French Phrase
D'abord, je vais parler...
Meaning
Literally, 'First, I am going to speak…'. It is a typical opening line when you want to introduce the first item of a list or the first part of a presentation.
When to use
Use this phrase at the beginning of a speech, presentation, or any structured talk when you are about to outline your first point. It works in both formal and informal contexts, though in very formal settings you might prefer 'Tout d'abord'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
D'abord,jevaisparler...
D'abord (adverb)
Used to introduce the first point in a sequence, similar to 'first' or 'to start with' in English.
Future proche (vais + infinitive)
The construction 'aller' + infinitive expresses a near future action, equivalent to 'going to' in English.
Ellipsis (…) usage
The three dots indicate that the sentence will continue; they are not pronounced but signal an unfinished thought.
🗨In Conversation
D'abord, je vais parler des résultats de l'enquête.
First, I will talk about the survey results.
Très bien, je t'écoute.
Very well, I'm listening.
✕Common Mistakes
D'abord, je parlerai...
Using the simple future 'je parlerai' changes the nuance to a more distant future; the phrase is meant to signal an immediate upcoming point.
Dabord, je vais parler...
Missing the apostrophe changes the word entirely; the correct form is 'D'abord'.
D'abord, vais parler...
If you omit the subject pronoun or use the wrong verb form, the sentence becomes ungrammatical.
↔Alternatives
Tout d'abord, je vais parler...
First of all, I will speak...
En premier lieu, je vais parler...
In the first place, I will speak...
Premièrement, je vais parler...
Firstly, I will speak...
Cultural Tip
In French presentations, speakers often start with 'Tout d'abord' for a slightly more formal tone, while 'D'abord' is perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation. Remember to pause briefly after the comma to give listeners a moment to anticipate the upcoming point.