#160 Asking About Someone’s Place of Origin｜Everyday French Phrases

When traveling or taking part in international exchanges, asking about someone’s place of origin can be an excellent way to start a conversation.

The topic of one’s hometown is relatively easy to answer and helps convey interest in the other person’s culture and background. For this reason, it is a commonly used theme in French as well.

In this article, I will explain in detail the French expressions used to ask about someone’s place of origin, following the natural flow of an actual conversation.

Dialogue

A

Excusez-moi, je me permets de vous poser une question un peu personnelle : d’où venez-vous ?
（Excuse me, if I may ask a slightly personal question: where are you from?）

B

Je viens de Lyon, dans le sud-est de la France.
（I’m from Lyon, in the southeast of France.）

A

Ah, je vois. Je n’y suis jamais allé, mais j’en ai beaucoup entendu parler.
（I see. I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard a lot about it.）

B

C’est une très belle ville, surtout pour la gastronomie.
（It’s a very beautiful city, especially known for its gastronomy.）

A

Ça donne envie d’y aller. Merci de m’avoir répondu.
（That makes me want to visit. Thank you for answering.）

1. Using a Cushion Expression Before Asking

Although a person’s place of origin is generally an easy topic to talk about, asking directly—especially when meeting someone for the first time—can sometimes feel abrupt.

For this reason, French often uses a brief “cushion” expression before the actual question.

The phrase “je me permets de …” carries the nuance of “I hope you don’t mind, but…” and softens the request.

Adding “un peu personnelle” makes it clear in advance that the question touches on personal information, showing consideration for the listener.

2. Asking About Someone’s Place of Origin

In French, the verb “venir de” (to come from) is commonly used when talking about one’s origin, birthplace, or background.

Although the literal meaning is “Where do you come from?”, this question is widely used in French to ask about someone’s place of origin.

However, it is important not to confuse one’s place of origin with one’s current place of residence.

In French, these are asked in different ways and should be clearly distinguished.

3. Responding and Expanding the Conversation

After the other person answers, adding a short reaction helps keep the conversation natural and prevents it from becoming one-sided.

Although very short, this expression signals that you are listening attentively.

The expression “entendre parler de …” means “to hear about” something in the sense of reputation, information, or general awareness, rather than direct experience.

4. Describing the Appeal of One’s Place of Origin

When the speaker adds more information about their hometown, concise and positive expressions are often used.

The structure “surtout pour …” means “especially for / especially known for …” and highlights a particularly representative feature of a city or region.

Summary