The French verb “arriver” is quite versatile and can translate to different English verbs depending on the context. Here are its main meanings and examples of use: 1. To Arrive This is the most straightforward and common translation. It describes reaching a destination. Example: Notes: 2. To Happen “Arriver” can mean “to happen,” often in…
The French alphabet is the same as the English alphabet, but most letters are pronounced quite differently. You need to know the French alphabet for several reasons: Letter Pronunciation Like A AH Saying “AAH” for a doctor examining your throat B BAY C SAY D DAY E ER The “u” in “fur” F EFF Same…
Expressions of Quantity in French and the Use of “de” In French, most expressions of quantity are followed by “de” before the noun. This rule is consistent in many cases, but there are notable exceptions, such as words like “plusieurs” and some idiomatic expressions. When to Use “de” After Expressions of Quantity Many expressions of…
Understanding the French Phrase “lors de” The phrase “lors de” is a formal preposition in French that translates to “during”, “at the time of”, or “on the occasion of” in English. It is often used in written or formal speech to refer to a specific event or moment in time. Unlike “pendant”, which can imply…
The Future Simple tense in French (“le futur simple”) is the equivalent of the English future tense that uses the words “will” or “won’t.” Eg “I will go to the park; They won’t go to the shop.” The Future Simple is used less frequently than the English equivalent, because it is acceptable to use the…
Understanding “Ça tombe bien” in French The French phrase “ça tombe bien” might seem a little puzzling if translated literally. Word-for-word, it means “that falls well.” However, this literal translation doesn’t convey the true meaning of the phrase. Instead, “ça tombe bien” is used to express that something happens at a convenient time or that…
Translating “the day before,” “tomorrow,” and “the day after” into French You may already know the French words “hier” (yesterday) and “demain” (tomorrow). French offers several expressions to convey concepts like “the day before,” “tomorrow,” and “the day after.” Each has its unique nuances depending on the context. 1. “The day before” The English phrase…
The English phrase “more than” is commonly used for comparisons, but translating it into French requires attention to context. Specifically, the translation changes depending on whether “more than” is followed by a person or a countable noun. 1. “More than” + a Countable Noun When “more than” is followed by a countable noun, or a…
The French expression “faire une frite” literally means “to make a fry” or “to make a French fry.” However it has nothing to do with cooking. Instead it means to use the backs of your fingers to whip someone’s bottom in a downwards direction. This action, often done by kids teasing each other, will leave…
Translating “Take Care” into French The English phrase “take care” is versatile and can mean different things depending on the context. In French, the translation changes based on its meaning and usage. 1. Take care (when leaving or saying goodbye) When “take care” is used as a farewell, it’s often translated as: These phrases mean…