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Learning french

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

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

A useful phrase to describe useless actions

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

These words both sound exactly the same but have different meanings

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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

Learning French: the origins and meaning of avoir un cœur d'artichaut

A peculiar yet poetic phrase to describe hopeless romantics

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

Understand the difference between 'fais gaffe,' 'faire une gaffe,' and 'gaffer'

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

Few people today know the origins behind this expression that describes somewhere unwelcoming or chaotic

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’?

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’?

Learning French: a boggling choice of words for animal droppings

The French language has a richer repertoire of words than English

9 French expressions with the word gueule

Originating in Middle French, gueule is a term that often appears in French slang

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

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

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

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

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

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