French - Topic Changes

Au fait, ___.

By the way, ___.

Meaning: By the way, ___.

When to use: Use to introduce a related detail or small new topic casually during a conversation.

Tip: Don't use it only for big topic shifts; it's best for related or small new items.

À propos de ___, ___.

Speaking of ___, ___.

Meaning: Speaking of ___, ___.

When to use: Use to move from one mentioned idea to something directly connected to it.

Tip: Sometimes learners confuse it with general topic shifts; it usually links to something already mentioned.

Tiens, ça me fait penser : ___.

That reminds me, ___.

Meaning: That reminds me, ___.

When to use: Use when something in the conversation triggers a new thought or memory.

Tip: Beginners may overuse it for planned topics; it's best for spontaneous reminders.

Sinon, ___.

On another note, ___.

Meaning: On another note, ___.

When to use: Use to politely shift to a different topic when changing the conversation's focus.

Avant que j'oublie, ___.

Before I forget, ___.

Meaning: Before I forget, ___.

When to use: Use to insert a quick reminder or important point before it slips your mind.

On peut parler de ___ deux minutes ?

Can we talk about ___ for a minute?

Meaning: Can we talk about ___ for a minute?

When to use: Use to politely ask to shift the conversation to a specific topic briefly.

Je voulais te poser une question sur ___.

I wanted to ask you about ___.

Meaning: I wanted to ask you about ___.

When to use: Use to introduce a question on a new topic, often as a polite lead-in.

On change de sujet.

Let's change the subject.

Meaning: Let's change the subject.

When to use: Use when you want to make a clear, direct move away from the current topic.

Bref, revenons à ___.

Anyway, back to ___.

Meaning: Anyway, back to ___.

When to use: Use to bring the conversation back to the main point after a digression.

Pour revenir à ___, ___.

Going back to ___, ___.

Meaning: Going back to ___, ___.

When to use: Use to reconnect to an earlier point or topic that was mentioned earlier in the conversation.

C'est un peu hors sujet, mais ___.

This is a bit off topic, but ___

Meaning: This is a bit off topic, but ___.

When to use: Use when you want to briefly move away from the main subject and add a related aside.

Je peux parler d'autre chose ?

Can I bring up something else?

Meaning: Can I bring up something else?

When to use: Use to politely ask permission to introduce a different topic.

Il y a autre chose que je voulais dire.

There's something else I wanted to mention.

Meaning: There's something else I wanted to mention.

When to use: Use to add a further point or a different topic you had in mind.