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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

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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

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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: 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 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

How phonetic exercises can help improve your French

Do you know your ‘u’ from your ‘ou’?

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: when and why do we say le jour J?

A military term to refer to a big day

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

What are the longest words in the French language?

Impress native speakers with your extensive vocabulary

Tips for getting a (French) word in edgeways

Want to practise your French in France? These are the places to avoid

Learning French: what does casse-croûte mean and when should it be used?

A colloquial term for when your tummy is rumbling

Learning French: the origins and meaning of casser du sucre sur le dos

This sugary phrase will leave you with a bitter aftertaste

Learning French: tout est bon dans le cochon and other pig expressions

An informal rhyme for when something is saved from going to waste

Learning French: the origins and meaning of bon gré mal gré

A useful phrase to describe doing something against your will

Learning French: when and why do we say sentir le sapin?

A morbid phrase to suggest the end is near

Learning French: what is a péché mignon?

All you need to know about discussing guilty pleasures like a French native

Learning French: what does à tes souhaits mean and when should it be used?

This polite phrase can change depending on the number of times a person consecutively sneezes

Learning French: the origins and meaning of une auberge espagnole

This diverse, multi-use phrase is also the title of a popular French film

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

Find out the meaning behind this unforgettable informal multipurpose onomatopoeic anglicism

Learning French: the origins and meaning of barbe à papa

Find out the funny French translation for this fluffy fairground treat

Learning French: what is a gros mot?

This term is important to know for potty mouths

Learning French: when and why do we say faire contre mauvaise fortune bon cœur?

An optimistic proverb to make the best of a bad situation

Learning French: the origins and meaning of être Gros-Jean comme devant

The expression comes from France’s most studied and well-known fabulist

Learning French: when and why do we say avoir un œil de lynx

This phrase finds its origins in the legend of Jason and the Argonauts

What is the difference between being bilingual and fluent?

There is a cultural nuance implied in the two terms, whether with French or other languages

Learning French: when and why do we say contre vents et marées?

This is a useful handy phrase for when life is not all smooth sailing

Improve your language skills with these five French tongue twisters

As well as being a fun party trick, these can help you master pronunciation of difficult sounds

Why saying Bonjour is de rigueur in France

Columnist Peter Wyeth explores how a simple greeting reflects deep cultural values across French society.

Learning French: when to use d'ailleurs versus par ailleurs?

Take a look at our tips to help pronounce these commonly confused terms

Learning French: the origins and meaning of impossible n’est pas français

This patriotic proverb was also a presidential campaign slogan

Learning French: When do we say bonjour, bonsoir and adieu?

Understanding their crucial role in French social interactions

Learning French: what does n’importe quoi mean and when should it be used?

This essential expression features in the catchphrase of a famous French prankster

Learning French: what does tiré par les cheveux mean and when should it be used?

Try saying this the next time you hear a story which is hard to believe

Learning French: when and why do we say pédaler dans la semoule?

A handy phrase to use when you are struggling to find your words

Learning French: when and why do we say enfoncer une porte ouverte?

The expression is a useful metaphor for useless actions

Learning French: avoir l’oreille fine and other ear-related expressions

Master the tricky pronunciation of this phrase

Learning French: when and why do we say avoir la poisse?

This slang phrase describes someone who is stuck with bad luck

Learning French: the origins and meaning of c’est de la daube

Find out how to express dislike in the manner of a native French speaker

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