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10 French words and phrases that are untranslatable in English

From yaourter to l’esprit d’escalier, here are some words that have no direct English equivalents

Published: 1 November 2023

Author: Sophie Parsons

A French grape variety guide by winemaking region

Winemakers in France rarely put grape varieties on the label so Jonathan Hesford reveals which grapes are probably in your glass

Published: 24 October 2023

What are IGP/AOC/AOP labels on French products?

Some labels are recognised at European level, others only at national level

Published: 20 October 2023

Author: Emily Rickerby

Why are newspapers known as canards (ducks) in French?

We also look at other expressions around the word canard

Published: 4 October 2023

Author: Théophile Larcher

Why French journalists use four words when one would do

If you wondered what phrases such as l'ovalie, La cité phocéenne or ‘il a vu le jour’ mean then you are the victim of an interesting if sometimes confusing cultural trait

Published: 29 September 2023

Author: Tom Rowland, Léon Xu

Interview: French arts support schemes help launch pop career

‘Most British of French artists’ Maddy Street hopes to sign with a record label soon, after awards boosted profile

Published: 24 September 2023

Author: Liv Rowland

Wine tips: don’t stick to your favourite French grape

Connexion writer Jonathan Hesford on why choosing the same variety can limit your tasting pleasure

Published: 21 September 2023

Author: Jonathan Hesford

Do you know these regional variations of common French terms?

Pichet, cruche, broc à eau, carafe, pot d’eau or pot à eau- how would you order a jug of water in a restaurant?

Published: 14 September 2023

Author: Richard Henshell

Seven words which even French people confuse masculine/feminine

The struggle is real, says our French writer Théophile Larcher

Published: 23 August 2023

Author: Théophile Larcher

‘Calling French grammar sexy takes the love of this language too far’

It is infuriating to learn yet thrilling to get right, admits Nick Inman

Published: 7 August 2023