Everyday Words: Improve Your French Language Skills

We’ve put together this diverse selection of practical everyday French expressions, words, and verbs to help enhance your language skills.

Whether you’re an expat living in France or looking to boost your vocabulary before a holiday, you’ll find plenty of interesting (we hope) words and phrases to learn. 

Handpicked French Vocabulary

The following article is a collection of some of our favourite French words, expressions and terms, curated over many months of brainstorming, that we think may be useful to our France-loving friends. It’s not been written by AI or anything of the sort, and it’s taken us several months to put together.

With such a vast vocabulary and many variants, it’s not realistic to list all popular French expressions and words in one post. Also, there are many you probably already know, while others you’ll figure out on your own. But sometimes, it’s helpful to read the actual meaning or pronunciation of a word, and there are also unusual and informal expressions that you’ll only understand once you’ve heard them.

A Personal Journey, the ‘Aha!’ Moment

Here’s a personal example: growing up in France as a young expat learning the language. When someone sneezes, French people say “A tes souhaits.” It’s easy to tell someone using phonetics, but I only understood the true meaning of the phrase when I saw the words written on paper. Suddenly, things clicked; it all made sense, instantly. I hope you find this article useful, regardless of your French level. 

Useful Everyday French Expressions

For expats in France or with advanced French, discovering these unique expressions enhances language skills. Here’s a list of phrases that reflect French charm, humour, and practicality, with definitions, usage, and pronunciation to help incorporate them into your own vocabulary.

• “A FOND LA CAISSE” is a fun, informal phrase French people use to say they are doing something as fast as possible, basically at full speed or going all out. It is pronounced: “ah fohn la kess.”
• “A QUI LE TOUR?” is a practical phrase meaning “Whose turn is it next?” It is commonly used in everyday situations, such as at the boulangerie or the doctor’s office. It is pronounced: “ah kee luh toor.”
• ”À BOUT DE SOUFFLE” means to be out of breath or exhausted, often used after physical exertion. It is pronounced: “ah boot duh soof.”
• ”À TES SOUHAITS” is a warm way to say “Bless you” after someone sneezes. For more formal situations, use “À VOS SOUHAITS.” It is pronounced: “ah tay soo-ay.”
• “AVOIR LA CÔTE” means to be popular or in favour, often used to describe someone who is well-liked. It is pronounced: “ah-vwahr la koht.”
• “AVOIR LA CRÈVE” is an informal way to say you have a bad cold or are feeling unwell. It is pronounced: “ah-vwahr la krehv.”
• “AVOIR UNE PANNE D’OREILLER” is used when you are late because you couldn’t get out of bed in the morning. It is pronounced: “ah-vwahr oon pan duh ray-yay.”
• “BONNE SEMAINE” is a friendly way to wish someone a good week, often used at the start of the week. It is pronounced: “bon nuh mayn.”
• “CASSER LA CROÛTE” literally means “to break the crust,” but idiomatically it means to have a bite to eat. It is pronounced: “kah-say la kroht.”
• ”ÇA ME DIT RIEN” means “it doesn’t appeal to me” or “I don’t know.” It is pronounced: “sa muh dee ryehn.”
• ”ÇA ROULE?” is a casual way to ask “How’s it going?” or “Everything okay?” It is pronounced: “sa rool?”
• “COUP DE FOUDRE” literally translates to “lightning strike.” It is commonly used to describe love at first sight. It is pronounced: “koo duh foo-druh.”
• “COÛTER LES YEUX DE LA TÊTE” means something is extremely expensive, literally translating to “cost the eyes from the head.” It is pronounced: “koo-tay layz yuh duh la tet.”
• “DONNER SA LANGUE AU CHAT” means to give up trying to guess something, literally translating to “give one’s tongue to the cat.” It is pronounced: “don-nay sa lahng duh shah.”
• ”ÊTRE À LA BOURRE” is a casual way to say someone is running late or behind schedule. It is pronounced: “etr ah la boor.”
• “FAIRE DU FOOTING” may sound English, but in France, it simply means going for a jog. It is pronounced: “fehr duh foo-ting.”
• “FAIRE LE NETTOYAGE” means “to do cleaning.” It is a popular expression for housework or tidying. It is pronounced: “fehr duh net-twa-yazh.”
• “FAIRE LA FÊTE” means to party, celebrate, and enjoy music, dancing, food, and drinks with friends. It is pronounced: “fehr la fet.”
• “FAIRE LA GRASSE MATINÉE” means to sleep in or have a lazy morning. It is pronounced: “fehr la grahs ma-tee-nay.”
• ”FAIRE LE PONT” is a classic phrase that captures the French flair for turning a bank holiday into a mini break.LINK It is pronounced: “fehr luh pon.”
• “FAIRE UN CARTON” means to be a big hit or success, often used to describe a popular event or product. It is pronounced: “fehr uhn kar-tohn.”
• “IL FAUT SAVOIR VIVRE” means “you have to know how to live,” often used to encourage someone to enjoy life. It is pronounced: “eel fo sah-vwahr veevr.”
• “IL PLEUT DES CORDES” is a colourful phrase that translates to “it’s raining cats and dogs” in English. It is pronounced: “eel pluh day korhd.”
• “J’AI LA TROUILLE” means being scared or frightened. It is pronounced: “zhay la troo-yuh.”
• “J’AI LE CŒUR SUR LA MAIN” means to be very generous or kind-hearted, literally translating to “I have my heart in my hand.” It is pronounced: “zhay luh kur sur la mahn.”
• “J’AI TROUVÉ DU BOULOT” means “I found a job.” It is commonly used when someone has secured employment. It is pronounced: “zhay troo-vay duh boo-loh.”
• “J’EMMÉNAGE DEMAIN” means “I’m moving in tomorrow.” It is pronounced: “zhem-meh-nazh duh-mah.”
• “KEZAKO” is a playful, old-fashioned slang term meaning “What is it?” or “What’s that?” It was popular in the mid-20th century. It is pronounced: “kay-zah-koh.”
• “L’HEURE DU RÉGIME” literally means “time to diet.” French people often say this, usually with a smile, after a period of indulgence. It is pronounced: “say loor duh ray-jeem.”
• “LA VIE EN ROSE” means to see life through rose-colored glasses or to be overly optimistic. It is pronounced: “la vee ahn rohz.”
• “LAISSE TOMBER” means to drop it, let it go, or forget about it, and is often used to tell someone to stop worrying about something. It is pronounced: “less tohm-bay.”
• “LE SYSTÈME D” refers to an improvised or makeshift solution, often used in a resourceful context, or DY-ing. It is pronounced: “luh see-stem duh.”
• “LEÇON DE CONDUITE” refers to a driving lesson, useful for expats wanting to learn to drive in France. It is pronounced: “luh-son duh kon-dweet.”
• “LUNETTES DE SOLEIL” means “sunglasses” in English. It is pronounced: “lu-net duh so-lay.”
• “MÉTRO, BOULOT, DODO” is a classic Parisian expression that humorously describes the daily grind: commuting (métro), working (boulot) and sleeping (dodo). It captures the rhythm of urban life in France. It is pronounced: “may-troh, boo-loh, doh-doh.” Discover more interesting facts about Paris.
• “METTRE LES PIEDS DANS LE PLAT” means to put your foot in your mouth or say something inappropriate. It is pronounced: “metr lay pyay dahn luh plah.”
• “NE PAS AVOIR FROID AUX YEUX” means to be bold or fearless, literally translating to “not to have cold in the eyes.” It is pronounced: “nuh pah ah-vwahr frwah ohz yuh.”
• “PENDRE LA CRÉMAILLÈRE” means “to hang the chimney hook” and marks a housewarming celebration. It is pronounced: “pahn-druh la kray-mah-yer.”
• “POISSON D’AVRIL” is the French way of celebrating April Fools’ Day. It is pronounced: “pwa-son da-vril.”
• “POSER UN LAPIN” means to stand someone up or not show up for a date. It is pronounced: “poh-zay uhn la-pahn.”
• “QUELLE HEURE EST-IL ?” is a practical phrase meaning “What time is it?” It is commonly used in everyday conversations to ask for the current time and can occasionally be useful for starting a conversation. It is pronounced: “kel uhr es-teel?”
• “PRÊTER ATTENTION” means to pay attention. It is pronounced: “preh-tay ah-tahn-syon.”
• “RACONTER DES BALIVERNES” means to tell nonsense or tall tales, often used humorously. It is pronounced: “ra-kon-tay day bah-lee-vehrn.”
• “SANS DESSUS-DESSOUS” is an expressive phrase that translates to “upside down” or “in complete chaos.” It is pronounced: “sahn duh-sue duh-sue.”
• “TAPER UN BŒUF” means to have a music jam with friends or a band, not to hit a bull! It is pronounced: “ta-pay uhn buhf.”
• “TOMBER DANS LES POMMES” means to faint or pass out, literally translating to “fall into the apples.” It is pronounced: “tom-bay dahn lay pom.”
• “UNE BONNE AFFAIRE” means “a good deal” or “a bargain” in English, for example, when finding a cheap property. It is pronounced: “oon bun na-fair.”
• “VAINQUEUR” means “winner” in French. It is pronounced: “ven-kuhr.”
• “Y A PAS DE QUOI” is a relaxed way of saying “you’re welcome.” It is pronounced: “ee ah pah duh kwah.”

Interesting French Words

For those seeking to enrich their French vocabulary, this selection of words offers a glimpse into the language’s unique charm and practicality. Each term is carefully chosen to highlight cultural nuances, everyday utility, or linguistic curiosity. Explore these words to deepen your understanding of French.

• “UN ANANAS” refers to a pineapple, a tropical fruit with a sweet and tangy flavour. It is pronounced: “uh-nah-nahs.”
• “ANTICONSTITUTIONNELLEMENT” is the longest word in the French dictionary. It refers to acting in a way that breaches the Constitution. It is pronounced: “ahn-tee-con-sti-too-syoh-nel-mahn.”
• “UNE ASTUCE” means a tip, trick, or clever idea to solve a problem or make a task easier. It is pronounced: “oon ah-stoos.”
• “UNE BOÎTE À OUTILS” refers to a toolbox, a container used for storing tools. It is pronounced: “oon bwouatte ah outy.”
• “LA BOUILLOTTE” is a hot water bottle that turns chilly nights into cosy ones, perfect for reading and relaxing in the winter. It is pronounced: “la boo-yot.”
• “LE BROUILLARD” is the word for fog, that thick, misty weather that makes everything look hazy, turning streets into dreams. It is pronounced: “luh broo-yar.”
• “UN CAGIBI” refers to a small storage closet or cupboard, often used for keeping household items. It is pronounced: “uhn kah-zhee-bee.”
• “UNE CANAILLE” is a colloquial term for a mischievous or naughty person, often used playfully. It is pronounced: “oon kah-nah-yuh.”
• “UNE CANICULE” means heatwave, which are becoming longer and more frequent in France. It is pronounced: “oon kah-nee-kool.”
• “LE CASQUE” refers to a helmet, a protective headgear. It is pronounced: “luh caske.”
• “C’EST GRATUIT” means “it’s free,” whether you’re talking about an event, a tasting, or a local experience. It is pronounced: “say grah-twee.”
• “LE CISEAU” refers to a chisel, a tool used for carving or shaping materials. It is pronounced: “luh sizzo.”
• “UN CLOU” refers to a nail, a small metal fastener. It is pronounced: “uhn clue.”
• “UNE COCCINELLE” refers to a ladybug, a small, colourful beetle often associated with good luck. It is pronounced: “oon kohk-see-nel.”
• “LA COLLE” refers to glue, a sticky substance used for bonding materials. It is pronounced: “la cole.”
• “LA CONFIANCE” means trust or confidence, often used to describe a sense of reliability or faith in someone. It is pronounced: “la kohn-fee-ahns.”
• “LA CONFITURE” is jam made by gently cooking fruit with sugar until it turns into a rich, sweet, spreadable treat, then preserved in a glass jar, occasionally sealed with wax. It is pronounced: “la kon-fee-toor.”
• “UN COUTEAU” refers to a knife, a sharp tool used for cutting. It is pronounced: “uhn koo-toh.”
• “UN CUTTER” is another term for a utility knife or box cutter. It is pronounced: “uhn koo-tay.”
• “UN DEVIS” refers to a quote or estimate, often used in business or construction contexts. It is pronounced: “uhn duh-vee.”
• “UN ÉTAU” refers to a vice grip, a tool used to hold objects firmly in place. It is pronounced: “uhn eitauh.”
• “UN FRISSON” means a shiver or chill, often used to describe a sudden feeling of cold or excitement. It is pronounced: “uhn free-sohn.”
• “UNE GOURMANDISE” refers to a sweet treat or indulgence, often used to describe a love for delicious food. It is pronounced: “oon goor-mahn-deez.”
• “LE LAVABO” refers to the bathroom washbasin or handwashing sink. For the kitchen sink, you’d say “L’ÉVIER” (lay-vee-ay). It is pronounced: “luh lah-vah-boh.”
• “UNE LIBELLULE” refers to a dragonfly, a delicate insect often seen hovering over water. It is pronounced: “oon lee-bel-lool.”
• “UNE MANIVELLE” refers to a crank or handle, often used to operate machinery or tools. It is pronounced: “oon mah-nee-vel.”
• “LE MARTEAU” refers to a hammer, a tool used for driving nails or breaking objects. It is pronounced: “luh martaugh.”
• “LA MÉTÉO” simply means the weather, but in France, the climate can vary from one region to another, from sunny Mediterranean shores to cooler Atlantic coasts. It is pronounced: “la may-tay-oh.”
• “UN PAMPLEMOUSSE” refers to a grapefruit, a large citrus fruit with a tangy flavour. It is pronounced: “uhn pahm-pluh-mooss.” We love this word!
• “UNE PERCEUSE” refers to an electric drill, a tool used for making holes. It is pronounced: “oon persseuze.”
• “LES PINCES” refers to pliers, a tool used for gripping or bending objects. It is pronounced: “lay pahns.”
• “LE SAMU” refers to the emergency medical services in France, similar to an ambulance service. It is pronounced: “luh sah-moo.”
• “LE SEAU” refers to a bucket, a container used for holding liquids or materials. It is pronounced: “luh saw.”
• “UN TOUBIB” is a colloquial term for a doctor, often used in informal contexts. It is pronounced: “uhn too-beeb.”
• “LE TOURNEVIS” refers to a screwdriver, a tool used for turning screws. It is pronounced: “luh toor-nuh-vee.”
• “LES VACANCES” means holiday. It is pronounced: “lay vah-kahns.” Have a great time discovering France, and check out the French holiday dates first!

A Selection of French Verbs

Verbs form the core of any language, and French is no different. This collection showcases the energy and flexibility of French communication. Whether you’re describing actions, feelings, or social exchanges, these verbs enable clear expression. Each entry offers a definition, an example sentence, and a pronunciation guide to aid mastery.

• “BAVARDER” means to chat or gossip casually, often used in social settings. For example: Elles bavardent au café. It is pronounced: “bah-var-day.”
• “BIDOUILLER” means to tinker with or fiddle with something, often to fix or modify it informally or creatively. It is pronounced: “bee-doo-yay.”
• “BRONZER” means to tan or get a suntan, usually from sunbathing. It is pronounced: “bron-zay.”
• “CHATOUILLER” means to tickle, either playfully or to provoke a light, tingling sensation. It is pronounced: “shah-too-yay.”
• “CHINER” refers to hunting for treasures at flea markets or vintage shops, often with no particular item in mind. It is pronounced: “shee-nay.”
• “COCOONER” means to snuggle up or stay cosy at home, borrowed from the English word “cocoon.” For example: On a cocoonné tout le week-end. It is pronounced: “koh-koh-nay.”
• “CRAPAHUTER” means to hike or trek, often in rugged or difficult terrain. It is pronounced: “krah-pah-oo-tay.”
• “DÉVALISER” means to raid or empty a store, often used when buying a lot during sales. Exemple: Avec les soldes, ils ont dévalisé le magasin! It is pronounced: “day-vah-lee-zay.”
• “DEVANCER” means to overtake, advance, or get ahead of someone or something. It is pronounced: “duh-vahn-say.”
• “EMOUSTILLER” means to excite, titillate, or arouse curiosity or interest. It is pronounced: “ay-moo-stee-yay.”
• “ESPIONNER” means to spy on or secretly monitor something or someone. It is pronounced: “es-pee-oh-nay.” Just like our Secret Agent 004 in Cannes.
• “FRIMER” means to show off or brag, often in a playful or slightly boastful way. It is pronounced: “free-may.”
• “FRISSONNER” means to shiver, either from cold, excitement, or fear. Exemple : Il a frissonné en sortant de la piscine. It is pronounced: “free-soh-nay.”
• “GRIGNOTER” means to snack or nibble, often on small amounts of food between meals. It is pronounced: “gree-nyoh-tay.”
• “JARDINER” means to garden or tend to a garden, a popular hobby in France. It is pronounced: “zhar-dee-nay.”
• “LÉZARDER” means to lounge or bask, often in the sun. It is pronounced: “lay-zar-day.”
  “MARCHANDER” means to haggle or bargain over a price. For example: Il a marchandé le prix du tableau. It is pronounced: “mar-shahn-day.”
• “NETTOYER” means to clean. Here’s an example: Je dois nettoyer la maison. It is pronounced: “net-twa-yay.”
• “PAPOTER” means to chatter lightly or have a friendly, long conversation. It is pronounced: “pah-poh-tay.”
• “RECULER” means to move backwards, retreat, or reverse. It is pronounced: “ruh-koo-lay.”
• “ROUSPÉTER” means to grumble, complain, or moan good-naturedly. For example: Il râle toujours contre la météo. It is pronounced: “roo-speh-tay.”
• “ROUPILLER” means to nap or doze off, often used informally. It is pronounced: “roo-pee-yay.”
• “SE CHAMAILLER” means to bicker or squabble, often playfully or lightly. It is pronounced: “suh shah-mah-yay.”
• “SE DANDINER” means to waddle or walk in a swaying manner. Example: Les canards se dandinent autour du lac. It is pronounced: “suh dahn-dee-nay.”
• “SE DÉBROUILLER” means to manage, cope, or figure things out on one’s own. It is pronounced: “suh day-broo-yay.”
• “SE FAUFILER” means to sneak in or slip through a crowd or a tight space. Example: Elle s’est faufilée dans la foule. It is pronounced: “suh foh-fee-lay.”
• “SE GARER” means to park a vehicle. It is pronounced: “suh gah-ray.”
• “SE GOINFRER” means to stuff oneself with food or eat greedily. For example: Ils se sont goinfrés de chocolat. It is pronounced: “suh gwan-fray.”
• “SE MARRER” means to laugh heartily or have a good laugh. It is pronounced: “suh mah-ray.”
• “SE RÉGALER” means to feast or enjoy a meal thoroughly. It is pronounced: “suh ray-gah-lay.”
• “SE TRACASSER” means to worry or fret. Exemple : Ne te tracasse pas, tout va bien se passer. It is pronounced: “suh trah-kah-say.”
• “TRICHER” means to cheat, often in games or exams. It is pronounced: “tree-shay.”
• “TRINQUER” means to clink glasses or toast. Exemple : On a trinqué à notre nouvelle maison! It is pronounced: “tran-kay.”

La CHOUETTE Idée

“CHOUETTE” literally means “owl” in English, but in everyday French it is also a slang term meaning “great,” “cool,” or “awesome.” It’s a casual, friendly way to express approval or enthusiasm, a bit like saying “What a great idea!” or “How cool!” in English.

Every week, we post a new word or expression, so keep an eye on this blog or bookmark it, and follow each “Chouette Idée de la Semaine” new image on Pinterest. We have plenty more to share in future weeks and months.

A to Z for Property Buyers in France

Finally, if you’re considering purchasing property in France, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the French real estate terminology. 

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, understanding these French words and phrases will provide you with extra confidence to navigate the process more smoothly. And feel free to register to access our free resources and receive our new listings and our monthly newsletters; it’s all free. “Y’a pas de quoi!”

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