Articles about French
520+ articles on French language topics!
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unlikely
The English word “unlikely” can be translated into French in several ways, depending on context. The most common options are peu probable, improbable, and hasardeux, each with distinct nuances. Other alternatives include invraisemblable and douteux. Peu probable Meaning: Literally “little…
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half
The English word “half” can be translated into French in several different ways depending on context. French does not use a single equivalent word for all situations. The most common translations include demi, moitié, mi- as a prefix, and partie…
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according to
In French, the most common translations for “according to” are selon and d’après. While they are often interchangeable, there are subtle differences in usage and tone. Other alternatives include suivant and conformément à, depending on context. Selon Etymology: The word…
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sometimes
The English word “sometimes” can be rendered in French through several expressions, each carrying subtle differences in frequency, tone, or context. The most common translations include parfois, quelquefois, de temps en temps, and occasionnellement. Parfois Meaning: The most direct and…
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of course
The English phrase “of course” can be translated into French in several ways, depending on the context. Here are the most common expressions with usage examples and literal translations. Bien sûr Literal meaning: “Well sure” Évidemment Literal meaning: “Evidently” Naturellement…
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cutting bread & cheese
France is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, where even the simplest acts—like slicing bread or serving cheese—are governed by time-honored etiquette. Whether you’re enjoying a rustic meal or a formal dinner, knowing how to properly cut a baguette or…
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irregular past participles
The past participle (participe passé) is a key component of many French verb tenses. While most French verbs form their past participles regularly (-é, -i, or -u endings), some of the most common verbs have irregular past participles. Here are…
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même
The French word même is versatile and appears in several useful expressions. Here are some key phrases, their meanings, and examples of how to use them. Même (even, same) Used alone, même can mean “even” or “same.” Stress pronouns with…
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greetings & farewells
French culture places great importance on proper greetings and farewells, with different expressions used depending on the time of day, formality level, and relationship between speakers. Here is a comprehensive guide to common French salutations. Standard daytime greetings These greetings…
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noun gender full list
In French, every noun (naming word) has a grammatical gender: it is either masculine or feminine. This gender does not necessarily relate to biological gender. One of the most reliable ways to predict the gender of a noun is by…
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pourquoi faire ?
The phrase pourquoi faire is a common expression in French that translates literally to “why do” or “why make,” but its actual meaning depends on context. It is usually used to ask about the purpose of something, and it often…
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ne explétif vs ne littéraire
French learners often encounter the particle ne used in contexts where it does not indicate negation. This usage can be confusing, as it diverges from the more familiar negation structure ne…pas. Two forms of this non-negative ne are worth distinguishing:…
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malgré
The French word malgré is a preposition meaning “despite” or “in spite of.” It is used to express contrast or opposition between two ideas. Malgré is always followed by a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase, and it is commonly used…