Learning how to say “no” politely is an important part of speaking French, especially because French culture values courtesy and respect in everyday communication. Saying “no” does not have to sound rude or harsh. With the right expressions, you can refuse something clearly while still sounding kind and thoughtful. Below are 12 polite and natural […]
12 Polite Ways to Say “No” in French Read More »
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 »
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 You Should Know Read More »
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 »
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!
8 Polite French Phrases to Learn before Visiting Paris Read More »
Looking for a job in France? If so, it’s never too early to start preparing for the job interview. In this blog post, we discuss the cultural quirks of the French job interview and the 12 French phrases you’re most likely to hear.
Surviving the French Job Interview: Cultural & Language Tips Read More »
Ah, il fait si beau! This spring Paris is flirting with all of us by offering days of golden sun, bright blue skies and breezes as gentle as a caress. This is perfect weather to sit at a café terrace with a glass of rosé and watch the world go by. If you plan on spending time in a Parisian café, here are some handy words, phrases and other tips to make this classic Parisian pastime even more enjoyable!
Café Talk: 12 French Phrases for Hanging Out in a Parisian Café Read More »
The verb “faire” is one of the handiest verbs in the French language, but it can be one of the most confusing for beginners. Not only is faire an irregular verb, but it has multiple uses and appears in numerous French expressions and idioms. Even trickier…
Verb Spotlight: “Faire” – Usages and Expressions Read More »
Joyeuse Pâques! Bonnes Pâques! Bonnes fêtes des Pâques! You will hear these phrases everywhere in France starting from Easter Sunday (or sometimes a day or so before), and lasting the whole week. Of course, these phrases are different ways of wishing someone a Happy Easter.
French Easter Traditions, Vocabulary and Ideas for Celebrating in Paris Read More »
When learning French, it’s natural to try to translate phrases word-for-word from English. Sometimes it works. But sometimes the words that form an innocent phrase in English may become something awkward, naughty or incomprehensible in French. Since we don’t want you wandering around France asking about condoms or saying that you’re horny when you intend
Does Not Translate: 7 Common Mistakes Anglophones Make In French Read More »
