Learning french

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

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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

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: when and why do we say avoir la poisse?

This slang phrase describes someone who is stuck with bad luck

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

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

A useful phrase for when someone seems under the weather

Learning French: the origins and meaning of être au taquet

This handy phrase is often used in relation to a hard worker but it has other uses too

Learning French: the origins and meaning of avoir du bol

There is a surprisingly crude meaning behind this lucky phrase

Beware of ‘false friends’ when speaking French

Never assume French-sounding words from English mean exactly the same in France

Learning French: Cerise sur le gâteau and other baking expressions

This expression will be the cherry to top off your French idiom toolkit

Learning French: What is the meaning of lancer une bouteille à la mer?

A poetic French phrase which reflects the image of sending a message in a bottle

Learning French: the origins and meaning of les doigts dans le nez

This widely used phrase was first heard at a hippodrome

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

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'

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 - 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

Franglais: from Churchill to Paris Olympics - what examples do you have?

The mixture of French and English was aimed at international visitors

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

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

Why speaking French is good for your brain

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

Péter dans la soie: Fun French expression no. 3

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

Everyday French phrases with the verb ‘passer’

Many of these expressions can be used in daily conversation to boost 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

Films, series, sports: What to watch in September to help improve your French

The new season of a Netflix 'love-to-hate' classic is available this month, alongside films at the cinema and the end of France's summer sporting extravaganza

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: be careful with the many words for a meeting

A 'réunion' and a 'rendez-vous' could translate to the same thing but do not have the meaning

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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

Seven ways to complain like a French person

The language has many ways to express displeasure - which locals have a reputation of using frequently

Try these compliments in French to charm like a native

Génial, un crack, raffiné - find out how to authentically show your approval

Laundry, fresh starts, mistakes: 8 phrases using tourner in French

This word appears in a number of different contexts – many of which can be employed in daily French conversation

English-speakers share the funny mistakes they have made in French

Here is a selection of embarrassing but amusing language anecdotes

Mistakes that English-speakers make in French that make natives laugh

Unwitting sexual nuances, difficulty with pronunciation, translating expressions directly - there are many ways to accidentally raise a chuckle among French people

Quand même: understand how to use this helpful French expression

This phrase can be employed in all sorts of situations - is it one you use often?

Watch: the UK and US celebrities that speak excellent French

From Johnny Depp to Serena Williams, listen to these English-speaking celebrities who have impressive level of French

10 ‘English’ words in French that do not exist in English

We also look at ‘borrowed’ English words that have a different meaning than in English

Ways to apologise in French and how to say ‘pardon, I didn’t hear you?’

Désolé, navré, pardon - knowing how to say sorry and which words to use in different contexts is a handy skill to have

How I coped during French hospital stay with imperfect language skills

A one week stay at a hospital following an operation proved to be the perfect setting for columnist Nick Inman to improve his French vocabulary and conversational skills

Four quick language tips to help you in everyday French

These handy reminders will make navigating conversations easier

Why you may be struggling with French - and what you can do about it

Six problems and solutions to help you improve your language skills

7 French phrases that sound bizarre when translated

Using these expressions with native speakers will make you sound like a master of French

Funny you should say that – the language of French laughter

Humour can be a challenge to talk about in any language – how do you put into words that ephemeral feeling which makes you spontaneously laugh or smile?

‘I was surprised by what my French students think of Britons’

Baked beans, dyed hair, a love of fish skin… You can be the judge of whether some of these surprising stereotypes from university students are valid or not

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?

La politesse: what habits can make you seem rude to French people?

Sometimes it can be all too easy to commit a cultural faux pas without even realising it. We look at some of the most common

More French words and phrases with no real equivalent in English

Do you know anyone who is insortable or un bon vivant ?