#77 Visiting a Business Client｜French Business Conversation
Izumi French Garden
#137 Choosing Eyeglass Frames at an Optical Shop｜French Daily-Life Phrases
Izumi
When visiting an optical shop abroad, choosing eyeglass frames often requires discussing not only appearance but also purpose, comfort, and how well the frames fit your face.
In French, clearly expressing these preferences step by step makes it easier for the staff to suggest suitable options.
In this article, I explain commonly used French expressions for choosing eyeglass frames, together with conversation examples and key grammatical points.
Contents
Dialogue
Bonjour. Je cherche une nouvelle monture pour mes lunettes.
（Good afternoon. I am looking for a new frame for my glasses.）
C’est pour un usage quotidien ou plutôt occasionnel ?
（Is it for everyday use, or more for occasional wear?）
Plutôt pour tous les jours. J’aimerais quelque chose de confortable et discret.
（Mainly for everyday use. I would like something comfortable and discreet.）
Très bien. Préférez-vous une monture en métal ou en plastique ?
（Very well. Do you prefer a metal frame or a plastic one?）
En métal, de préférence. Et pas trop large pour mon visage.
（Metal, preferably. And not too wide for my face.）
Essayez celle-ci, elle vous va très bien et reste assez légère.
（Please try this one. It suits you very well and is quite lightweight.）
Effectivement, elles sont confortables. Existe-t-il d’autres couleurs ?
（Indeed, they are comfortable. Are there any other colors available?）
Oui, nous l’avons aussi en noir et en gris foncé.
（Yes, it is also available in black and dark gray.）
Je vais réfléchir encore un peu. Merci pour vos conseils.
（I will think about it a little more. Thank you for your advice.）
1. Stating That You Are Looking for Frames
At an optical shop, the first step is to explain what you are looking for.
Example
- Je cherche une nouvelle monture pour mes lunettes.
（I am looking for a new frame for my glasses）
The word monture means “frame” and is distinct from verres (lenses).
Using “Je cherche” (I am looking for) rather than “Je veux acheter” (I want to buy) allows you to begin the conversation in a more consultative and polite manner.
Related Expression
- J’aimerais changer de monture.
（I would like to change my frames.）
2. Explaining the Intended Use
When choosing frames, how and when they will be used is an important factor.
Example
- C’est pour un usage quotidien ou plutôt occasionnel ?
（Is it for everyday use or more for occasional use?）
Response
- Plutôt pour tous les jours.
（Mainly for everyday use.）
By indicating that the glasses are for daily use, the staff can focus on durability, comfort, and simplicity.
It is also effective to mention your preferences at this stage.
Related Expression
- quelque chose de confortable
（something comfortable） - discret
（discreet / understated）
3. Discussing Material and Size
Next, you can consult the staff about the material and size of the frames.
Example
- Préférez-vous une monture en métal ou en plastique ?
（Do you prefer a metal frame or a plastic one?）
Response
- En métal, de préférence.
（Metal, preferably.）
Adding “de préférence” (preferably) allows you to express your preference politely.
Example
- Pas trop large pour mon visage.
（Not too wide for my face.）
This phrase clearly conveys that you are concerned about size and fit.
4. Sharing Your Impression After Trying Them On
After trying on the frames, giving honest feedback makes it easier for the staff to refine their recommendations.
Example
- Elles sont confortables.
（They are comfortable.）
Since glasses are treated as a plural noun in French, “elles” is used instead of “elle.”
Example
- Elle vous va très bien.
（It suits you very well.）
Other useful adjectives for evaluation include “légère” (lightweight) and “solide” (sturdy).
Summary
Key French Phrases
- Je cherche une nouvelle monture.
→ Used to state that you are looking for new frames. - C’est pour un usage quotidien / occasionnel.
→ Explains the intended use and helps guide the recommendation. - En métal / en plastique, de préférence.
→ A polite way to express material preference. - Confortable / discret / pas trop large.
→ Adjectives used to describe comfort, appearance, and fit.
