Common French Idioms and Expressions
oh là là !
Unlike its use in other countries, in France this expression is used when something exciting has happened or something has gone wrong. It is simply an expression of astonishment or extreme joy. The sexual context often associated with the expression "oh là là" is not common in France.
enchanté
With this short and snappy expression, the French express their pleasure at making someone's acquaintance ("Nice to meet you"). It's best compared to the abbreviations "Very pleased" or "Pleased to meet you".
voilà
There's surely no one who hasn't heard the French phrase "voilà." On its own, "voilà" can mean "exactly" or "here it is." But it really depends on the context! You can also use "voilà" to introduce someone: "Voilà Jean, mon meilleur ami."
truc, machin
Who hasn't been there: you're searching for the right word and it just won't come to you? Well, when that happens to the French, they simply replace the word with "truc" or "machin." For example: "Où est le truc de ta soeur?" - "Where's your sister's thing?" You could also use these words to talk about a person, but that would be very disrespectful and would reveal that you dislike the person.
yes
If you're spending an extended period of time in France, you'll have to get used to this word! Instead of "oui" (yes), many French people simply say "ouais" (pronounced like "wey"). However, parents usually warn their children not to use it.
Ah, bon?
This is a simple way to express surprise. It could be translated as "really?" or "seriously?".
finally
This word is very frequently used by the French. Besides its literal meaning of "finally" or "at last," you can also use it in other contexts. For example, you can say "enfin bon" ("anyway") and "enfin tu vois" ("Well, you see").
à tout à l'heure / à toute' !
Although "à plus tard!" is technically the correct translation for "see you later," you should learn the equally common French farewell "à tout à l'heure!" To appear even more confident in the language, you can also use the abbreviation "à toute'!"
You are guaranteed to encounter these French expressions in France:
N'importe quoi!
With this phrase, you can tell your conversation partner that they are talking nonsense. Usually used in a sentence, it means "Tu racontes n'importe quoi!" - "You're talking nonsense!"
Laisse tomber
Literally, this expression means "Let it go." The French use it to express what we would translate as "whatever" / "let it go. " Bref! "Bref" would be the translation of "anyway." Generally, it is often used to change the subject of conversation and signal that you don't want to continue discussing the current topic. Comme d'habitude / Comme d'hab' The French very often shorten "comme d'hab'" to "as usual." D'accord Although many French people now use "okay," the French word "d'accord" ("agreed") is also widely used. To agree with someone, you can also use the longer version, "je suis d'accord." C'est clair! If you approve of something your conversation partner has said, you can reply with "c'est clair!" " Carrément " literally translates to "straightforwardly." However, the French use it to express that they "totally" or "definitely" agree with someone or something. It can also be used as an adverb to express how much one likes something. An example of this would be: "C'est carrément bien!"
Thank you for your attention! If you know any other idioms and typical French words you'd like to share with us, visit our Sprachcaffe Facebook page and comment below this article! Goodbye and see you soon!
