All teenagers or adults whose goal is to learn French know that the language is full of phrases and expressions that French people use in many situations. It's better to know their meaning because, being idiomatic, their literal translation is not always easy. These phrases or expressions may be used differently: in various registers of language or depending on the context. But which ones are absolutely essential to know?
French people use them spontaneously every day. "Comme ci, comme ça" or "couci-couça" are expressions used to downplay a situation or a mood. If you're not feeling great or didn’t really understand something, these phrases mean something like "so-so" or "more or less."
"Oh là là!" or "Ouh là là!" are two expressions the French love, and depending on the context, they can express surprise, enthusiasm, or amazement.
Essential phrases often come in the form of simple expressions for everyday communication. They're vital when you're starting to learn French and can help beginners navigate awkward situations.
"How are you?", "How do you say ... in French?", "Do you have the time, please?", "What's happening?", "May I go to the bathroom, please?", "Do you have change for 10 euros?", "I'm sorry for being late", "Sorry, it’s not my fault", "It’s not my responsibility", "I’m lost, can you show me the way to ...?", "I can't come tomorrow, something came up", "Do you have a lighter?"… Others require a higher level and mostly belong to informal language. For example: "Ça y est" (= *I'm done*), "Ne t’en fais pas!" (*don’t worry*), "J’en ai marre" (*I’ve had enough*) or "Je m’en fiche" (*I don’t care*).
Famous French phrases known worldwide often come from history, politics, literature, music, or cinema.
French kings were behind many iconic phrases. One of the most well-known is by Louis XIV: “L’État, c’est moi!” (I am the state!) — a declaration of absolute power.
“Paris! Paris outraged! Paris broken! Paris martyred! But Paris liberated!” — this was General de Gaulle's emotional declaration on August 25, 1944, celebrating the liberation of Paris.
Cinema has also produced many iconic lines, like Arletty’s in *Hôtel du Nord* by Marcel Carné: “Atmosphère! Atmosphère! Est-ce que j’ai une gueule d’atmosphère?” With her legendary streetwise tone and strong Parisian accent, it’s a must-hear!
What can you say in French to express love to your beloved? What are the sweet phrases the French adore? The French are known for being romantic. Here’s a collection of must-know love phrases in case you meet your soulmate in France (who knows?): “I love you more than anything”, “You are my sunshine”, “Without you, I am nothing”, “You are the person I cherish the most in the world”, “Without you, life is not worth living”, “There’s nothing I can do without thinking of you”, “My life began when our paths crossed”, “You are the star that lights up my life”, “Words are not enough to tell you how much I love you”…
Informal or casual language is key if you plan to live among French people or hear it in movies, songs, or books. “Être crevé” = to be very tired “Avoir la dalle” = to be starving “Une clope” = a cigarette “Un bouquin” = a book “Une caisse” = a car “Un flic” = a cop “Un gosse” = a kid “Avoir un poil dans la main” = to be lazy “Avoir le cafard” = to feel down
Verlan is a type of slang, especially among younger people, where syllables in words are reversed to create a coded language. Though used less today, it’s still part of youth culture. The word “verlan” comes from “l’envers” (reverse). Example: “Cet homme est ouf mais il n’est pas chanmé. Il écoute seulement de la zicmu très zarbi.” Translation: “That man is crazy but not mean. He only listens to very weird music.” Verlan is not a new phenomenon. In the 16th century, the Bourbons were called Bonbours. In the 18th, Voltaire played with reversed syllables too — Diderot was nicknamed “Monsieur Tompla” as a code for “Platon”!
