How it works
How a 30/30 language exchange works
A language exchange is a conversation between two people who are learning each other’s languages. On Halfsies the time is split equally: 30 minutes in your partner’s language, 30 in yours. Here is how it goes, from the first minute to the last.
The conversation, step by step
- 1
Tell us your languages
Up to two native languages and up to three you’re learning, each with a level from A1 to C2. Before your first call the site checks your camera and microphone.
- 2
Press “Find a partner”
We look for someone with the mirror pair: they speak the language you’re learning and are learning yours. You can narrow the search by your partner’s level, audio only, shared interests and the length of a half — 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes. If the wait gets long, the site suggests which filter to relax and how many more people that would reach.
- 3
Meet
For three seconds you see your partner’s card: name, languages, level. Then the video starts, blurred for the first five seconds.
- 4
The first half
It’s in the language learned by whoever waited longer in the search. There is one timer for both of you, kept by our server, so both screens show the same time. A gentle notice appears a minute before the half ends.
- 5
The swap
A chime sounds and the bar changes colour: now you talk in the other language. You can swap early if you both agree. If the conversation is going well, you can extend it by two more halves — again, only if you both want to.
- 6
The summary
After the call you see how much time you gave and got, and the words you asked about: save them to your notebook in one tap. You can rate the call and press “I liked it — add friend”.
- 7
Regular partners
If you both press it, you become friends right away. Call a friend whenever they’re online, or book a time in the calendar, with reminders a day and 10 minutes before.
What helps during the call
Ask for a word
Type a word or phrase and your partner answers with a translation or an example; the word stays with both of you. Review it later with flashcards or export it to Anki.
Conversation topics
The “Topic” button shows you both the same question card, each in your own language. Ask the question in the language of the current half.
Captions
In supported browsers you can turn on captions of your own speech: your partner sees what you said as text and can ask about a word straight from it.
Screen sharing
On a computer you can share your screen — to read an article together, for example.
Blurred background
Blur what’s behind you. It’s processed on your own device; the frames go nowhere.
Audio only
Not in the mood for the camera? Talk by voice only. In the search you can say that such partners are fine with you too.
If the conversation doesn’t click
Press “Next” (or Esc; on a phone, swipe your partner’s video). They see a neutral “Your partner has left. Looking for the next one.” — the same message as for any other exit. You won’t be matched with each other for a day, and you go straight back to searching.
If your partner breaks the rules, press “Report”: the call ends immediately.
How to have a good exchange
Stick to the half’s language
Even when it’s hard, don’t switch to your own: those are exactly the minutes you learn in.
Agree on corrections
Say at the start how you’d like to be corrected: right away or at the end of a thought.
Bring a couple of topics
Two or three stories or questions save you from awkward pauses. You can also pick a topic during the call.
Ask for words
The words you save after the call are the best summary of the conversation.
Help in the other half
Speak a little slower, check you’re understood, encourage — right now you’re someone’s native speaker.
Common questions
How long is a conversation?
30 + 30 minutes by default. You can choose the length of a half — 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes — and you’ll meet someone who chose the same. If you both enjoy it, you can extend.
Which language comes first?
The first half is in the language learned by whoever waited longer in the search.
What if our levels are different?
In the search you can set which partner levels suit you. In your own half, help out: speak more simply and slowly.
Do I need to arrange a time?
No. Press “Find a partner” and the site matches you with someone who is online right now. You only plan ahead for calls with friends, in the calendar.