#206 Asking Questions in a Meeting｜French Business Phrases

In a meeting, it is important that you understand the content accurately and ask questions when necessary.

However, depending on your timing and wording, you may unintentionally interrupt the flow of discussion. For this reason, French speakers often use introductory phrases and softening expressions when asking questions.

In this section, I will explain useful French expressions for asking questions during a meeting, together with key grammatical points.

Dialogue

A

Excusez-moi, puis-je poser une question concernant le dernier point ?
（Excuse me, may I ask a question regarding the last point?）

B

Oui, bien sûr.
（Yes, of course.）

A

Pourriez-vous préciser ce que vous entendez par “réduction des coûts” ?
（Could you clarify what you mean by “cost reduction”?）

B

Il s’agit principalement de diminuer les dépenses liées aux fournisseurs externes.
（It mainly refers to reducing expenses related to external suppliers.）

A

Je vois. Et à partir de quand cette mesure sera-t-elle mise en place ?
（I see. And from when will this measure be implemented?）

B

Nous prévoyons de la mettre en œuvre dès le mois prochain.
（We plan to implement it starting next month.）

A

J’ai compris. Merci pour ces précisions.
（Understood. Thank you for the clarification.）

1. Asking for Permission Before Speaking

When you ask a question during a meeting, I recommend first asking for permission to speak. This shows that you respect the flow of the discussion.

The expression “Puis-je … ?” is a polite way of asking permission using the verb “pouvoir” (can / may). Although it literally means “Can I…?”, it is commonly understood as “May I…?” in formal contexts.

Here are different levels of formality:

Note that although the first-person singular form of “pouvoir” is “peux,” the inverted question form is not “Peux-je?” but “Puis-je?”, which is a special form.

The word “concernant” means “regarding” or “concerning.” Grammatically, it originates from a present participle, but in practice it functions like a preposition.

By saying “concernant + noun,” you clearly indicate which part of the discussion your question relates to.

2. Asking for Clarification

In meetings, abstract terms or technical vocabulary are often used. Therefore, it is essential that you confirm the meaning or definition when necessary.

The structure “préciser + clause” means “to clarify” or “to specify” something. The clause following it explains what needs clarification.

In this example, “ce que …” introduces a noun clause, meaning “what …” or “the thing that …,” and functions as the object of “préciser.”

The verb “entendre” does not only mean “to hear.” It can also mean “to mean” or “to intend.” The structure “entendre par + noun” is commonly used to ask about the intended meaning of a term.

By using these expressions, you are not saying that you do not understand. Rather, you are professionally confirming the definition of a term.

3. Confirming the Implementation Timeline

When discussing a proposed measure, you can make the discussion more constructive by asking about the implementation timeline.

The structure “À partir de quand … ?” is used to ask “From when?” or “Starting when?” The word “quand” means “when,” and “à partir de” indicates a starting point.

In French, there is a subtle difference between similar expressions:

In meetings that involve planning, you will usually use “à partir de quand” to ask about the starting date of a measure.

In the sentence “sera mise en place,” the passive voice is used (être + past participle).

Because “cette mesure” is feminine singular, the past participle agrees in gender and number, becoming “mise.”

Summary