Learning French in FranceLearning French in France is not just about memorizing vocabulary. It also involves getting familiar with the way the French speak and grasping the meaning of their speech habits. These expressions, often used automatically, are frequently found in informal conversations. When used excessively by a native speaker, speech habits can indicate a limited vocabulary. On the other hand, for foreign learners, a very good level of French will allow them to understand these French idioms and use them appropriately. But what are the French people's favorite speech habits, where do they come from, and what do they mean?
Is this
little sound really a speech habits ? This question can be asked given its
omnipresence. In any case, it is specifically French and expresses hesitation
or doubt. In the context of children, it is also used to fill silences
when thinking about what to say. It can reveal a lack of self-confidence, comes
from an onomatopoeia, and first appeared in Molière’s The School for Wives.
The use of this expression, essential among words that indicate an explanation, comes from a good intention as it aims to clarify or illustrate what is being said. It means “in reality” or “in fact.” "En fait, je me suis rendu compte que je n’aimais pas ça." ("In fact, I realized I didn’t like it.") However, excessive use can quickly become annoying! Note: The French often pronounce the final "t" [ɑ̃fɛt]. These speech habits are an integral part of the French language. They make conversations sound natural, and you will hear them everywhere: by the coffee machine, in shops, with your friends, …
Originally used to introduce an example or comparison, "genre" has become a speech habits especially among younger people. "Ça te dirait de visiter des parcs d’attractions genre Disneyland Paris ou le Parc Astérix?" ("Would you like to visit theme parks like Disneyland Paris or Parc Astérix?"). In an informal context, it can replace "comme" or "par exemple." Understanding these words can greatly improve your fluency in French. During your language stay, whether for an adult course or a combination of French and sailing in Antibes, pay attention to the context in which these speech habits are used!
If a French
person says, "Hier soir, j’étais grave énervé à cause de mon voisin qui
faisait du bruit," you understand that the word replaces adverbs like
"very" or "extremely." What complicates things is that
young people also use it as an interjection at the end of a sentence: "Tu
t’imagines, il a raté son examen trois fois!" — "Ah ouais?
Grave!" ("Can you imagine, he failed his exam three times!" —
"Oh yeah? Totally!")
This word,
derived from "bien," expresses indifference or carelessness. In a
sentence like "Bah! Dis-lui de venir quand même," it’s equivalent to
"Well!" It can also indicate slight hesitation. It’s a very French
speech tic, almost untranslatable.
This expression is used in spoken language to indicate a logical consequence. Its equivalents would be "therefore" or "that’s why." Its usage has become increasingly common among young people today. A true generational indicator, "du coup" is part of what linguists call "sociolects." Practice identifying these little words and talking about them with your friends! From the local bakery to the classrooms of your French language campus in Antibes, the French love them.
Placed at the end of a sentence, "quoi" is equivalent to a rhetorical question or serves to reinforce what has just been said. "C’est normal que chacun respecte les autres, quoi!" ("It’s only right that everyone respects each other, right?!") Just as there are ten ways to say goodbye like a true French person, there are numerous ways to emphasize an obvious point or seek the approval of your interlocutor.
This little
word can express resignation or simply punctuate a speech. It can have
different meanings depending on the intonation used: determination, annoyance,
or just a pause. "Bon, maintenant, il faut que je parte."
("Well, now I have to go.") Similarly, "ben" is used to
think or to express agreement: "Tu veux voir ce film? Ben, c’est
d’accord!" ("Do you want to see this movie? Well, okay!") These
verbal repetitions can be the subject of entertaining activities during your
learning process. Organize a challenge with your classmates to use as many
speech tics as possible in a single dialogue, try to identify all the speech
tics heard in a day, or create a quiz – these are all interesting ideas.
"C’est
clair?" is part of the explanatory linguistic repetitions you will mostly
find in teenage language or as a threat: "J’espère que tu ne recommenceras
plus cela, c’est clair?" ("I hope you won’t do that again, is that
clear?"). It’s used to check if you understood what was just said and
presents no particular difficulty … c’est clair?
This expression is also used to ensure understanding or to maintain attention. It’s a speech habit that is equivalent to saying: "Are you following me?" That’s why, in a Meditation and Relaxation Program, your tutor might say "Vous voyez?" ("Do you see?"). "T’as vu?" is a variant used to emphasize a behavior: "T’as vu comme il lui a parlé?" ("Did you see how he talked to him?").
In the end, these French expressions that you must absolutely know are part of the language habits that will make your speech more spontaneous and ease your integration into everyday conversations.
Language stay at the Centre International d'Antibes
