If you’ve ever listened to French people chatting informally, you’ll know that much of what they say doesn’t appear in textbooks. Here’s a practical list of French slang expressions you’re likely to hear — all with phonetic pronunciation and clear English meanings. 🗣️ Table of French Slang Expressions French Expression Pronunciation (approx.) Meaning in English…
The English exclamation “Great!” can express approval, satisfaction, enthusiasm, or irony, depending on tone and context. French has many possible equivalents, each suited to a particular level of enthusiasm, formality, or regional habit. 1. Super ! This is one of the most common translations. It expresses genuine enthusiasm or approval in casual speech, similar to…
Not all English idiomatic expressions have a direct French translation. It is a common mistake to translate an English expression directly into French. This can cause confusion for the listener, leading to total bafflement or misunderstanding. The English idiom “waiting for the penny to drop” describes the moment when someone finally understands something that wasn’t…
It is a common mistake to try to translate idiomatic expressions from English into French, word for word. The example of the English phrase “the writing is on the wall” shows us that this approach is often not effective. The English idiom “the writing is on the wall” originates from the Biblical story of Belshazzar’s…
The English conjunction unless expresses a condition that prevents something from happening. In French, there is no exact one-word equivalent. It is typically translated using the conjunction à moins que, which requires the subjunctive mood. Other constructions are possible depending on formality, register, and clarity, including sauf si, excepté si, si ce n’est que, and…
The French expression on dirait is widely used in spoken and written language. It comes from the verb dire (to say), conjugated in the conditional third person singular (on dirait = one would say / it would seem). The subject on is impersonal, and the phrase often introduces an impression, resemblance, assumption, or hypothetical situation….
The English verb to mean has several possible translations in French, depending on the subject and grammatical structure. The most common verbs are vouloir dire and signifier. Other verbs like impliquer, représenter, entendre par, and consister à may also apply in specific contexts. The correct translation depends on what is doing the “meaning” (a person,…
The English verb to postpone can be translated into French in several ways, depending on the formality, context, and the nature of what is being delayed. The most common French equivalents include reporter, remettre, repousser, décaler, ajourner, and différer. Some of these verbs are close synonyms, but their usage can differ based on the setting…
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…
The French phrase coûte que coûte literally means “cost what it may” or “whatever it costs.” It expresses determination to achieve something regardless of the cost, difficulty, or risk involved. It is one of the most common French idioms for expressing absolute resolve. It comes from the verb coûter (to cost) and the conjunction que…