Language

Learning French: when and why do we say être sage comme une image?

A rhyming phrase which often describes well-behaved children

Learning French: when and why do we say rendre la monnaie de sa pièce?

This money-based expression can refer to a bid for revenge or a reminder that actions have consequences

French residency cards: Key terms to know (and understand)

The application process is much easier if you understand the vocabulary

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Learning French: the origins and meaning of fada

This regional slang word is connected to fairies and a major French football club

Learning French: arriver comme un cheveu sur la soupe and other soup expressions

You might say this when an unexpected guest is out of earshot

Learning French: when and why do we say se jeter dans la gueule du loup ?

This wolf-based phrase could warn someone against making a dangerous decision

Nine French false friends that appear in everyday conversation

From sans doute to déception, here are some terms to familiarise yourself with to avoid confusion

‘Chauffer son char’: Québécois French phrases added to Google Translate

The new update includes idiosyncratic phrases and words unique to Québec

Learning French: the many uses of the word tomber

Tomber amoureux, tomber d'accord - there are lots of expressions that involve falling

Learning French: why the handy phrase rien à voir is often not linked to vision

Varied use of the verb voir can cause confusion for French learners

Learning French: the origins and meaning of l’habit ne fait pas le moine

One of the stories behind this phrase is represented on Monaco’s coat of arms

En: How this small French word completely changes meaning of a sentence

‘En’ is often used in idiomatic expressions to add extra emphasis on an event

Learning French: The origins and meaning of ne pas être dans son assiette

A useful phrase for when someone seems under the weather

Comment: The French language does not match the country's values

Columnist Peter Wyeth ponders why they say ‘I’ when the English say ‘we’ – is this a historical anomaly?

Five anglophone actors who speak French well

These five actors have showcased their French skills in onscreen roles or by dubbing their own parts

Learning French: when to use au fait versus en fait

Settle the difference between these commonly confused phrases once and for all

5 films and series to improve your French in October

As autumn starts to roll in, watching a film becomes more inviting

Learning French: when and why do we say un de ces quatre?

We also look at whether this handy French phrase has a grammar mistake in it

Letters: Quirky French expressions with donkeys, silk and breaking wind

Readers share their favorite silly phrases in the language

Learning French: what does c’est parti mean and when should it be used?

We explain why you might also hear young people say 'tipar'

Faire la grasse matinée and more French sleep phrases

Both the Sandman and Morpheus have a role to play in how well you rest in France

Learning French: what are the origins of au fur et à mesure and what does it mean?

Plus discover the link between this everyday French phrase and the word aujourd’hui

Learning French: what does j'en ai marre mean and when to say it

This expression is common in France and even more so when voices are raised

Learning French: what does pas de souci mean and when to use it?

People say this to reassure others but also to show confidence

Learning French - when to use belle journée vs bonne journée

This bonne journée alternative has gained popularity in recent years

Learning French: what does dis donc mean and when should it be used?

This all-purpose French filler phrase can help you sound like a native.

Learning French: what is the meaning of ça y est and when should it be used?

If you have been searching for the perfect phrase to celebrate an achievement… ça y est, this is it

Learning French: the origins and meaning of dingue

Did you know about the alleged connection between mosquito bites and this 'crazy' word?

Learning French: what does bonne continuation mean and when should it be used?

This is a handy everyday phrase to know and can be used in many situations, including at mealtimes

En faire tout un fromage: Fun French expression no. 9

This phrase unusually paints cheese in a non-flattering light - find out why

Lost in translation: Learning numbers in France

Mastering them takes special effort – and numbers above 60 catch out many people learning French

Il y a du monde au balcon: Fun French expression no. 8

Some link this to theatre imagery - can you guess what it might signify?

Faut pas pousser mémé dans les orties: Fun French expression no.7

If you actually did what this expression suggests, you would not be popular…

C'est pas le pingouin qui glisse le plus loin sur la banquise: Fun French expression no. 6

This expression comes from chilly Quebec

Can you pronounce this French word that means ‘fear of Friday the 13th’?

The day has long been associated with bad luck with a small group of people even have a phobia of it

Why speaking French is good for your brain

Learning a new language can improve brain health and even delay the onset of dementia

Mettre les pieds dans le plat: Fun French expression no. 5

A similar expression exists in English, can you work out what it is?

Online translation tools: Funny results between French and English

Some expressions can give amusing results when put through an online service, such as Google Translate or DeepL

Ca ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard: Fun French expression no. 4

Can you guess what this expression means in English?

Péter dans la soie: Fun French expression no. 3

This expression translates to ‘to fart in silk’ - we explain how to use it

Avoir le temps de tuer un âne à coup de figues molles: Fun French expression no. 2

This expression is often used in the south

Everyday French phrases with the verb ‘passer’

Many of these expressions can be used in daily conversation, boosting your fluency

On va pas chercher midi à quatorze heures : Fun French expression no. 1

Find out what this amusing French expression means so you can start to use it in your conversations

‘Soaked like soup’: 7 French expressions to use for wet weather

From cows and dogs to soup, ropes and buckets - use these phrases when it is raining to sound like a native

Seven English words that you may not realise are French

As well as déjà vu and hors d’oeuvre, you may be surprised to learn how many words crossed the Channel

Nine reasons to learn French

Studying the language makes French culture more accessible and could improve your brain function

Learning French: 8 handy French phrases using the word pouce

From gardening to less-than-gourmand meals, pouce appears more often than you may expect in French conversation

Six French expressions around cats to use in everyday conversations

A bon chat bon rat, avoir un chat dans la gorge - how many of these do you know?

Learn how to say goodbye in French in different situations

Salut, au revoir, à plus - find out which to use and when

When French starts to sound like English native speakers feel confused

Words like footing, snacking and lifting grow ever more common but do not always mean what you would expect

Five podcasts to help your French listening skills: films, news, Olympics

Podcasts can be a great free resource to help you train your listening skills

Is French still a popular language to learn?

The number of students studying languages is down and schools are finding it hard to recruit teachers

Voilà ! Six French ‘filler’ words that are good to know

You can use these words to enhance your everyday conversations

Five films and series to improve your French in August

Avoid the summer heat by watching some TV in the shade, and improve your French in the process. Improve your Olympics vocabulary by tuning into events on French TV

Five common French words that are in fact company names

Just like in English, many trademarks slip into common usage

Other-worldly origin of the French word ‘canicule’

Even the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans knew of these blistering summer heatwaves

Seven French expressions revolving around health

Un torticolis, un bleu, sa ligne - can you work out what these terms mean?

Why do they speak French at every Olympic opening ceremony?

The French language plays an important role in every Olympic Games, not just those held in France

Letters: I'm American but my English is more British since move to France

Connexion reader says being around so many Britons while trying to speak more clearly to French people is having an effect

Eight phrases to help with everyday small talk in France

Comme d’hab, ça te dit, quoi de neuf - do you know these handy expressions?

Use French expressions to say what you mean in English

Many words cross the linguistic divide and enhance expression and sophistication

9 French expressions to use when there is hot weather

From 'the sun is like lead' to 'cooking like a pancake', here are some phrases to use as the temperature soars across France

'C'est pas rien': Why nothing is a powerful word in French

We unpack why this word is everywhere and what it tells us about France

Seven everyday French expressions borrowed from the world of sport

Jeter l’éponge, coiffé au poteau, garder le cap - find out where these come from and how to use them

How does living in France affect your English?

Forgetting some English is more common than you might think - in fact there is even a word for this

'Important' is a key word to know how to use in French

Some awkward situations can arise if you do not understand the nuance of its meaning

Six French phrases that describe defeat or losing

Se prendre une taule, se faire laminer, manger une claque - find out how to express defeat in the French language

Who are France’s juilletistes and aoûtiens?

We look at two words used to describe different French summer holiday habits

Why are Tour de France cyclists called ‘runners’ in French?

The linguistic reason is long, arduous and surprising - much like the race itself

Man who speaks 50 languages gives his tips on learning French

It should not be a difficult language to learn for English-speakers due to significant common ground, although a sympathetic ear may be necessary, says hyperpolyglot Alexander Argüelles