French Phrase
On reste en contact. C'est quoi ton e-mail ?
Meaning
This phrase is used to express the desire to maintain communication with someone and then directly ask for their email address to facilitate that. It's a common and informal way to exchange contact information.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase at the end of a casual conversation or meeting with someone you've just met or reconnected with, and you want to continue communicating. It's suitable for friends, acquaintances, or informal professional networking.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onresteen contact.C'est quoitone-mail?
On vs. Nous
'On' is an indefinite pronoun often used in informal spoken French to mean 'we,' replacing 'nous.' It always takes a third-person singular verb conjugation.
Rester en contact
This is a common idiomatic expression meaning 'to stay in touch' or 'to keep in contact.' It uses the verb 'rester' (to stay) followed by 'en contact' (in contact).
C'est quoi
This is an informal way to ask 'What is...?' It literally translates to 'It is what?' but functions as a casual question phrase, commonly used in everyday conversation.
Ton
'Ton' is the singular informal possessive adjective for 'your.' It is used before a masculine singular noun or a feminine singular noun starting with a vowel sound (like 'e-mail').
🗨In Conversation
C'était super de te voir! On reste en contact.
It was great seeing you! Let's stay in touch.
Oui, bien sûr! C'est quoi ton e-mail ?
Yes, of course! What's your email?
✕Common Mistakes
Nous restons en contact. Quel est ton e-mail?
While grammatically correct, 'on' is much more common and natural than 'nous' in spoken, informal French. 'Quel est' is also more formal than 'C'est quoi'.
On reste en contact. Ton e-mail c'est quoi?
The inversion 'C'est quoi ton e-mail?' is the standard informal way to ask this question. Placing 'ton e-mail' at the beginning sounds less natural.
↔Alternatives
On se tient au courant.
We'll keep each other updated.
Donne-moi ton adresse e-mail.
Give me your email address.
Quel est ton e-mail ?
What is your email? (slightly more formal)
Cultural Tip
In French, especially in informal settings, 'on' is very frequently used instead of 'nous' for 'we.' While 'nous' is grammatically correct, 'on' sounds more natural and conversational. Also, direct questions like 'C'est quoi...?' are common in informal French, whereas more formal situations might use 'Quel est...?' or inversions. French people value maintaining connections, and exchanging contact info is a natural step.

