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LOCATION - Did you realise this is yet another ‘false friend’ in language ? 

You often see signs up in towns and villages in France with this word up. 

I always thought it was a bit strange to have “what place you’re at” posted up over some shops.  

When I finally went into one of the shops, I...

Are you struggling to sound more fluent in French? 

Many learners get stuck on sounding too basic, so you're not a lone there.

Sometimes it's important to use more sophisticated phrases to elevate your French. 

Let’s get curious in this week’s mini lesson: 

• Easy ways to use the classy phras...

Learning French can be great fun, yet going up a level seems such a challenge at times. 

But less so if you take little bite sized chunks of information and enjoy them, apply them and try to make your own version up in your life to suit you.  It has to be REAL - Rewarding, Effective and realisti...

It’s so easy to get all hung up when you’ve forgotten a word in French. 

And it’s also too easy to get stuck in that moment.

Then there’s only one word on your mind: Awkward!

So let’s look at some fun ways to shift those feelings and glide straight back into the conversation:

• Why it’s impor...

Have you got good French “habits”? Or are you going to mix up your false friends and misunderstand this one? 

We’re talking about what you’re wearing - clothes.  That’s ‘les habits’, also known as ‘les vêtements’.

This is clearly a false friend as you would be forgiven for thinking we were talk...

"Vite" and "rapide" both translate to "quickly" in English, but they have subtle differences in use and understanding.

And why isn’t is ever “vitement” anyway? ... The VITE and RAPIDE Trap: Don't Make This Common Mistake.

Today you will discover:

• The difference between VITE and RAPIDE

...

Are you one of those French learners who think this means you’re going to get married?

Sorry to let you down, but you’re just being taken on to do something! 

False friends in language can cause a lot of laughter and bring you together.

Today you will discover:

• How to properly use the word ...

We can all say “Bon appétit !” in French, but did you know that it‘s generally only accepted amongst friends?  

At a table in high society, you do not say this. 

It’s considered bad manners, like saying “tuck in!” for the works of culinary art before you! 

The more time I spend with French peo...

“Ce n’est pas de la tarte !”

Ok at first glance you can see it mentions it not being pie. 

But did you realise this means a kind of opposite - It’s NOT as easy as pie = it’s not so easy?

If you want to step up your French a little and raise an eyebrow of admiration for your French, or ju...

How many times have you avoided using the word DEMANDER in French? 

You know, just in case it sounds a bit strong. 

I get that.  In fact, it’s not as strong as you think as it’s merely the verb “to ask”.

It’s used so much in French, like “Je lui ai demandé de m’accompagner en ville.” (I asked ...

Do you hear French and immediately want to translate in your head what you heard? 

Similarly, when you want to say something in French, do you work it all out in English first? 

Well, that’s fine if you want to tackle things in your English head and slow all communication down! 

It seems ha...

Ever had someone correct your use of French, only to only hint at what on Earth you might have said? 

It can be embarrassing if it’s something a bit sexual, right? Especially in public. 

The use of ‘introduire’ someone in my Conversation Café groups caused quite a stir one week. 

You see, it c...