Learning French in France isn't just about memorizing vocabulary. It's also about getting familiar with how the French speak and understanding their filler words. These expressions, often used unconsciously, are prevalent in informal conversations. While overuse by native speakers can indicate a limited vocabulary, for foreign learners, a good grasp of French allows them to understand these French idioms and use them appropriately. But what are the French's favorite filler words, where do they come from, and what do they mean?
This little sound is quintessentially French and expresses hesitation or doubt. It's used to fill silences when thinking about what to say. It may reveal a lack of self-confidence and originates from an onomatopoeia, first appearing in Molière's L’École des femmes.
This expression, meaning "in fact" or "actually," is often used to explain or illustrate a point. For example: "En fait, je me suis rendu compte que je n’aimais pas ça." Overuse can become annoying. Note: the French often pronounce the final "t" [ɑ̃fɛt].
Originally used to introduce an example or comparison, "genre" has become a filler word, especially among younger speakers. For instance: "Ça te dirait de visiter des parcs d’attractions genre Disneyland Paris ou le Parc Astérix?" In informal contexts, it can replace "like" or "for example." Understanding these words can greatly improve your fluency in French.
If a French person says: "Hier soir, j’étais grave énervé à cause de mon voisin qui faisait du bruit," you understand that "grave" replaces adverbs like "very" or "extremely." Young people also use it as an interjection at the end of a sentence: "Ah ouais? Grave!"
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 filler word, 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!" Just as there are many 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." Similarly, "ben" is used to think or to express agreement: "Tu veux voir ce film? Ben, c’est d’accord!" 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?" 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?" "T’as vu?" is a variant used to emphasize a behavior: "T’as vu comme il lui a parlé?"
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.
During our French courses, you will have the opportunity to identify and understand the most common filler words, like "euh," "genre," or "tu vois." These little expressions, often unconscious, are very present in everyday spoken language. Recognizing them will help you better understand the French... and speak like them!
