Learning French
French Expression of the Day: Courir sur le haricot
This French expression includes running and a bean. What could it possibly mean?
French Expression of the Day: Ramener sa fraise
This is another French expression with a fruity metaphor.
French Expression of the Day: Ce n'est pas la mer à boire
This French expression comes in handy when delegating tasks.
French Expression of the Day: Avoir le cafard
Sadly, calling pest control isn’t going to be enough.
French Expression of the Day: Mettre son grain de sel
In English a grain of salt indicates scepticism, but the French expression has a totally different meaning.
French Expression of the Day: Se prendre un râteau
This French expression doesn't actually mean you're getting hit with a rake.
French word of the day: Le bac
It's the infamous and notorious academic ordeal that has kept France's teenagers (and their parents) awake throughout history.
French Word of the Day: Louche
This French word can be useful when cooking or describing strange behaviour - but doesn't have the same sense as the English version.
French expression of the day: Avoir la pêche
If someone tells you they're having 'la pêche', it doesn't mean they're keen for a fruity snack.
French Expression of the Day: Être culotté
This French expression doesn't actually mean your underpants are on.
French Word of the Day: Clochardisation
You might already know the French word clochard...
French Grammar Tip: How to pronounce the Gs
If you hesitate over how to pronounce the G in French words - with a hard or soft sound - then we have great news for you. This is one example of the French language having a simple and consistent rule.
France's La Poste slammed for use of English phrase on vans
Two words on La Poste’s fleet of Log’issimo vehicles have angered a French language lobby group, which is bringing legal action.
French Word of the Day: Vilain
A French 'vilain' is usually not the same as a comic-book villain...
French Expression of the Day: Tu me plais
If you hear this one, you can feel quite pleased with how things are going.
French Word of the Day: Pétrin
This French word has two meanings, with the original definition coming from bread making.
French Expression of the Day: Couper la poire en deux
Who knew pears were so symmetrical!
French expression of the day: Appuyer sur le champignon
In France, 'pressing the mushroom' is not exactly what it sounds like.
'Allez putain!': French football phrases you need for the 2026 World Cup
The men's football World Cup tournament gets underway in June with France among the bookies' favourites - so here are some helpful French football phrases to shout while watching.
French Expression of the Day: Il y a de l’eau dans le gaz
This French expression doesn't exactly mean there is actual water in gas.
French Expression of the Day: Se faire appeler Arthur
This French expression isn't only for people named Arthur.
'Supprimé' to 'bouchons': Essential French travel words to know this summer
As millions of visitors prepare to travel across France this summer, getting around is usually straightforward - strikes and occasional disruptions aside. But knowing a few key French travel terms can make a big difference when plans go awry.
French Expression of the Day: Être dans de beaux draps
This French expression doesn't mean you're actually lying in beautiful bedsheets.