French Word of the Day
Learn French with us, one word at a time. Are you interested in taking French lessons? The Local has partnered with Gymglish to provide language lessons to readers. Start now and get 1 month free.
French Expression of the Day: C'est du bidon
We all know that drama is part of good storytelling. But some people go a little bit too far. Here is the perfect French phrase for when you next see this happening.
French Word of the Day: Carence
This French word of the day has several different meanings from a vitamin deficiency to a waiting period.
French Word of the Day: Juste
This French word doesn't always mean the same thing as the English "just".
French Word of the day: Fringale
If you ever find yourself absolutely starving, this is a useful French word to know.
French Word of the Day: Les fringues
This French word might come in handy if you want to compliment a friend’s outfit.
French Expression of the Day: En grande pompe
This French expression is all about making a big impression.
French word of the day: C'est l'hôpital qui se fout de la charité
Why would a hospital be laughing at charity? This is one of those French expressions that doesn't translate literally.
French Expression of the Day: C’est de la daube
A daube is a delicious and hearty French stew - but this expression is not something that you would aspire to.
French Expression of the Day: Être charrette
Despite the reference to a cart, this French expression has nothing to do with one in its modern usage.
French Expression of the Day: Coup monté
This French expression can be used in everyday situations as well as in more serious contexts involving fraud or crime.
French Word of the Day: Chef
This French word isn't only used to talk about a cook.
French Word of the Day: Sous-fifre
This French word actually has German origins...
French Expression of the Day: Ça fait un bail
This French expression should not be confused with a lease...
French word of the day: Pourboire
Don't be fooled by this expression, which - when used in a sentence - can sound like someone is offering you a drink.
French Expression of the Day: Poudre de perlimpinpin
This French expression might come up when discussing the latest 'miracle cure' that has gone viral on social media.
French Expression of the Day: Ça fait des lustres
This French expression doesn't have anything to do with chandeliers...
French Grammar Tip: How to use capital letters in French
If you are learning French, you may have noticed that capital letters seem to appear in different places from where you would expect them in English.
French Word of the Day: Mousse
This French word has a much wider application than it does in English.
French Word of the Day: Matrimoine
You probably know the French word 'patrimoine' but its lesser-known counterpart 'matrimoine' has a long and interesting history.
French Word of the Day: Bahut
From a travel chest to an informal word for school, this French word has several meanings.
French Expression of the Day: Perdre la raison
This French expression can be used in both serious and light-hearted contexts.
French Expression of the Day: Couper l'herbe sous le pied
This is not an act of neighbourly kindness like mowing the lawn usually is.
French Word of the Day: Le dauphin
This French term isn't just one for history classes, it has a modern usage as well.