The difference between ‘part’ and ‘partie’ in French.

So here we all are, learning French, and following all the rules.  But sometimes we try to learn too much at once, and when we’re trying to have a conversation with friends, colleagues, or neighbours, it all gets muddled up.

Sometimes we just need to take another little look, and here we are with ‘part’ and ‘partie’. 

The best learning comes when you look at things from different angles, get creative with what you want to learn, and chunk it down into memorable portions. 

It’s time to enjoy a mini lesson and (re)discover… 

• The difference between ‘’part’ and ‘partie’ in French

• Great examples to help you understand

• Ways to remember what you learn for your spontaneous conversations

What “part” means in French.

Imagine that there’s a cake or a pie in front of you, and it has been divided up. Now, you can help yourself a piece of it.

This is where you say “part” in French:

• une part  >>> a piece

Here’s an example for you:

• Je prendrai une part de gâteau au chocolat. >>> I’ll have a piece of chocolate cake.

How do you translate “a piece of” in French?

This time, we talk about a piece of the whole. It’s not divided equally, it’s a piece of it…

• une partie  >>> a piece 

You could use it like this:

• Nous avons étudié une partie du livre. >>> We studied a part of the book.

When “partie” means game.

The next one has nothing to do with a part or piece of something. It refers to a game:

• une partie   >>> a game / round of

Here’s an illustration:

• Jouons une partie d’échecs. >>> Let’s play a game of chess.

How to use the expression “de ma part” in French.

This expression is quite used in everyday life. Therefore, it’s useful to memorise it:

• de ma part  >>> on my behalf.

Here’s an example: 

• Remercie-les de ma part. >>> Thank them on my behalf.

Tips to learn idiomatic expressions in French.

To start with, choose one thing at a time and master it. Once you do, you can add more to your list.

Then, say it aloud to memorise it.

The word is not enough. Indeed, if you put it into context with your own example it will facilitate.

Then, you want to practice as much as possible or you will forget it.

In a nutshell, there is no need to learn a lot. You would better apply your learning in order to speak French simultaneously with confidence. 

In this mini-lesson, you have seen four idiomatic expressions:

• une part  >>> a piece
• une partie  >>> a piece  
• une partie   >>> a game / round of
• de ma part  >>> on my behalf.

I have other mini-lessons about French expressions for you:

4 Idiomatic FOOD expressions  

5 Idiomatic expressions with appétit

Do you get confused with other French words that look similar?  I’d love to know.