Introducing Yourself to Your Host Family|French Conversation Phrases

When doing a homestay, introducing yourself to the host family upon arrival is an important first step. If you can briefly share your name, nationality, and hobbies, it will help you make a good impression.
Here, I explain useful French self-introduction phrases for homestay situations, along with the relevant grammar points.
Dialogue

Bonjour, je m’appelle Yuki. Je suis japonais(e).
(Hello, my name is Yuki. I am Japanese.)

Enchanté(e), bienvenue chez nous !
(Nice to meet you, welcome to our home!)

Merci. J’ai 22 ans et j’étudie le français à l’université.
(Thank you. I am 22 years old and I study French at university.)

Très bien ! Quels sont tes passe-temps ?
(Great! What are your hobbies?)

J’aime écouter de la musique et faire du sport.
(I like listening to music and playing sports.)
Grammar and Expression Points
1. Saying Your Name
To state your name in French, use “Je m’appelle …”.
- Je m’appelle Yuki. (My name is Yuki.)
The verb s’appeler means “to be called.” Literally, “I call myself …” It corresponds to English “My name is …”.
You can also say “Je suis Yuki” (“I am Yuki”), but it is more casual. For polite introductions, “Je m’appelle …” is preferred.
2. Stating Your Nationality or Origin
To express nationality, use “Je suis + adjective.”
- Je suis japonais. (I am Japanese. — masculine)
- Je suis japonaise. (I am Japanese. — feminine)
Nationalities typically change their endings depending on gender:
- français / française (French)
- anglais / anglaise (English)
- chinois / chinoise (Chinese)
3. Saying Your Age
In French, age is expressed with avoir (to have).
- J’ai 22 ans. (I am 22 years old.)
Do not say “Je suis 22 ans.” Unlike English (“I am 22 years old”), French requires avoir.
4. Talking About Studies or Work
Sharing what you study or your profession helps the conversation flow.
- J’étudie le français à l’université.
(I study French at university.)
The verb étudier means “to study formally (at school/university).”
For work, combine travailler (to work) with comme (as):
- Je travaille comme ingénieur.
(I work as an engineer.)
5. Talking About Hobbies
Mentioning hobbies or likes helps you bond with your host family.
- J’aime écouter de la musique. (I like listening to music.)
- J’aime bien cuisiner. (I quite like cooking.)
- J’adore voyager. (I love traveling.)
Levels of preference:
- aimer = like
- aimer bien = like/quite enjoy
- adorer = love
6. Greetings and Responses
At a homestay, you will often hear Bienvenue ! (Welcome!). It is natural to reply with Merci ! (Thank you!).
Also, Enchanté(e) (Nice to meet you) is essential in first meetings.
- Men say: Enchanté
- Women add -e: Enchantée
Summary
- Je m’appelle …
→ standard self-introduction. - Je suis …
→ used for nationality or origin. - J’ai … ans
→ expressing age (using avoir). - J’étudie … / Je travaille comme …
→ study or profession. - J’aime / J’aime bien / J’adore …
→ hobbies and likes. - Enchanté(e) / Bienvenue / Merci
→ basic greetings and responses.