In French, most nouns ending in -al form their plural in -aux instead of the regular -als. This is a common ending change for such nouns from singular to plural. Usage examples Exceptions that take -s in the plural A few nouns ending in -al do not follow the -aux rule and simply add -s…
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 looking at its ending. While there are exceptions, many nouns follow predictable patterns based on…
In French, several terms are used to refer to people who are homeless. Some are neutral and administrative, while others are older or more colloquial, and may carry connotations of pity or stigma. The two most commonly encountered terms are SDF and clochard. Other related terms include sans-abri, sans domicile, and marginal. SDF SDF is…
Some French nouns have both a masculine and a feminine form, but each form means something different. This can confuse learners, so it helps to see clear examples. Here is a list of common nouns that change meaning with gender, in alphabetical order. Critique Le critique means the critic. La critique means the critique or…
The English word “piece” has many meanings and can be translated into French in different ways depending on the context. There is no single French word that covers all the uses of “piece.” Instead, French uses several words that each apply to specific situations. Une pièce is the most direct translation. It is used when…
Weather is a common topic in daily conversation, and French offers a wide range of vocabulary and expressions to talk about it. Some use the phrase il fait, while others use verbs such as pleuvoir (to rain), neiger (to snow), or geler (to freeze). Many weather expressions are impersonal, using il as the subject. Basic…
French speakers often use shortened forms of words in casual conversation. These abbreviations, or apocopes, are especially common in informal speech and writing. They are usually formed by dropping one or more syllables from the end of a word. Some have become so familiar that they are now widely accepted, even outside informal settings. Here…
The French nouns cerveau and cervelle both refer, fundamentally, to the brain. However, they are not interchangeable. Their usage varies depending on context, register, and the speaker’s intent. 1. Definition and Use of “cerveau” Le cerveau (masculine noun) is the standard, anatomical term for the brain. It refers to the organ as a whole, in…
The French word “fond” is a versatile and frequently used term with multiple meanings depending on context, including bottom, base, depth or foundation. Principal Meanings of “Fond” 1. As a Noun: “Le fond” Bottom or Base In its most literal sense, “le fond” refers to the bottom part of something, whether physical or figurative: Background…
The French language has a set of related words built around the root “panne,” which all have to do with breakdowns, repairs, and troubleshooting. 1. “Panne” (Feminine Noun) “Panne” refers to a breakdown or failure, usually of a machine, vehicle, or system. Common Usage Examples: 2. “Être en panne” (Expression) The expression “être en panne”…