Built for learners already in Quebec — or on their way
For newcomers to Quebec, Canadian learners, and workers who want to understand everyday Quebec French — especially after completing the free YoPratiqo intro.
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Educational preparation only. No guarantee of fluency, employment, immigration outcomes, TEF/TEFAQ success, or official francization certification.
Free preview · Lesson 1≈ 10 min
Arriving at work and greeting naturally
Objective
Learn how to greet people naturally at work in Quebec, understand when to use « tu » or « vous », and answer simple first-day workplace questions.
Scenario
You arrive at your new workplace in Quebec. At reception, someone greets you. A bit later, a coworker comes by your desk to introduce themselves. A few minutes after that, your team lead drops in to say hello and suggests a quick check-in at the end of the day. The tone around you is warm and a little informal — the goal is to reply simply, without over-playing formality.
Cultural note
Workplace tone in Quebec is often warm and direct. « Tu » is widespread in many environments, but « vous » remains a safe choice when you’re unsure — for example, on first contact, at reception, or with a more senior person you don’t know yet. The most useful rule: follow the person in front of you. Being polite doesn’t mean sounding formal or distant. And teams don’t all behave the same: some are very informal, others more reserved. Observe first, mirror the surrounding tone, adjust afterwards.
Core phrases
Salut, ça va ?
Informal
Hi, how’s it going?
When: With coworkers you already know, or when someone greets you with « Salut » first.
Too casual for a first reception desk contact; mirror the person in front of you.
Bonjour, enchanté.
Neutral
Standard French: Bonjour, enchanté de faire votre connaissance.
Hello, nice to meet you.
When: At reception, with a new coworker, or with your team lead on first contact.
In feminine written form: « enchantée ». Pronunciation is identical.
Je suis nouveau dans l’équipe.
Neutral
I’m new on the team.
When: To introduce yourself quickly, especially if the person doesn’t seem to know who you are.
Feminine form: « Je suis nouvelle dans l’équipe ».
Je commence aujourd’hui.
Neutral
I’m starting today.
When: A short, clear sentence at reception or for a first contact.
Tu peux me tutoyer.
Informal
You can call me « tu ».
When: To invite someone to switch to « tu » with you.
In Quebec, many coworkers do this at the very first meeting.
Est-ce que je peux vous tutoyer ?
Formal
Is it okay if I use « tu » with you?
When: A polite way to ask permission, especially with a more senior person you don’t know yet.
Still very well received — it shows respect without being rigid.
Je vais m’installer ici.
Neutral
I’ll set myself up here.
When: When someone shows you your desk or an open workstation.
Je cherche la salle de réunion.
Neutral
I’m looking for the meeting room.
When: A direct, useful question for your very first morning.
Je ne suis pas encore habitué au système.
Neutral
I’m not used to the system yet.
When: A polite way to explain that you’re still getting your bearings.
Feminine form: « Je ne suis pas encore habituée ».
Peux-tu me montrer rapidement ?
Informal
Can you show me quickly?
When: With a coworker you’re already on « tu » terms with.
If you’re still on « vous »: « Pouvez-vous me montrer rapidement ? ».
Je te remercie.
Informal
Thank you (« tu » form).
When: Light and warm, with a coworker you’re using « tu » with.
« Vous » form: « Je vous remercie ».
Merci, c’est apprécié.
Neutral
Thanks, that’s appreciated.
When: When someone helps you out — understated and sincere.
Very Quebec-flavoured; sounds natural in both speech and writing.
À tantôt.
Informal
See you later (today).
When: To say « see you later today » between coworkers.
Very Quebec-flavoured. Means « later today », not « soon ».
Bonne journée.
Neutral
Have a good day.
When: A polite and warm goodbye, at any time of day.
Universal and always well received, whatever the « tu » / « vous » choice.
Mini-dialogues
At reception
You arrive at reception on the morning of your first day. Someone at the front desk greets you.
Receptionist
Bonjour ! Bienvenue. Je peux vous aider ?
Hello! Welcome. Can I help you?
« Vous » is the norm at reception — polite, neutral register.
You
Bonjour. Je commence aujourd’hui dans l’équipe. C’est mon premier jour.
Hello. I’m starting today on the team. It’s my first day.
Receptionist
Parfait. Je préviens votre responsable. Vous pouvez vous installer en attendant.
Perfect. I’ll let your team lead know. You can have a seat in the meantime.
You
Merci, c’est apprécié.
Thank you, that’s appreciated.
First coworker
A coworker walks by your desk and starts a conversation to welcome you.
Coworker
Allô ! Tu dois être la nouvelle personne, non ?
Hey! You must be the new person, right?
« Allô » + immediate « tu » — very typical between coworkers in Quebec.
You
Oui, je commence aujourd’hui. Enchanté, je suis nouveau dans l’équipe.
Yes, I’m starting today. Nice to meet you, I’m new on the team.
Coworker
Bienvenue ! Tu peux me tutoyer, on est pas mal informels ici.
Welcome! You can call me « tu », we’re pretty informal here.
You
Avec plaisir. Peux-tu me montrer rapidement où est la salle de réunion ?
Gladly. Can you show me quickly where the meeting room is?
Team lead
Your team lead comes by a few minutes later to introduce themselves.
Team lead
Bonjour, je suis Marie, la responsable de l’équipe. Bienvenue !
Hello, I’m Marie, the team lead. Welcome!
You
Bonjour Marie, enchanté. Je suis content d’être ici.
Hello Marie, nice to meet you. I’m glad to be here.
First-name introduction — many Quebec managers operate this way.
Team lead
Si tu as des questions aujourd’hui, n’hésite pas. On prendra cinq minutes en fin de journée pour faire le point.
If you have any questions today, don’t hesitate. We’ll take five minutes at the end of the day to check in.
You
Parfait. Je ne suis pas encore habitué au système, j’aurai sûrement quelques questions de base.
Perfect. I’m not yet used to the system, I’ll likely have a few basic questions.
You mirror the « tu » she’s using — the most natural choice here.
Tu or vous?
Situation 1
You’re writing your first email to HR to confirm your start date.
Safest · « vous »
First written contact with a service you don’t know yet — « vous » is the safest and most respectful choice.
Situation 2
A coworker your age passes you in the kitchen and lets out a relaxed « Salut! ».
Safest · « tu »
The tone is already set — replying with « tu » keeps the natural, warm rhythm.
Situation 3
Your new manager introduces themselves with their first name only.
Safest · follow the other person
A first-name introduction often signals openness — let them set « tu » or « vous » in the next sentence, then mirror them.
Situation 4
You greet an external client or speak with a parent (depending on your workplace).
Safest · « vous »
External context — « vous » by default, even if the person later decides to switch.
Situation 5
During a relaxed team lunch, everyone is using « tu » around the table.
Safest · « tu »
Informal, collective social setting — « tu » aligns with the rest of the group.
Quick quiz
Five short questions — no score, no timer. For you, at your own pace.
Question 1
You arrive at reception on your first morning. Which greeting works best?
Salut, ça roule ?
Very informal: « Hi, how’s it rolling? »
Bonjour. Je commence aujourd’hui, c’est ma première journée.
Polite and direct: « Hello. I’m starting today, it’s my first day. »
Comme vous êtes aimable de vous adresser à moi.
Stilted / over-formal.
Au revoir.
Goodbye — wrong moment.
Answer
Bonjour. Je commence aujourd’hui, c’est ma première journée.
Polite and direct: « Hello. I’m starting today, it’s my first day. »
Why : « Bonjour » + a short sentence explaining why you’re there — clear, polite, and easy for the receptionist to act on.
Question 2
Your team lead introduces themselves with their first name only. Which approach is safest?
Je passe tout de suite au « tu » sans vérifier.
Switch to « tu » immediately without checking.
Je reste au « vous » jusqu’à ce qu’on me propose le « tu », ou je suis le ton de l’autre personne.
Stay on « vous » until they suggest « tu », or follow their tone.
J’insiste pour dire « Madame » ou « Monsieur » toute la journée.
Insist on « Madame » / « Monsieur » all day.
J’évite de parler jusqu’à être absolument certain.
Avoid speaking until you’re absolutely sure.
Answer
Je reste au « vous » jusqu’à ce qu’on me propose le « tu », ou je suis le ton de l’autre personne.
Stay on « vous » until they suggest « tu », or follow their tone.
Why : Following the person in front of you is almost always the right Quebec strategy. If they use « tu » with you, you can mirror; if not, stay on « vous » without making a fuss.
Question 3
You don’t know where the meeting room is. How do you ask a coworker who’s already on « tu » terms with you?
Vous voudrez bien m’indiquer la salle de réunion.
Stilted / over-formal.
Je cherche la salle de réunion, peux-tu me montrer rapidement ?
Natural, already in « tu ».
Salle réunion où ?
Too telegraphic.
Je suis perdu, je vais partir.
Avoidant — wrong reaction.
Answer
Je cherche la salle de réunion, peux-tu me montrer rapidement ?
Natural, already in « tu ».
Why : A full, natural sentence, already in « tu » — exactly the tone expected between coworkers using « tu ».
Question 4
A coworker says to you: « Tu peux me tutoyer. » What do they mean?
Ça veut dire : « Appelle-moi au téléphone. »
Means: « Call me on the phone. »
Ça veut dire : « Tu peux utiliser tu avec moi. »
Means: « You can use tu with me. »
Ça veut dire : « Parle plus doucement. »
Means: « Speak more softly. »
Ça veut dire : « Je suis fâché. »
Means: « I’m upset. »
Answer
Ça veut dire : « Tu peux utiliser tu avec moi. »
Means: « You can use tu with me. »
Why : « Tutoyer » = to use « tu ». The invitation is explicit and warm — you can simply reply « Avec plaisir. ».
Question 5
A coworker leaves the office in the afternoon saying « À tantôt! ». What does that suggest?
On se voit demain.
We’ll see each other tomorrow.
On se revoit plus tard aujourd’hui.
We’ll see each other again later today.
Je quitte l’entreprise pour de bon.
I’m leaving the company for good.
Suis-moi immédiatement.
Follow me immediately.
Answer
On se revoit plus tard aujourd’hui.
We’ll see each other again later today.
Why : « À tantôt » in Quebec means « later today » — an informal signal of a near-future return.
Reflection
Next time you walk into a new workplace, what simple sentence could you use to introduce yourself without overthinking?
This question is just for you — nothing is sent or shared.
With a teacher
When you are ready, practice this scenario with a teacher. You can role-play your first arrival at work, receive natural corrections, and adjust your level of formality.
Practice this scenario out loud with a Pratiqo teacher when you’re ready — you decide when and with whom.
Misunderstanding an instruction at work is completely normal — especially in the early weeks. In Quebec, the expectation is that you confirm in one short sentence, or politely ask for a rephrasing if something isn’t clear. Pretending to understand costs a lot more than asking a small question.
Three micro-skills
Spot the key verbs in an instruction
The verb tells you the ACTION expected: put, sign, call. Everything else is context.
Confirm a task in one short sentence
« Pas de problème, je m’en occupe. » is enough in most cases — short, clear, no drama.
Ask for a rephrasing without embarrassment
A polite question always beats a botched task. Start with « Excuse-moi » or « Pardon ».
Key workplace verbs
Physical actions
mettre
— to put / to place
Example: Mets la boîte sur l’étagère.
Put the box on the shelf.
prendre
— to take / to pick up
Example: Prends ton casque avant d’entrer.
Take your helmet before going in.
apporter
— to bring
Example: Apporte le formulaire à Marie, s’il te plaît.
Bring the form to Marie, please.
ranger
— to put away / to tidy
Example: Range les outils dans l’armoire à la fin du quart.
Put the tools away in the cabinet at the end of the shift.
ouvrir
— to open
Example: Ouvre la porte arrière du camion.
Open the back door of the truck.
fermer
— to close / to shut down
Example: Ferme l’ordinateur avant de partir.
Shut down the computer before leaving.
Administrative actions
signer
— to sign
Example: Signe la feuille de présence à l’arrivée.
Sign the attendance sheet when you arrive.
remplir
— to fill out
Example: Remplis le bon de commande en majuscules.
Fill out the order form in uppercase letters.
vérifier
— to check / to verify
Example: Vérifie la quantité avant l’envoi.
Check the quantity before shipping.
envoyer
— to send
Example: Envoie le courriel à l’équipe avant midi.
Send the email to the team before noon.
imprimer
— to print
Example: Imprime le rapport en deux copies.
Print the report in two copies.
appeler
— to call (on the phone)
Example: Appelle Mathieu pour la livraison.
Call Mathieu about the delivery.
Quebec oral markers
pis
Spoken short form of « puis » (« and then »). Used to add a quick follow-up or extra step in the same sentence.
Mets la boîte sur l’étagère, pis n’oublie pas la signature.
Put the box on the shelf, and don’t forget the signature.
tiens / tenez
Used when handing someone an object or a document. « Tiens » with « tu », « tenez » with « vous ».
Tenez, voici le formulaire à signer.
Here you go, this is the form to sign.
là
A small emphasis / situating marker: « right now », « in this case ». Also softens an instruction.
Ça, là, c’est pour le client de demain.
That one, right there, is for tomorrow’s client.
tantôt
In Quebec, « tantôt » means « later today » — not « soon » in general. A very common spoken time marker.
Je m’en occupe tantôt, après ma pause.
I’ll take care of it later today, after my break.
Confirmation formulas
Parfait.
« Perfect. » — a short, warm acknowledgement.
Register: neutral
OK, c’est bon.
« OK, that works. » — light and conversational.
Register: informal
D’accord, je m’en occupe.
« All right, I’ll take care of it. »
Register: neutral
Pas de problème.
« No problem. » — friendly and reassuring.
Register: informal
Compris.
« Got it. » — short and efficient.
Register: neutral
Reformulation formulas
Excuse-moi, t’as dit quoi pour [X] ?
« Sorry, what did you say about [X]? » — friendly check-back between coworkers.
Register: informal
Pardon, peux-tu redire la dernière partie ?
« Sorry, could you say the last part again? » — polite and precise.
Register: neutral
Attends — la boîte sur l’étagère, c’est ça ?
« Hold on — the box on the shelf, right? » — short clarification on one concrete detail.
Register: informal
Je veux juste m’assurer — c’est avant ou après la pause ?
« I just want to make sure — is it before or after the break? »
Register: neutral
Désolé, je veux être sûr de bien faire — peux-tu reprendre depuis le début ?
« Sorry, I want to be sure I do it right — could you start over from the beginning? »
Register: neutral
Complete mini-scenario
Three instructions in five minutes
Your supervisor stops by your desk with three quick instructions. The goal: confirm in one clear sentence after checking a point you didn’t catch on the first pass.
Supervisor
Mets la boîte sur l’étagère, ensuite signe le formulaire, pis appelle Mathieu pour la livraison.
Put the box on the shelf, then sign the form, and call Mathieu about the delivery.
Three chained actions: put, sign, call. « Pis » marks the final add-on.
You
Attends — la boîte sur l’étagère, c’est ça ?
Hold on — the box on the shelf, right?
Targeted clarification on a single detail. Polite, brief, useful.
Supervisor
Oui, l’étagère du fond, à droite. Pis tu peux signer après.
Yes, the back shelf, on the right. And you can sign after that.
You
Donc je mets la boîte, je signe le formulaire, puis j’appelle Mathieu — c’est ça ?
So I put the box, I sign the form, then I call Mathieu — is that right?
Full restatement of the concrete elements. Very well received in Quebec.
Supervisor
Exactement. Merci.
Exactly. Thanks.
Quick quiz
Five short questions — no score, no timer. For you, at your own pace.
Question 1
Your supervisor just gave you three actions: put the box, sign the form, call Mathieu. Which line confirms all three in a single sentence?
OK.
Too short — doesn’t restate the three actions.
Donc je mets la boîte, je signe le formulaire, puis j’appelle Mathieu — c’est ça ?
Full restatement of all three concrete actions in order.
Mets la boîte.
Repeats only the first action — drops the other two.
À tantôt.
« See you later today » — wrong moment, doesn’t confirm.
Answer
Donc je mets la boîte, je signe le formulaire, puis j’appelle Mathieu — c’est ça ?
Full restatement of all three concrete actions in order.
Why : Restating all three concrete actions (the box, the form, Mathieu) clearly shows you caught the whole instruction — exactly the kind of restatement expected.
Question 2
You only missed the last step. Which rephrasing is the most polite and precise?
Quoi ?
Too blunt — feels impatient.
Pardon, peux-tu redire la dernière partie ?
Polite, targeted, and explicit about which part you missed.
Je n’ai rien compris.
Overstates the issue — asks for everything to be repeated.
Laisse, c’est bon.
Avoidant — pretends to understand instead of asking.
Answer
Pardon, peux-tu redire la dernière partie ?
Polite, targeted, and explicit about which part you missed.
Why : « Pardon » + a request focused on « the last part » signals you followed almost everything and just want to check the final point.
Question 3
A coworker tells you: « Je le fais tantôt. » What do they mean?
Je le fais demain.
« I’ll do it tomorrow. » — wrong day.
Je le fais immédiatement.
« I’m doing it right now. » — too immediate.
Je le fais plus tard aujourd’hui.
« I’ll do it later today. » — the Quebec meaning of « tantôt ».
Je le fais la semaine prochaine.
« I’ll do it next week. » — wrong horizon.
Answer
Je le fais plus tard aujourd’hui.
« I’ll do it later today. » — the Quebec meaning of « tantôt ».
Why : In Quebec, « tantôt » means « later today ». The coworker is committing to do the task within the day — not « soon » in general, not tomorrow.
Question 4
Which verb correctly fills in: « ___ le formulaire avant midi. »?
Ouvre
« Open » — opens it but doesn’t finish the task.
Range
« Put away » — odd before signing it.
Signe
« Sign » — the natural action requested before noon.
Ferme
« Close » — wrong verb for a form.
Answer
Signe
« Sign » — the natural action requested before noon.
Why : « Signer le formulaire » is the most natural administrative action paired with a deadline. The other verbs are syntactically possible but contextually off.
Question 5
Which Quebec oral marker introduces a quick add-on like « ___ n’oublie pas la signature »?
tantôt
« later today » — a time marker, not a connector.
pis
« and (then) » — a soft Quebec connector for a quick add-on.
là
Emphasis / situating marker — not a connector for an add-on.
tiens
Used when handing someone an object — wrong function here.
Answer
pis
« and (then) » — a soft Quebec connector for a quick add-on.
Why : « Pis » is the Quebec spoken form of « puis » (« and then »). It’s exactly the connector you use to add a quick follow-up to the previous instruction.
Flashcards
mettre — Mets la boîte sur l’étagère.
to put / to place. Put the box on the shelf.
Hint: Placing something at a specific spot.
signer — Signe la feuille de présence.
to sign. Sign the attendance sheet.
vérifier — Vérifie la quantité avant l’envoi.
to check / to verify. Check the quantity before shipping.
appeler — Appelle Mathieu pour la livraison.
to call (phone). Call Mathieu about the delivery.
Parfait.
« Perfect. » — short, warm confirmation.
Hint: Confirms without overdoing it.
D’accord, je m’en occupe.
« All right, I’ll take care of it. »
Excuse-moi, t’as dit quoi pour [X] ?
« Sorry, what did you say about [X]? »
Hint: Friendly check-back between coworkers.
Pardon, peux-tu redire la dernière partie ?
« Sorry, could you say the last part again? »
pis
spoken « puis » — « and (then) ». Adds a quick step.
Hint: « Put the box, and don’t forget the signature. »
tantôt
« later today » — NOT « soon » in general.
Hint: Always refers to the same day in Quebec usage.
Practice with a teacher
When you are ready, take this scenario out loud with a Pratiqo teacher — you decide when and with whom, at your own pace. The teacher can give you other short instructions to restate, without any pressure.
Practice this scenario out loud with a Pratiqo teacher when you’re ready — you decide when and with whom.
Coming next: Lesson 3 — Poser une question sans bloquer. We’ll practise opening a question without breaking the rhythm of the conversation. (Still in preparation — stay tuned.)
Full module outline
Seven short lessons, seven concrete situations
Each lesson is a small role-play: a context, three goals, and a few useful phrases. Lessons 1 and 2 are open as free previews; the other five are still upcoming.
Your first morning on the floor. You cross paths with coworkers, the team on duty, and your supervisor. How do you say hello without sounding too formal or too hesitant?
Learning goals
greet several people within a few seconds
recognise common Quebec expressions
adjust your tone between coworkers and supervisors
With a teacher. Ask a Pratiqo teacher to help you vary your greetings by context.
Someone hands you a few quick instructions: where to put a box, what time your break is, which form to sign. You want to confirm without breaking the flow of the conversation.
Learning goals
spot the key verbs in instructions
confirm an instruction in one short sentence
ask for a rephrasing without feeling embarrassed
With a teacher. Practise with a teacher: ask for five short instructions to restate back.
Lesson 3
Asking a question without freezing up
Locked · upcoming
≈ 11 min
You have a question but don’t want to look lost. You’re after a phrasing that opens the conversation, especially with someone you don’t know well.
Learning goals
open a question with a reassuring frame
rephrase when the other person didn’t catch it the first time
keep the natural rhythm of a Quebec conversation
With a teacher. With a teacher, role-play 3 short, common questions (meeting time, form, location).
Lesson 4
Talking about your schedule and availability
Locked · upcoming
≈ 13 min
Your supervisor wants to know when you’re available this week and what your constraints are. The goal is to answer clearly and flexibly, without confusion about hours.
Learning goals
express a time window naturally
state a constraint without sounding rigid
offer a respectful alternative
With a teacher. Ask a teacher to help you rehearse your typical schedule with various constraints.
Lesson 5
Handling a small misunderstanding
Locked · upcoming
≈ 11 min
Someone hears something different from what you meant. You want to clarify without making your conversation partner — or yourself — lose face.
Learning goals
repair a misinterpretation calmly
check the other person’s understanding
keep a warm tone despite friction
With a teacher. Practise with a teacher: re-enact 2 small misunderstandings and rephrase together.
Lesson 6
Booking an appointment or confirming information
Locked · upcoming
≈ 14 min
You’re calling or writing to set up an appointment, or to confirm important information (a time, an address, a document to bring). You want to leave the exchange with a clear confirmation.
Learning goals
open an appointment request naturally
read back a time or address in French
get an explicit confirmation before hanging up
With a teacher. With a teacher, role-play a call to book a medical or administrative appointment.
Lesson 7
Preparing your first practice with a teacher
Locked · upcoming
≈ 12 min
You can now navigate several common situations at work. This last lesson helps you prepare your first real practice session with a Pratiqo teacher: goals, topics, and three questions to bring along.
Learning goals
phrase a clear goal for your next session
identify 3 priority situations to rehearse
prepare 3 concrete questions to ask the teacher
With a teacher. Book a first Pratiqo session to run these 7 mini-scenarios out loud.
Teacher bridge
Bridge to a real teacher
When this module is ready, it will help you better prepare for practice with a real teacher on Pratiqo.
This is a future YoPratiqo module. Purchase is not available yet and paid access is not active. No live pricing is in effect; the current visuals only outline the planned learning path.