Language

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.’

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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

This saying does not have a true English equivalent

Learning French: which affectionate nicknames do French couples love?

Pet names such as bébé or chaton might be heard if spending Valentine’s Day in France

Learning French: when and why do we say chaque chose en son temps

A reminder to slow down and be present

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

A fiery statement for declarations of love

Learning French: the origins and meaning of avoir le cœur qui bat la chamade

An expression to send your heart racing

Learning French: when and why do we say vivre d’amour et d’eau fraîche?

A handy phrase used to admire or criticise

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

A multi-functional filler word for honest conversations

Why 'knowledge is power' and 'France (really) is bacon'

An amusing misheard phrase sparks the exploration of historical and cultural links between France and bacon

Learning French: when and why do we say avoir un coup de cœur?

You will be obsessed with this heart-themed phrase

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?

How phonetic exercises can help improve your French

Do you know your ‘u’ from your ‘ou’?

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

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

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: what is a péché mignon?

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

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

A morbid phrase to suggest the end is near

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

Language

Learning French: decoding alphabet expressions

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

Immigration chief replies to Connexion over French residency cards and ‘hard’ language tests

Learning French: what does c'est pas la peine mean and when should it be used?

Trending

App to ease new EES border control checks is now ready - how it will work

People with gardens urged to spot and report this common but dangerous pest via French ministry site

France’s healthcare system remains among world’s best in latest ranking

French visas and residency card applications: Connexion readers share their experiences

Mass cheese recall launched in France over E.coli fears

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

More trains and routes linking UK to France (and other European countries) expected under new agreement

Learning French: what is the difference between voir and voire?

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

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

Learning French: when and why do we say fais gaffe?

Learning French: helpful vocabulary around cheese

Learning French: when and why do we say avoir un coup de cœur?

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

Learning French: when and why do we say c'est la cour des miracles

Learning French: the origins and meaning of se faire mener en bateau

Learning French: why chouette does not always refer to owls

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

Films and series to watch in February to improve your French

Learning French: when and why do we say entendre le même son de cloche?

Learning French: the origins and meaning of c'est le pompon (sur la Garonne)

Learning French: when and why would we describe someone as un Bisounours?

Learning French: when and why do we say être habillé comme l'as de pique?

Learning French: what does ça va aller mean and when should it be used?

Learning French: the origins and meaning of vendre la mèche

Learning French: ça m'est égal and other phrases for expressing indifference and indecision

Learning French: se gaver and other terms to describe overeating

Learning French: the origins and meaning of se lever du pied gauche

Learning French: when and why do we say être un rat?

Learning French: when and why do we say être dans de beaux draps?

Learning French: expressions featuring the number 36

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

Duck Cold! Four French phrases to use when it is freezing outside

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

Learning French: when and why do we say appuyer sur le champignon?

Learning French: why être habillé pour l'hiver is rarely about your clothes

Learning French: the origins and meaning of chanter en yaourt

Learning French: être KO and more sleepy slang sayings

Learning French: jeter un coup d’œil and other eye expressions

Learning French: when and why do we say bien joué?

Learning French: what does d’accord mean and when should it be used?

Learning French: ne tenir qu'à un fil and other tenir phrases

Learning French: helpful vocabulary around potatoes

Learning French: words around parking can be confusing

A pinch-me moment of realisation over bad French ad

Curiosities of the French language: How to say Happy New Year?

How phonetic exercises can help improve your French

Famous people whose English names are funny in French

Learning French: a boggling choice of words for animal droppings

Improve your French: Our pick of the best language learning apps for 2025

9 French expressions with the word gueule

Films and series to watch to improve your French in the New Year

Learning French: from tout de suite to toot sweet

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

Learning French: the origins and meaning of sur le plancher des vaches

Learning French: when and why do we say le jour J?

Learning French: c’est cadeau and other gift-themed expressions

Je m’appelle Gemma Pell.. confusing English names in French

Learning French: what does avoir des doigts de fée mean and when should it be used?

Learning French: the different meanings behind guirlande

Learning French: when and why do we say s’emballer?

Festive French phrases and words for the Christmas period

Learning French: what does j’avoue mean and when should it be used?

Language: Beware ‘false friends’ but take heart - the French struggle with them too

Why bon is always a good word to use in France

Watch out for the rules about French verb 'tomber'