Learning French: the origins and meaning of arrête ton char Say this when someone starts talking nonsense
Il est or c’est: how to remember when to use the right expression in French Some key grammar rules can help with this sometimes-tricky French phrase
Learning French: when and why do we say arriver à bon port? A phrase to use upon reaching your destination, safe and sound
magazine Learning French: the meaning of râler and more moaning synonyms Which city in France is home to the biggest whiners?
Learning French: the origins and meaning of madeleine de Proust This nostalgic expression mixes references to baking and literature
Learning French: what does dommage mean and when should it be used? An essential term for unfortunate situations
Learning French: what does ça te dit mean and when should it be used? This quick, informal question cannot be translated literally
Learning French: beware of bilingual instructions Language notes from a lecturer on the pitfalls of translation
Learning French: unravelling popular shortcuts and contractions From ado to télé, which words are commonly shortened in everyday French?
Learning French: decoding alphabet expressions We explore the nuances of letter usage in acronyms and idioms
Learning French: what does paumé mean and when should it be used? An informal way of saying you are literally or figuratively lost
Immigration chief replies to Connexion over French residency cards and ‘hard’ language tests ‘There will always be some who say the new level is too high, but the current A1 requirement is insufficient to integrate successfully, for example for work. It’s extremely basic.’
Learning French: what does c'est pas la peine mean and when should it be used? A useful phrase to describe useless actions
Learning French: what is the difference between voir and voire? These words both sound exactly the same but have different meanings Learning French: the origins and meaning of apporter de l'eau au moulin Learning French: which affectionate nicknames do French couples love? Learning French: when and why do we say chaque chose en son temps
Nine idiomatic French expressions about your health There are plenty of French phrases to describe your illness whatever it is Learning French: the origins and meaning of déclarer sa flamme Learning French: the origins and meaning of avoir le cœur qui bat la chamade Learning French: when and why do we say vivre d’amour et d’eau fraîche? Learning French: what does franchement mean and when should it be used? Why 'knowledge is power' and 'France (really) is bacon'
Learning French: the origins and meaning of avoir un cœur d'artichaut A peculiar yet poetic phrase to describe hopeless romantics
Learning French: when and why do we say fais gaffe? Understand the difference between 'fais gaffe,' 'faire une gaffe,' and 'gaffer'
Learning French: helpful vocabulary around cheese Key cheese words for navigating the fromagerie - and how many types exist in France?
Learning French: when and why do we say avoir un coup de cœur? You will be obsessed with this heart-themed phrase
Learning French: when and why do we say c'est la cour des miracles Few people today know the origins behind this expression that describes somewhere unwelcoming or chaotic
Learning French: the origins and meaning of se faire mener en bateau A sailing metaphor for when you have been lied to or taken advantage of
Learning French: why chouette does not always refer to owls This cool word with a double meaning will make your head spin
Learning French: what does tant pis mean and when should it be used? We also look at how to pronounce this everyday reaction to something gone wrong
Films and series to watch in February to improve your French Every month we outline good film and TV series to improve your language
Learning French: when and why do we say entendre le même son de cloche? A handy saying for when two or more people have harmonising opinions
Learning French: the origins and meaning of c'est le pompon (sur la Garonne) An amusing expression for when you have reached your limit
Learning French: when and why would we describe someone as un Bisounours? This cute cultural reference is actually used to criticise
Learning French: when and why do we say être habillé comme l'as de pique? An expression to insult someone’s fashion choices
Learning French: what does ça va aller mean and when should it be used? A popular multipurpose phrase to use when offering reassurance and encouragement
Learning French: the origins and meaning of vendre la mèche An explosive idiom for when someone exposes a secret
Learning French: ça m'est égal and other phrases for expressing indifference and indecision ‘Peu importe’, ‘je m’en fiche’, ‘tout me va’… how to get out of making a decision in French
Learning French: se gaver and other terms to describe overeating It is also an informal way to describe being obsessed with or irritated by something
Learning French: the origins and meaning of se lever du pied gauche A useful saying to describe someone who is in a bad mood
Learning French: when and why do we say être un rat? Use this word to describe someone who is unwilling to spend money
Learning French: when and why do we say être dans de beaux draps? A misleading phrase to describe being in a tricky situation
Learning French: expressions featuring the number 36 Did you know about the mysterious origins behind France’s equivalent to umpteen?
Learning French: what does flipper mean and when should it be used? An informal word for when you are red with rage or white with fear
Duck Cold! Four French phrases to use when it is freezing outside France's current cold spell is set to continue for the next few days - we remind you of French expressions to use to describe the drop in temperature
Learning French: what does nickel mean and when should it be used? A popular term to describe cleanliness or perfection
Learning French: when and why do we say appuyer sur le champignon? A quick expression for when you feel the need for speed
Learning French: why être habillé pour l'hiver is rarely about your clothes There is a figurative meaning behind this phrase that literally describes wrapping up for cold weather
Learning French: the origins and meaning of chanter en yaourt An iconic phrase for when you do not know the words to a song
Learning French: être KO and more sleepy slang sayings Shattered, knackered, exhausted… words for when you are low on energy
Learning French: jeter un coup d’œil and other eye expressions Check out this curious phrase to describe taking a glance at something
Learning French: when and why do we say bien joué? Have you heard the verlan variation of this phrase used to give praise?
Learning French: what does d’accord mean and when should it be used? A handy word to express approval or agreement
Learning French: ne tenir qu'à un fil and other tenir phrases This handy expression stems from the mythological personifications of destiny
Learning French: helpful vocabulary around potatoes Get spud smart with this guide - and learn the link between potatoes and swearing
Learning French: words around parking can be confusing Why do people say un parking to mean ‘car park’?
A pinch-me moment of realisation over bad French ad A local restaurant's billboard advert raised eyebrows over its reference to a murder case from 1991
Curiosities of the French language: How to say Happy New Year? When it is time to welcome in 2025, what will you say?
Famous people whose English names are funny in French From presidents to performers, none are spared from mirth in France
Learning French: a boggling choice of words for animal droppings The French language has a richer repertoire of words than English
Improve your French: Our pick of the best language learning apps for 2025 Take your time to find one that suits your language level and goals for writing, listening and speaking
9 French expressions with the word gueule Originating in Middle French, gueule is a term that often appears in French slang
Films and series to watch to improve your French in the New Year Improving your French can be as easy as settling down in front of the small screen
Learning French: from tout de suite to toot sweet An essential saying to describe something urgent or immediate
Learning French: what does la galère mean and when should it be used? A slang saying for when the going gets tough
Learning French: the origins and meaning of sur le plancher des vaches Sailors invented this phrase when dreaming of walking on solid ground
Learning French: c’est cadeau and other gift-themed expressions An easy-peasy freebie phrase for the giving season
Je m’appelle Gemma Pell.. confusing English names in French Discover the challenges some English people face when translating or pronouncing their names
Learning French: what does avoir des doigts de fée mean and when should it be used? A fairy phrase for when you are charmed by someone’s skilled handiwork
Learning French: the different meanings behind guirlande A handy guide to distinguish fairy lights from tinsel
Learning French: when and why do we say s’emballer? Say this to describe getting carried away or overly invested in a situation
Festive French phrases and words for the Christmas period Joyeux Noël tout le monde - your vocabulary guide to get you through the festive season
Learning French: what does j’avoue mean and when should it be used? A French language tic which can indicate you are actively listening to and agree with what is being said
Language: Beware ‘false friends’ but take heart - the French struggle with them too A teacher recounts the struggles of his Francophone colleague with English
Why bon is always a good word to use in France Columnist Nick Inman notes the many polite ways people wish you well for all activities
Watch out for the rules about French verb 'tomber' 'To fall' can be used to describe being in love, to drop a certain subject, or even to pass out (in apples)
Learning French: être dans le vent and other wind expressions A cool phrase to describe someone who keeps up with with the latest trends
Tips for getting a (French) word in edgeways Want to practise your French in France? These are the places to avoid
What are the longest words in the French language? Impress native speakers with your extensive vocabulary