier to answer than another general “How are you?”

For more ways to describe your mood, see how to reply to ça va.

React to news

Incoming message:

Two friendly replies:

Trop bien ! is an enthusiastic, informal reaction. You don’t need to translate trop as “too much” here. If the news is disappointing instead, try Ah mince… Tu veux en parler ? — “Oh no… Do you want to talk about it?”

Turn a message into a plan

Incoming message:

Accept and settle the time:

Or suggest another day:

Here, ça te va ? asks whether an arrangement suits the other person. It’s different from ça va ?, which can ask how they are. Once you agree, ask On se retrouve où ? — “Where shall we meet?” Our making plans guide covers the whole exchange, including changing a plan.

End the chat without making it awkward

Incoming message:

You could reply:

À demain works when you’ll speak or meet tomorrow. Use À bientôt — “See you soon” — if you don’t have a day in mind. You don’t need a sign-off on every message in an ongoing chat.

Recognise abbreviations without relying on them

You may see these in casual messages:

• slt: salut, “hi”.
• stp: s’il te plaît, “please”.
• mdr: mort de rire, a laughing reaction similar to “lol”. Le Robert records the abbreviation.

They aren’t required to sound natural, and they’re a poor default for a formal message. Practise the full phrase first. Keep accents when you can: Ça va ? is the standard spelling, even if a friend’s quick text leaves the cedilla out.

Your turn: reply to the invitation

Your friend sends Salut ! Ça te dit de prendre un café samedi ? — “Hi! Fancy a coffee on Saturday?” You want to go, but only after 2 pm. Write a reply that accepts, gives your available time, and asks where to meet.