You may already know how to say the months in French – after all, talking about time and events is a basic part of learning a language. But do you know the myriad of words that work with them? How about what the months mean to the French? As in just about any culture, each … Read More
The colors in French seem like an easy thing to learn. After all, it’s just vocabulary to memorize, right? Pas tout à fait (Not exactly). Colors aren’t just a practical way to describe things. They can also add shade and nuance to your knowledge of a culture, and shed some light on a number of … Read More
When you’re learning a language, some phrases seem like a dream come true, easy to understand and translate. C’est bon is one of those, as its name coincidentally implies. Or, rather, it can be. Let’s take a closer look at this phrase that’s often confused with its cousin, c’est bien, and whose meaning ranges from … Read More
The holiday season is upon us, which means you might be wondering how to wish the French-speakers (and/or fellow French students) you know, “Happy Holidays” in French. Or maybe, as you go about celebrating your own culture’s traditions, you’re wondering what the winter holidays are like in France. Is what you’ve learned in French class … Read More
There are some cultural details we take for granted. If you’ve ever celebrated classmates’ birthdays in your French class, or seen a French movie or TV show where there was a birthday, you might think you’ve got French birthday traditions down pat. Then there may come a day when you’re invited to a French person’s … Read More
There are some words that just seem perfect. Quoi isn’t the prettiest word in French – at least not in my opinion – but when it comes to using it to express astonishment or outrage, there is nothing more satisfying. Quoi?! – it makes me think of an outraged cartoon bird honking in disbelief. That … Read More