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
“Regarde cette vidéo!” (Watch this video!) a friend from Quebec told me, holding up her phone. “Tu vas rire!” (You’re going to laugh!) But I didn’t laugh. I didn’t understand a word of what was being said, even though the people on the screen were speaking French. The problem was, they weren’t speaking the French … Read More
No matter how motivated and interested you are in learning a language, let’s face it: sometimes all that memorizing and practicing can be boring. Luckily there are some genuinely helpful things you can do to practice your French that are also actually fun – like watching movies. Exposing yourself to the sounds of a language … Read More
Have you ever had a moment when you felt like you really, truly had become French? One of mine was the time I was having a bad day and then dropped something on my toe and hollered “PUTAIN!” That’s not a joke. As an English-speaker, I tend to utter pain- and frustration -induced obscenities in … 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 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