#84 Expressions for Dining with a Business Partner｜French Business Conversation

During business trips or meetings, you often have opportunities to dine with clients or partners.

A business dinner is not just a meal — it’s an important occasion for building trust and establishing good relationships.
At such gatherings, polite greetings and smooth conversation in French can make a strong impression.

This lesson introduces useful French phrases often used during business meals, along with explanations of their grammar and usage.

Dialogue

A

Bonsoir, je suis ravi de dîner avec vous ce soir.
(Good evening. I’m delighted to have dinner with you tonight.)

B

Le plaisir est pour moi. Merci de votre invitation.
(The pleasure is mine. Thank you for your invitation.)

A

Vous aimez la cuisine française ?
(Do you like French cuisine?)

B

Oui, beaucoup. J’aimerais goûter des spécialités locales.
(Yes, very much. I’d love to try some local specialties.)

A

Excellent idée ! Je vous recommande le confit de canard.
(Excellent idea! I recommend the duck confit.)

B

Parfait, merci. Et pour boire, qu’est-ce que vous me conseillez ?
(Perfect, thank you. And to drink, what would you recommend?)

A

Un bon vin rouge, peut-être ?
(A good red wine, perhaps?)

B

Très bien, allons-y !
(Sounds great, let’s do that!)

1. Greetings to Begin the Meal

When starting a business meal in French, it’s polite to begin by expressing appreciation to your host or guest.

The adjective ravi(e) means “pleased” or “honored.” Male speakers use ravi, while female speakers use ravie.

It is similar to the English expression “I’m pleased to have dinner with you.” Using this phrase helps create a warm atmosphere and leaves a positive impression.

If you are the guest, express gratitude with:

The structure “Merci de + noun” (Thanks for …) is frequently used in French to express polite appreciation.

2. Asking About Preferences to Start Conversation

In France, meals are often central to communication. Asking about the other person’s preferences is a natural way to start or extend a conversation.

The verb aimer (“to like”) is simple and versatile. The pattern “Vous aimez … ?” politely asks “Do you like … ?”

Other examples:

Note: When aimer is used with people, it can imply romantic affection. Use it with things, foods, or activities instead.

3. Recommending Something to Your Guest

In business dining situations, you may often recommend a dish or drink to your guest.

The expression “Je vous recommande …” means “I recommend …” The verb recommander sounds polite and formal—suitable for business contexts.

Another common alternative is: “Je vous conseille …” (I suggest/recommend …)

The verb conseiller also means “to advise” or “to suggest.” It’s slightly less formal but still perfectly polite in everyday and business conversations.

4. Asking for a Recommendation

To ask your partner for advice or a recommendation, use:

Literally: “What would you advise me?” The pronoun me (“to me”) adds a personal touch, making the question sound friendly and courteous. It’s very common when choosing food or drinks from a menu.

5. Natural Reactions to Keep the Conversation Flowing

During a meal, using short reaction phrases helps maintain a pleasant rhythm in conversation.

Here are some useful expressions:

These phrases work like soft, positive interjections. Using them naturally helps build rapport and keeps the discussion lively.

Summary