French Phrase
Je parle à Mme Davis ?
Meaning
Literally, “I speak to Mrs. Davis?” It is used to confirm that you are speaking with the right person, often on the phone or when you just saw someone you think you know.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to verify the identity of the person you are addressing, especially in a telephone conversation, a reception desk, or a brief encounter where you are not sure of the name.
✦Grammar Breakdown
JeparleàMmeDavis?
Subject pronoun – Je
‘Je’ is the first‑person singular subject pronoun, always placed before the verb.
Present tense – parler
‘Parle’ is the 1st‑person singular present form of the regular –er verb ‘parler’ (to speak).
Preposition à
When you talk *to* a person, French uses the preposition ‘à’ (indirect object), not ‘avec’.
Title abbreviation – Mme
‘Mme’ is the standard abbreviation for ‘Madame’, used before a surname in formal address.
Proper name – Davis
Family names keep their original spelling; no article is added before them.
Rising intonation for a question
In spoken French, a simple declarative sentence can become a question by raising the pitch at the end, which is why the written form ends with a question mark.
🗨In Conversation
Allô, c’est le service client ? Je parle à Mme Davis ?
Hello, is this customer service? Am I speaking to Mrs. Davis?
Oui, c’est bien elle. Comment puis‑je vous aider ?
Yes, that’s her. How can I help you?
✕Common Mistakes
Je parle avec Mme Davis ?
‘Parler avec’ is used for ‘talk with’ (a conversation), not for confirming the person you’re speaking to; the correct preposition is ‘à’.
Je parle à Madame Davis ?
When using the abbreviation, keep the period and no space before the surname: ‘Mme Davis’. Writing ‘Madame Davis’ is acceptable but less common in spoken contexts.
Je parle à Mme. Davis ?
Do not place a period after ‘Mme’; the abbreviation already includes the period.
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce que je parle à Mme Davis ?
Is it Mrs. Davis I’m speaking to?
Suis‑je en train de parler à Mme Davis ?
Am I currently speaking to Mrs. Davis?
Je suis bien en ligne avec Mme Davis ?
Am I correctly on the line with Mrs. Davis?
Cultural Tip
In French phone etiquette, it’s polite to start with a greeting (e.g., “Bonjour”) and to state your own name before confirming the other party’s identity. Using ‘Mme’ signals respect and formality; if you’re unsure of the person’s marital status, ‘M.’ (Monsieur) or simply the surname can be safer.