Living in Paris in times of COVID-19
Since March 2020 and le confinement (the lockdown), life in Paris has changed and Parisians have to get used to new habits.
Living in Paris in times of COVID-19 Read More »
How to Use the French Pronoun “en”
If you want your French to sound more advanced, one of the best ways is to understand how to use the French pronoun “en.”
How to Use the French Pronoun “en” Read More »
Opening a French Bank Account: Key Vocabulary & Information
Opening a French bank account is one of the most important things to do on any expat’s to-do list. But it can be one of the most puzzling if you don’t understand the relevant vocabulary.
Opening a French Bank Account: Key Vocabulary & Information Read More »
7 French autumn words you must learn
If you’re in France this fall, you’ll hear certain French autumn vocabulary words pop up again and again. Don’t be left out of the conversation! Learn the following 7 French autumn words and understand their place in French culture.
7 French autumn words you must learn Read More »
3 Tips for Improving Your Ability to Read French
In our private French lessons, we primarily focus on learning to speak like a native, and most of our lessons are spent in conversation. But reading in French is fundamental to improving your speaking ability. Keep reading to learn 3 tips that will help you to read more fluidly in French.
3 Tips for Improving Your Ability to Read French Read More »
Quiz: Amener, Apporter, Emmener, Emporter
Pop quiz! How much did you absorb from our post on the French “bring / take” verbs: amener, apporter, emmener and emporter? Test yourself!
Quiz: Amener, Apporter, Emmener, Emporter Read More »
20 Ways to Say Goodbye in French
Sometimes it’s the simple things that trip you up when speaking French. Saying goodbye, for example, might seem like an easy enough thing to do. But there are numerous phrases for it and, believe it or not, it is possible to use the wrong one! Here are 10 ways to say goodbye (or otherwise end a conversation) in French:
20 Ways to Say Goodbye in French Read More »
French Food Vocabulary Guide
There’s no question that at many French restaurants, extra vocabulary guidance is in order. Certain restaurants will feature parts of the animal that you’d likely have trouble naming in your native language, much less French. Be baffled no more! Here’s a short guide to common French foods, dishes and preparation styles.
French Food Vocabulary Guide Read More »
On y va! French Beach Vocabulary
These days in Paris, we’re experiencing une canicule (a heatwave). If you weren’t already thinking of heading à la plage (to the beach) for a refreshing getaway, you probably are now! Better brush up on your French beach vocabulary!
On y va! French Beach Vocabulary Read More »
Bastille Day: Background & Vocabulary
Another July 14th is just around the corner. You may know it as Bastille Day, but here in France, it’s called “La Fête Nationale” or “le quatorze juillet.” What’s it all about? Simply put, it’s the date that marks the start of la Révolution française (the French Revolution) and represents the day on which France won her independence from the unchecked and absolute power of the monarchy.
Bastille Day: Background & Vocabulary Read More »
Verb Spotlight: Amener, Apporter, Emmener, Emporter
In this month’s verb spotlight, we’re going to focus on the French “bring / take” verbs. It’s no surprise that these verbs – amener, emmener, apporter and emporter – can prove troublesome for Anglophones as there are very subtle distinctions between them and none has a direct translation into English.
Verb Spotlight: Amener, Apporter, Emmener, Emporter Read More »
French Health Food Vocabulary
The gastronomic delights of Paris can make even the most health conscious people want to fling caution to the wind and indulge in the many temptations available. But if you want to eat healthy in Paris, there’s little excuse for not doing so. Paris’s legendary markets offer wondrously fresh and healthy fruits, vegetables, grains and meats. And every year, it gets easier and easier to find quality bio (organic) foods, whether at restaurants, market stalls or in supermarkets.
French Health Food Vocabulary Read More »
How to Learn French Noun Gender: Part II
Last week, we wrote about the importance of learning French noun gender and presented multiple categories of words that tend to be either masculine or feminine. This week, we want to give you 3 more important clues to use to assess whether a French noun is masculine or feminine
How to Learn French Noun Gender: Part II Read More »
Learning the Gender of French Nouns: Part I
Assigning genders to French nouns is often one of the most daunting aspects of learning French. This is particularly true for Anglophones. Since nouns have no gender in English, it can be difficult for an English speaker to take seriously the idea of referring to a dining room table (la table) as a “she” or thinking of lipstick (le rouge à levres) as in any way masculine. (Keep reading to learn an easy way to remember French noun gender.)
Learning the Gender of French Nouns: Part I Read More »
French Swear Words: Better You Know!
Yes, you must even learn these when you are in France. Nothing’s more embarrassing than repeating something that you’ve often heard in French, thinking it’s no more than a harmless interjection…. only to learn (regretfully late) that you’re actually turning the air blue with vulgarities.
French Swear Words: Better You Know! Read More »
7 Verbs that Have No Direct Translation in French
When you imagine a word that has no direct translation into another language, it’s easy to imagine the existence of some exotic, complex word. For example, take the French verb “entarter.” This means, “to hit someone in the face with a pie”. Somehow that seems like exactly the kind of word that would have no direct translation in to English (or possibly any other language). But how about the verb “to kick?”… “To hug”? Seemingly basic English verbs such as these have no direct counterpart in French.
7 Verbs that Have No Direct Translation in French Read More »
How To Handle A Plateau in Your French Language Learning
ave you hit a plateau with your French language learning? You know… that maddening period when– despite your best efforts – it seems that you’re not retaining anything new, not speaking a jot better, still making the same mistakes, and will never, ever become fluent. Don’t worry. This happens to almost everyone who learns a new language. Keep reading to learn how to push forward and see progress in your French.
How To Handle A Plateau in Your French Language Learning Read More »
7 Polite French Phrases to Learn before Visiting Paris
The French – Parisians, in particular – have a reputation for being rude. But the behavior that foreigners perceive as rudeness is often the result of cultural misunderstandings. To avoid any such misunderstandings, learn the following 7 French phrases before visiting Paris. With these phrases at the ready, we think you’ll see that Parisians are much more friendly than they’re reputed to be!
7 Polite French Phrases to Learn before Visiting Paris Read More »
Retourner, Revenir, Rentrer: What’s the Difference?
Some French verbs are more complicated than others for Anglophones, most especially those that don’t have an exact counterpart in English. Such is the case with the verbs retourner, revenir and rentrer. While each of these verbs do generally indicate someone going back to a place, they must each be used in a specific – and different – set of circumstances. Keep reading to learn more!
Retourner, Revenir, Rentrer: What’s the Difference? Read More »
Success! How French As You Like It Made A Difference in This Expat’s Life
We are excited to share the French language success story of one of our students, James. James, who hails from Australia, arrived in Paris in 2014, unable to handle basic transactions in French or hold a conversation. But thanks to FAYLI that has changed…
Success! How French As You Like It Made A Difference in This Expat’s Life Read More »