Frequently Asked Questions...
How do I say this in French?
How do I say the following phrases in French (France)? No online translated answers please!
1. I hate homework.
2. I'm going to school now.
3. I'm going to bed.
4. If you don't understand you weren't paying enough attention.
Thanks!
Answer:
1. Je déteste les devoirs.
2. Maintenant je vais à l'école.
3. Je vais au lit.
4. Si tu ne comprends, c'est que tu ne faisais pas assez attention.
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French France
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Make The Most Of Your Visit To France - Learn The French Language
Lovers of culture across the world strive to learning French online with the hopes of making the most of their trip to France. It is hard to pin down how many people try their hand at the language of love but it certainly has its benefits. France's history and its people's particular outlook on the world make this linguistic ability even more attractive.
It was not that long ago that French stood at the top of the linguistic pyramid in many domains. Many common legal, literary and fashion terms that we still use have French origins. More recently, however, English has become the generator of internationally recognized trend words. This does not make the citizens of France any less proud of their heritage, which often rubs visitors the wrong way. But, gaining proficiency in just a few key phrases can help straddle this cultural divide.
For short-term tourists to France, basic expressions can turn interactions with locals from sour to friendly. Visitors may find that the French put great value on polite greetings and interactions, even among strangers. When entering a store, a quick hello, in French of course, can indicate that you have tried to do the minimum. If not, you could be treated coldly for the rest of your visit to the establishment. Even for these superficial interactions, "hello", "goodbye" and "thank you" can make all the difference.
Even with the basics under your belt, pronunciation can throw a wrench in the works. There are, no doubt, easier languages to pronounce than French. Getting things right will require some work. The good news is that you don't have to be perfect to get by. Over the years, French speakers from across the world have added new variations in accents. In short, people are used to hearing different pronunciations. The key is to have a foundation in this aspect, but not to sweat the small stuff while you are speaking. Do that while you study.
Of course, grammar is a turnoff to many people. In French, just getting your mind around the conjugations can be difficult, even just in the present simple. Breaking the conjugations up into similar groups is one common method of facilitating memorization. Learners still have to memorize irregular verbs through determined practice. However, language learning software, CDs and books offer a variety of ways to improve your success with these especially difficult verbs.
Another consideration for speakers of some languages is how to deal with the different levels of formality. French has two distinct verb conjugations to address people in the second person. Choosing which one to focus on really depends on your purpose for learning the language. Students will usually find that they rarely employ the "vous" form, except with professors. People traveling on business, though, might benefit from getting comfortable with the "vous" and then learning to speak more informally later. Of course, to really master the language, you will have to fully understand both.
Words that trip people up, regardless of their level, are "faux amis". These words resemble words in other languages, like English. This similarity tempts people to use them as if they meant the same thing but often they do not. This is especially a problem with English speakers, since French and English share so many words. Resist this urge and get yourself a list, online or offline, that highlights some of the most common ones.
Studying a language is hard work. But, the benefits greatly outweigh the disadvantages. If you learn French, you will open yourself up to another world, in terms of personal relationships as well as in more academic and professional pursuits. And this may be the greatest reward, to know more, and to learn more from languages courses.
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