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…
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…
The French phrase “attendre que” is commonly used to mean “to wait until” or “to wait for (something to happen)”. It is used when someone is expecting or waiting for a certain action or event, often requiring the subjunctive mood for the verb that follows “que.” How “Attendre que” Differs from “Attendre” + Noun It’s…
Understanding the French Verb “Entendre” The French verb entendre is a versatile verb with multiple meanings. While its primary meaning is “to hear,” entendre can also mean “to intend,” “to get on well,” or even “to agree (on),” depending on the context. 1. Meanings of Entendre First Meaning: To HearIn its most common usage, entendre…
In French, the verb “servir” is widely used and versatile. It can mean “to serve,” but its meaning varies depending on the context. When used reflexively as “se servir de,” it takes on a different meaning, more akin to “to use.” 1. “Servir” – Meaning and Usage The verb “servir” generally means “to serve” in…
Understanding the French Verb “Achever” The French verb “achever” is a tricky word for English speakers. It looks similar to the English verb “achieve,” but doesn’t mean that. In fact, “achever” is a “false friend,” a word that seems familiar but has a different meaning in French. The Meaning of “Achever” In French, “achever” primarily…
The French verb “contredire” means “to contradict” or “to oppose”. Learn how it is conjugated in the present tense and the passé composé. Interestingly, the “vous” form in the present tense does not follow the example of the verb “dire.” Conjugation in the Present Tense “Contredire” is an irregular verb that follows the pattern of…
The French word alors is a versatile and commonly used word in everyday conversation. Though it appears simple, it can carry different meanings depending on the context. Alors is an adverb. 1. Basic Meanings of Alors Alors can have several meanings in English, including: 2. Usage Examples of Alors Here are some examples of how…
The Difference Between “Savoir” and “Connaître” in French In French, both “savoir” and “connaître” mean “to know,” but they are used in different contexts. Understanding when to use each verb is important to communicate clearly. 1. Savoir – To Know a Fact or How to Do Something “Savoir” is used when you’re talking about knowing…