Nouns

  • argot word list

    Argot is a form of informal, often colorful French slang used to express ideas in a more vivid, humorous, or coded way than standard French allows. It emerges from everyday life — shaped by youth culture, the working class, suburbs (banlieues), and even criminal circles — and constantly evolves to reflect changing attitudes, trends, and…

  • belief

    The English word “belief” can refer to religious faith, personal conviction, an opinion, or the acceptance that something is true. The correct French translation depends heavily on the specific context and the strength of the conviction being described. There is no single one-to-one equivalent. CroyanceThis is the most direct translation for “belief,” particularly when it…

  • cheval, chevaux

    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…

  • 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 looking at its ending. While there are exceptions, many nouns follow predictable patterns based on…

  • homeless

    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…

  • piece

    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

    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…

  • shortened words

    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…

  • cerveau vs cervelle

    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…