Language linguistics

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

The new update includes idiosyncratic phrases and words unique to Québec

René, Renée: Navigating subtle gender differences in French forenames

Columnist Nick Inman explores why masculine and feminine versions of first names can trip up foreigners

8 false friends from my French students that we can learn from

False friends in French can cause lots of confusion for language learners

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‘Anglicisms? They are French words we loaned to English after 1066’

A provocative linguist explains how the two languages have borrowed from each other for centuries

READER TIPS: How long should it take to learn French?

The US government says it should take 600-750 classroom hours - but do our readers agree?

How long should it take to learn French for everyday use?

The US government says it should take 600-750 classroom hours to become proficient in French. Do teachers and learners agree? We find out.

Poll finds French no longer 'sexiest' language in the world

But the study did find that Britons are most likely to vote French as the ‘most romantic’ language

Ski-speak: Eight expressions to speak like a local skier in France

Peuf, le dahu, des virolets, dré dans l’pentu - we show you how to blend in during your next mountain holiday

Aimer, adorer, kiffer: understand the language of love in France

We look at the different ways to say ‘I love you’ and how not to get confused by ambiguous variations

When do you say ‘un’ après-midi and when ‘une’ après-midi in French?

Is one version wrong or do they mean different things?

Oscar-nominated Anatomy of a Fall is masterclass in multilingual life

The film’s memorable scenes show how speaking multiple languages can be a symbol of compromise, challenges, and power dynamics

Ways to say ‘sticking your nose into others’ business’ in French

If you are a busybody in France you may end up being compared to a certain woodland creature

How many of these 10 slang French phrases do you know?

And, for anyone called Ken, this is why people may smile when you introduce yourself

People in south-west of France are the most polite, survey claims

The poll gave 15 cities a score out of 10 for rudeness, and also asked about tipping habits and French stereotypes

Why French journalists use four words when one would do

If you wondered what phrases such as l'ovalie , La cité phocéenne or ‘ il a vu le jour ’ mean then you are the victim of an interesting if sometimes confusing cultural trait

Five social media accounts to follow to improve your French

TikTok and Instagram are fantastic free learning resources

Eight English words that you may not have realised come from French

From ambulance to coupon, we look at the English words that have their origins in French

First chairwoman of top language body Académie française dies at 94

Hélène Carrère d’Encausse recently told The Connexion she was not worried about anglicisms but did fear French was being abused and impoverished

Six idioms to spice up your French conversations

And why learning common French sayings can save embarrassment according to language expert

Québécois: 10 words or phrases to introduce Canadian French

We look at how Québécois differs from French spoken in Europe

How ancient French dialects have impacted today’s English

We look at some of the modern-day English words and their roots in an old dialect of French

10 Breton phrases to take with you to Brittany

Breton is the only Celtic language still widely spoken in mainland Europe

Five films or series to watch on Netflix to help boost your French

Watching with subtitles can help improve your comprehension skills

How foreigners’ errors speaking English can help improve your French

Mistakes are often the best way of enhancing your language skills!

Seven podcasts to improve your French this summer

Podcasts are a great way to work on your French without having to try too hard

Use silence instead of French filler words like ‘du coup’, says expert

Baby boomers to Gen Z have all introduced their filler words to the French language - which phrases does your generation use?

French phrases that mean a bit, smidgen, touch or hint

When you have linguistically grown out of saying ‘un petit peu’ here are some alternatives

Helpful vocabulary to talk about the coronation in French

If you are the only anglophone in your town or village, you might need to speak in French about Charles III’s coronation

Eight funny anecdotes from French language faux pas

Cringeworthy, mortifying, rude - brave readers share the embarrassing mistakes they can now laugh at

Five steps to interact better with people in French

Conversing in a foreign language can be stressful, especially with a muttering queue growing behind you - these tips can help

Updated: Your tips on how best to improve French language skills

From podcasts to children’s books, Connexion readers have been sharing their advice on how to improve your French

French influencers' glee as YouTube lifts ban on swearing

Some YouTubers used bad language to attack how the restrictions stopped them making money

Immersion in French language is stressful but leads to huge confidence

We speak to two people who have thrown themselves in at the deep end to improve their linguistic skills

Speak French with an accent? Use it to your advantage

Nick Inman tells us not to worry if we cannot shake our accent just focus on the message not the packaging

Poto, ami, le sang de la veine: How to say friends in French

Fluent French speakers have countless words to express a friendship with each other. The Connexion helps you avoid a faux pas

France publishes list of French words to use for shopping anglicisms

Say l’essayer-acheter in French not ‘try before you buy’

Préavis, piquet, perlée: understand French strike vocabulary

We look at some key phrases used to describe striking in France

French you don’t learn at school: When jargon goes round the houses

We look at the euphemisms employed by the French transport industry to announce delays and problems

Your selection of ‘funny, bizarre’ English words used in French

From snober to footing, we have a bon feeling that you’ll enjoy reading these

‘Qui se ressemble s’assemble’: Our French expression of the week

We look at an expression relating to similarity in a week where enthusiasts of different pastimes come together for various festivals taking place around the country

Five French words that we use in English…and vice versa

Ever wondered about the origin of some French words used in English, and if they still mean the same thing? We look at some common terms

‘Noël au balcon, Pâques au tison’: Our French expression of the week

As Christmas approaches, we look at a phrase that might come in handy if the weather stays mild

French football phrases you may hear in England-France World Cup game

While we list quotes from years gone by, the events of the match could also produce the next memorable sentence to be passed on through the generations

The best quips from French politicians in 2022

A Communist Party MP has won an annual prize for humour in politics for his comment about fuel prices and petrol station hold-ups

‘Ne pas avoir la lumière à tous les étages’: French phrase of the week

We look at a light-related expression as Lyon’s Fête des Lumières begins

Updated: Houeillès, Reims: Which is the hardest French place to say?

We asked Connexion readers for the places they would rather avoid pronouncing. Here’s some suggestions…

‘Être bien dans tes baskets’: Our French expression of the week

We look at a popular sports-related expression as the 2024 Paris Olympic ticket draw opens

‘May contain spider’: horror at language error in French supermarket

A quick translation of ingredients on a packet of biscuits led to an unusual allergy warning

‘Payer rubis sur l’ongle’: Our French expression of the week

As Black Friday is here, we look at a spending-related phrase harkening back to festivities of years gone by

‘Language police’ jump on anglicised use of French word ‘juste’

Justin Postlethwaite looks at how Le Figaro is annoyed at the creeping change in meaning of this little word

What is the correct abbreviation of ‘Monsieur’?

Although many native French speakers abbreviate to Monsieur to Mr, it is not grammatically correct

‘A la Saint-Glinglin’: Our French expression of the week

This phrase is useful for people who tend to procrastinate or make empty promises

‘Papoter’ - a charming French word describes having a natter or chat

Learn how to say banter, chin-wag and chatterbox in French

Language test, new residence permit: ministers share immigration plans

Proposals aim to give a ‘balance’ between tougher measures and easier immigration for workers

‘D’arrache-pied’: Our French expression of the week

We look at a phrase used by the French government amid the disruption caused by strikes at French refineries

‘Faire le mariole’ - how to describe an attention-seeker in French

Acting the goat or being a smart Alec, we explore the French phrase to describe the class clown

‘Prendre ses jambes à son cou’: run away if you hear this French term

This French phrase means to flee or take to one’s heels - but where did it come from?

‘Montrer patte blanche’: French fairytale phrase for trustworthiness

We look at why to ‘show the white paw’, taken from a fable, still means showing your credentials

‘Avoir une dent contre’ - expressing a grudge or resentment in French

We explore the 14th century origins of the bitter phrase 'to have a tooth against' someone

‘Boire la tasse’ - why this French phrase means to admit defeat

It is hard to declare defeat or failure - but at least you will say it in perfect French

Four French words to fill gaps in vocabulary that mean 'the thing'

You do not learn how to say thing, thingy or thingumybob at school - we have the words to use when the name escapes you

‘Bâtir des châteaux en Espagne’: Our French expression of the week

We look at a dreamy building-related expression to tie in with this weekend’s Journées nationales de l’architecture

Rester bouche bée: Our French expression of the week

After one lucky woman obtained millions for a vase she thought was worth €2,000 we look at expressions for extreme surprise

De fil en aiguille: Our French expression of the week

We look at a phrase which is used to reflect a gradual progression, a series of events which happen little by little

French language tip - making things sound mini, dinky or cute

Listen out for how French speakers change words and names to give an air of daintiness or affection

‘Chanter comme une casserole’: Our French expression of the week

As a range of music festivals take place across France, we take a look at a singing-related expression

Tati, toutou, teuf-teuf: French and its love of doubled-up words

We look at common phrases and words using repetition and you share your examples with us

‘Pour des prunes’: Our French expression of the week

In the week of a French festival dedicated to celebrating prunes, we look at a fruity expression that can be used in everyday speech

Bavarde, commérages: how to describe having a chat or gossip in French

One phrase has its origins in the 16th century and could easily be mistranslated

‘Avoir deux mains gauches’: Our French expression of the week

This week sees the Journée nationale des gauchers - we look at a phrase linked to being left-handed

‘Un soleil de plomb’: Our French expression of the week

As France’s third heatwave of the year gets underway, we look at a phrase used to describe the hot weather

Il pleut des cordes: Our French expression of the week

We look at a scenario which may seem like a distant memory for some areas of France at the moment amid continually hot and dry conditions

A bon chat, bon rat: our French phrase of the week

Like a cat chasing a wily rat, we look at an expression used to describe two well-matched adversaries

Chacun voit midi à sa porte: our French phrase of the week

This has no link with lunchtime food deliveries but rather something that President Macron’s government may experience in the coming days

French language: how ‘stuffing’ is used in the kitchen and theatre

We take a look at the French word ‘la farce’ and what is has to do with dancing turkeys