8 Ways to Say "May" in French
May I have a moment of your time to talk about the word “may” in French? ….Actually, it may take more than a moment, since “may” is one of those words that doesn’t hav…
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Everyday words and phrases, slang, grammar, verbs, pronunciation and life in France, plus honest guides to the apps, courses and resources that help you speak French.
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What You Really Need to Know About Writing French Letters and Emails
When I was learning French in school, writing letters was one of the most intimidating things we covered. There were so many formules de politesse (polite phrases and…
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How to Use (And Not to Use) Au Contraire
Au contraire means “On the contrary”. But if you’re an English-speaker, the phrase’s translation isn’t contrary at all; it turns out we use it the same way the French…
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The complete guide to the French school system
What is school like in France? It’s a question you might find yourself pondering as you study French and get to know more about French culture. In some ways, French sc…
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Everything You Need to Know About the French Verb “Savoir”
Savoir means “to know” in French. Let’s explore all things savoir, starting with its conjugation. Savoir conjugation Savoir is an irregular verb, which means you’ll ha…
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The True Meaning of Vive La France
Vive la France means “Long live France” – but there’s a bit more to it than that. Who’s known for saying this famous phrase? What are its connotations? Where did it or…
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What I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Started Learning French
When you start to learn a language, you may feel intimidated or overwhelmed. There’s so much you don’t know, so much to study and so much knowledge to acquire. Or mayb…
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The essential French cooking terms you need to know
Whether you’re a budding chef, enthusiastic foodie, or just trying to expand your knowledge of the French language and culture, there are two main kinds of French cook…
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What Is the Legal Drinking Age in France - and Why?
The legal drinking age in France is 18, or 16 if the person is in the presence of adults (usually understood to be family members). There used to be an exception for b…
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All About the Phrase "Bon Voyage" – and the Travel Habits of the French
French people have been wishing each other Bon voyage (Have a nice trip) for centuries. The saying is so common that it’s one of those French phrases that’s been adopt…