Learning French: when and why do we say avoir la poisse? This slang phrase describes someone who is stuck with bad luck
Learning French: the origins and meaning of c’est de la daube Find out how to express dislike in the manner of a native French speaker
Learning French: when and why do we say être sage comme une image? A rhyming phrase which often describes well-behaved children
magazine Learning French: when and why do we say rendre la monnaie de sa pièce? This money-based expression can refer to a bid for revenge or a reminder that actions have consequences
French residency cards: Key terms to know (and understand) The application process is much easier if you understand the vocabulary
Learning French: the origins and meaning of fada This regional slang word is connected to fairies and a major French football club
Learning French: arriver comme un cheveu sur la soupe and other soup expressions You might say this when an unexpected guest is out of earshot
Learning French: when and why do we say se jeter dans la gueule du loup ? This wolf-based phrase could warn someone against making a dangerous decision
Nine French false friends that appear in everyday conversation From sans doute to déception, here are some terms to familiarise yourself with to avoid confusion
‘Chauffer son char’: Québécois French phrases added to Google Translate The new update includes idiosyncratic phrases and words unique to Québec
Learning French: the many uses of the word tomber Tomber amoureux, tomber d'accord - there are lots of expressions that involve falling
Learning French: why the handy phrase rien à voir is often not linked to vision Varied use of the verb voir can cause confusion for French learners
Learning French: the origins and meaning of l’habit ne fait pas le moine One of the stories behind this phrase is represented on Monaco’s coat of arms
En: How this small French word completely changes meaning of a sentence ‘En’ is often used in idiomatic expressions to add extra emphasis on an event Learning French: The origins and meaning of ne pas être dans son assiette Comment: The French language does not match the country's values Learning French: the origins and meaning of être au taquet
What does the French word ‘wesh’ mean and why is it being used in UK Discover the origins of this informal interjection that is now part of London slang Learning French: the origins and meaning of avoir du bol Five anglophone actors who speak French well Beware of ‘false friends’ when speaking French Learning French: Cerise sur le gâteau and other baking expressions Francophonie: countries with the most French speakers apart from France
Learning French: What is the meaning of lancer une bouteille à la mer? A poetic French phrase which reflects the image of sending a message in a bottle
Learning French: the origins and meaning of les doigts dans le nez This widely used phrase was first heard at a hippodrome
Learning French: when to use au fait versus en fait Settle the difference between these commonly confused phrases once and for all
5 films and series to improve your French in October As autumn starts to roll in, watching a film becomes more inviting
Learning French: when and why do we say un de ces quatre? We also look at whether this handy French phrase has a grammar mistake in it
Letters: Quirky French expressions with donkeys, silk and breaking wind Readers share their favorite silly phrases in the language
Learning French: what does c’est parti mean and when should it be used? We explain why you might also hear young people say 'tipar'
Faire la grasse matinée and more French sleep phrases Both the Sandman and Morpheus have a role to play in how well you rest in France
Learning French: what are the origins of au fur et à mesure and what does it mean? Plus discover the link between this everyday French phrase and the word aujourd’hui
Learning French: what does j'en ai marre mean and when to say it This expression is common in France and even more so when voices are raised
Learning French: what does pas de souci mean and when to use it? People say this to reassure others but also to show confidence
Learning French - when to use belle journée vs bonne journée This bonne journée alternative has gained popularity in recent years
Learning French: what does dis donc mean and when should it be used? This all-purpose French filler phrase can help you sound like a native.
Learning French: what is the meaning of ça y est and when should it be used? If you have been searching for the perfect phrase to celebrate an achievement… ça y est, this is it
Learning French: the origins and meaning of dingue Did you know about the alleged connection between mosquito bites and this 'crazy' word?
Learning French: what does bonne continuation mean and when should it be used? This is a handy everyday phrase to know and can be used in many situations, including at mealtimes
En faire tout un fromage: Fun French expression no. 9 This phrase unusually paints cheese in a non-flattering light - find out why
Lost in translation: Learning numbers in France Mastering them takes special effort – and numbers above 60 catch out many people learning French
Il y a du monde au balcon: Fun French expression no. 8 Some link this to theatre imagery - can you guess what it might signify?
Faut pas pousser mémé dans les orties: Fun French expression no.7 If you actually did what this expression suggests, you would not be popular…
C'est pas le pingouin qui glisse le plus loin sur la banquise: Fun French expression no. 6 This expression comes from chilly Quebec
Can you pronounce this French word that means ‘fear of Friday the 13th’? The day has long been associated with bad luck with a small group of people even have a phobia of it
Why speaking French is good for your brain Learning a new language can improve brain health and even delay the onset of dementia
Mettre les pieds dans le plat: Fun French expression no. 5 A similar expression exists in English, can you work out what it is?
Online translation tools: Funny results between French and English Some expressions can give amusing results when put through an online service, such as Google Translate or DeepL
Ca ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard: Fun French expression no. 4 Can you guess what this expression means in English?
Péter dans la soie: Fun French expression no. 3 This expression translates to ‘to fart in silk’ - we explain how to use it
Avoir le temps de tuer un âne à coup de figues molles: Fun French expression no. 2 This expression is often used in the south
Everyday French phrases with the verb ‘passer’ Many of these expressions can be used in daily conversation, boosting your fluency
On va pas chercher midi à quatorze heures : Fun French expression no. 1 Find out what this amusing French expression means so you can start to use it in your conversations
‘Soaked like soup’: 7 French expressions to use for wet weather From cows and dogs to soup, ropes and buckets - use these phrases when it is raining to sound like a native
Seven English words that you may not realise are French As well as déjà vu and hors d’oeuvre, you may be surprised to learn how many words crossed the Channel
Nine reasons to learn French Studying the language makes French culture more accessible and could improve your brain function
Learning French: 8 handy French phrases using the word pouce From gardening to less-than-gourmand meals, pouce appears more often than you may expect in French conversation
Six French expressions around cats to use in everyday conversations A bon chat bon rat, avoir un chat dans la gorge - how many of these do you know?
Learn how to say goodbye in French in different situations Salut, au revoir, à plus - find out which to use and when
When French starts to sound like English native speakers feel confused Words like footing, snacking and lifting grow ever more common but do not always mean what you would expect
Five podcasts to help your French listening skills: films, news, Olympics Podcasts can be a great free resource to help you train your listening skills
Is French still a popular language to learn? The number of students studying languages is down and schools are finding it hard to recruit teachers
Voilà ! Six French ‘filler’ words that are good to know You can use these words to enhance your everyday conversations
Five films and series to improve your French in August Avoid the summer heat by watching some TV in the shade, and improve your French in the process. Improve your Olympics vocabulary by tuning into events on French TV
Five common French words that are in fact company names Just like in English, many trademarks slip into common usage
Other-worldly origin of the French word ‘canicule’ Even the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans knew of these blistering summer heatwaves
Seven French expressions revolving around health Un torticolis, un bleu, sa ligne - can you work out what these terms mean?
Why do they speak French at every Olympic opening ceremony? The French language plays an important role in every Olympic Games, not just those held in France
Letters: I'm American but my English is more British since move to France Connexion reader says being around so many Britons while trying to speak more clearly to French people is having an effect
Eight phrases to help with everyday small talk in France Comme d’hab, ça te dit, quoi de neuf - do you know these handy expressions?
Use French expressions to say what you mean in English Many words cross the linguistic divide and enhance expression and sophistication
9 French expressions to use when there is hot weather From 'the sun is like lead' to 'cooking like a pancake', here are some phrases to use as the temperature soars across France
'C'est pas rien': Why nothing is a powerful word in French We unpack why this word is everywhere and what it tells us about France
Seven everyday French expressions borrowed from the world of sport Jeter l’éponge, coiffé au poteau, garder le cap - find out where these come from and how to use them
How does living in France affect your English? Forgetting some English is more common than you might think - in fact there is even a word for this
'Important' is a key word to know how to use in French Some awkward situations can arise if you do not understand the nuance of its meaning
Six French phrases that describe defeat or losing Se prendre une taule, se faire laminer, manger une claque - find out how to express defeat in the French language
Who are France’s juilletistes and aoûtiens? We look at two words used to describe different French summer holiday habits
Why are Tour de France cyclists called ‘runners’ in French? The linguistic reason is long, arduous and surprising - much like the race itself
Man who speaks 50 languages gives his tips on learning French It should not be a difficult language to learn for English-speakers due to significant common ground, although a sympathetic ear may be necessary, says hyperpolyglot Alexander Argüelles
How to know when to use jour vs journée in French There is an easy rule to remember to avoid getting these similar words mixed up
Google translate adds Occitan, Breton and minor French languages The automatic system features hundreds of new dialects after a major update
Seven ways to complain like a French person The language has many ways to express displeasure - which locals have a reputation of using frequently