French Blabla

Ep62 – French Slang 101 – Mastering Con

Speak Like a native — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Exploring the Understated Charm of Curse Words in French

Welcome back to another episode of the French Blabla podcast!

In the last episode, we tackled two iconic French swear words—or as I prefer, the P-word and M-word. I find them a bit too bold for my taste, and maybe you do too. So, let’s stick to the P-word and M-word to keep the air light.

If you missed that episode, it’s definitely worth a listen as it sets the stage perfectly for today’s topic. Click here to listen.

Today, we’re diving deeper into the realm of curse words in French, focusing on another essential word that, surprisingly, doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves.

This word is frequently used in daily conversations across France, yet it seems to fly under the radar in language learning materials. Let’s shine a spotlight on it and explore how it can be used in casual settings without any fuss.

And before we dive in, a quick shout out to our sponsor, Lingopie. I’ll give you more details about their services later in the episode, so stay tuned!

Alright, let’s get started with today’s exploration of curse words in French!

In this Episode

Exploring a Lesser-Known Swear Word: We’ll break down a lesser-known but widely used swear word in French, discussing its meanings and the appropriate contexts for its use.
Cultural Insights and Acceptability: Understand the cultural nuances that influence how these curse words in French are perceived and used.
Practical Examples and Phrases: I’ll provide examples and common phrases incorporating today’s featured curse words in French, helping you to understand their use in everyday conversation.

Join me as we decode the subtleties of these expressions, ensuring you can speak casually without crossing any lines.

Remember, understanding the context in which these words are used can greatly enhance your fluency and help you blend in with native speakers.

What I mentioned in this episode:

Episode 61 – Mastering Putain & Merde – Click to listen
“Plan Coeur – The Hookup Plan” – TV Show – Click to check the trailer on Youtube
Try Lingopie for free – Get 58% off on the Yearly Plan – Click HERE

Subscribe and review The French Blabla Podcast

Thanks so much for tuning into the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and love the show, I’d really appreciate you subscribing and leaving me a review on your favourite podcast player.

Not only does it let me know you’re out there listening, but your feedback helps me to keep creating the most useful episodes. And you know what? I also get to be discovered by more awesome people like you!

The post Ep62 – French Slang 101 – Mastering Con appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep61 – French Slang 101 – Mastering Putain & Merde

Speak Like a native — Fri, 24 May 2024 19:03:00 +0000

Swear Words in French: Navigating Social Nuances with Putain and Merde

Hello, and welcome back to another episode of the French Blabla podcast! I’m Caroline, your host.

Today, we’re about to unwrap two cheeky and somewhat controversial gems from the French linguistic treasure chest.

These expressions are quintessential to everyday French banter, often sparking raised eyebrows and knowing smiles.

We’re going to explore “putain” and “merde,” two swear words in French that are sure to ring a bell if you’ve spent any time on social media watching humorous language learning videos.

As we delve into these popular swear words in French, remember the cultural depth and emotional weight they carry in the French language.

With today’s episode, you’ll understand not just the translations but the appropriate contexts to use these colorful expressions without offending native speakers.

Let’s embark on this vocabulary journey with a light heart and a mind open to the intriguing world of casual French.

Later in the episode, I’ll also introduce you to our sponsor, but first, let’s dive into the linguistic nuances.

In this episode

Mastering Usage: Learn how and when to appropriately use “putain” and “merde” in daily conversation without crossing the line.
Contextual Flexibility: Discover the versatility of these swear words from expressing frustration to amazement, and how their impact changes with tone and setting.
Cultural Insights: Gain insights into the cultural acceptance of these phrases and why context matters so much in French discourse.

What I mentioned in this episode:

Episode 23 – Two MORE fillers you haven’t learnt at school: Click to listen
Episode 60 – Weird Sounds French people Make – Click to listen
“Plan Coeur – The Hookup Plan” – TV Show – Click to check the trailer on Youtube
Try Lingopie for free – Get 58% off on the Yearly Plan – Click HERE

Subscribe and review The French Blabla Podcast

Thanks so much for tuning into the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and love the show, I’d really appreciate you subscribing and leaving me a review on your favourite podcast player.

The post Ep61 – French Slang 101 – Mastering Putain & Merde appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep60 – Weird Sounds French people Make

Speak Like a native — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 20:06:00 +0000

Express feelings through sounds

Mastering the French language pronunciation is a crucial aspect of becoming fluent, and integrating French funny phrases and sounds can make the learning process even more enjoyable.

Understanding and using authentic sounds like “pfff,” “hein,” “rohh,” “blowing a raspberry,” and “mmmm” can significantly enhance your grasp of the language.

In this lesson, we’ll delve deep into these unique elements of French language pronunciation, showing you how to use them just like a native speaker. Adding these sounds to your vocabulary will not only improve your pronunciation but also help you grasp the nuances of various French funny phrases.

These specific sounds and expressions are commonplace in everyday French conversation. They’re essential for anyone looking to sound like a local and express emotions in a more natural and authentic way. Learning to use them correctly is a surefire way to add flair to your spoken French and impress native speakers with your understanding of their language’s subtleties.

So, immerse yourself in the sounds of French, practice your French language pronunciation, and soon enough, those French funny phrases and sounds will roll off your tongue with ease.

In this episode

Show surprise, frustration and annoyance with sounds
Bonus casual phrases to add to the sounds
The number 1 French TV show to level up your French

What I mentioned in this episode:

Episode 36 of the French Blabla podcast : Don’t say ”je ne sais pas”, use these words instead – Click to listen
“Plan Coeur – The Hookup Plan” – TV Show – Click to check the trailer on Youtube

Subscribe and review The French Blabla Podcast

Thanks so much for tuning into the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and love the show, I’d really appreciate you subscribing and leaving me a review on your favourite podcast player.

The post Ep60 – Weird Sounds French people Make appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep59 – Unlocking the Power of TV Shows to Improve Your French: My Tips and Tricks

Speak Like a native — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:45:00 +0000

Unlock the Power of TV Shows

Looking for a fun and effective way to improve your French language skills?

While using TV shows and movies to learn a language has always been a popular method, it can be frustrating when subtitles are not designed for language learners.

In this episode of the podcast, we explore some tips for using TV shows to improve your comprehension of fast-spoken French and your pronunciation.

Keep in mind that TV shows are not a replacement for regular language study but rather a supplement to it. They can also be a great way for those who haven’t touched the language in years to get back into it.

When choosing a TV show to watch, make sure it’s at your level and somewhat understandable. The use of subtitles and transcripts is essential, and they should not be used passively as an immersion tool. Active use of these tools will allow you to better understand the language and improve your speaking skills.

So, if you’re feeling unmotivated or intimidated by traditional language learning methods, give Lingopie a try.

Consistency is key when it comes to language learning, and incorporating TV shows into your study routine can be a fun and effective way to improve your skills. Start with just a few minutes a day and gradually increase your time as you become more comfortable. With a bit of dedication, you’ll be speaking French like a pro in no time!

In this episode

The technique to improve your pronunciation
What to do for an effective learning
My tips to enrich your vocabulary and grammar
My free audio training to improve your understanding of fast spoken French

My free audio training

Click the image to get it

What I mentioned in this episode:

Episode 37 of the French Blabla podcast : Let’s remember grammar – Click to listen

Subscribe and review The French Blabla Podcast

Thanks so much for tuning into the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and love the show, I’d really appreciate you subscribing and leaving me a review on your favourite podcast player.

The post Ep59 – Unlocking the Power of TV Shows to Improve Your French: My Tips and Tricks appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep56 – Don’t always say no, say this instead

Speak Like a native — Sun, 16 Jan 2022 20:06:00 +0000

Colour your conversation with these phrases

Happy to be back after my holiday break. It went really too fast.

I guess it’s always like that when you have a break from work. It’s never long enough.

That being said, let’s not forget that it’s 2022 now, so bonne année à tous, je vous souhaite beaucoup de succès avec votre français et surtout la santé. C’est important en ce moment.

As you know, I’m not big on watching sports on tv but my partner is. It’s always a source of surprise and learning.

He’s been really into rugby these past months, mainly because the NHL matches are unwatchable with their commercial breaks every 5 minutes.

He noticed a big difference between the way north american commentators talk about matches and the way French commentators do.

If you’ve been following the podcast for some time, you may get where I’m heading with this.

In this episode

Alternatives phrases to “no”
Bonus phrases to say “no” in a shop

Subscribe and review The French Blabla Podcast

Thanks so much for tuning into the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and love the show, I’d really appreciate you subscribing and leaving me a review on your favourite podcast player.

The post Ep56 – Don’t always say no, say this instead appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep55 – Don’t always say “au revoir”, say this instead!

Speak Like a native — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 20:15:00 +0000

Discover the secrets of the different goodbyes

Welcome to the fifty-fifth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

Coucou à tous, je suis heureuse de vous retrouver pour un nouvel épisode.

Today’s topic is a request from one of my students, Leah. We’ve been working together for some time now in my Let’s Talk conversation class.

I was surprised when she asked me to cover this. I’m always very glad to receive suggestions because even though I try my best to cover everything you need to speak like a native, I cannot possibly come up with every idea in the world.

Leah’s French is good and as such, her request really took me by surprise. She asked me to cover the different ways to say goodbye.

You know, this is typical of certain topics we, as French teachers, take for granted, we don’t think twice about them. Something like goodbye, as simple as it seems, deserves an episode because there are numerous ways to express this idea.

And you might be surprised, so stay tuned because I have one goodbye you probably don’t know and a bonus hello I’m sure you don’t use at all even though you should.

In this Episode

The truth behind the word “adieu”
This special way to use “à bientôt”
A bonus hello that you probably don’t know

Bonus video

Do you have any puzzling grammatical use that you struggle with? Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try? Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

Subscribe and review The French Blabla Podcast

Thanks so much for tuning into the podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and love the show, I’d really appreciate you subscribing and leaving me a review on your favourite podcast player.

The post Ep55 – Don’t always say “au revoir”, say this instead! appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep54 – Parce que, parce que… time to shake up the way you speak!

Speak Like a native — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 21:23:00 +0000

Two alternatives to words you use all the time

Welcome to the fifty-fourth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

Bonjour à tous et bienvenue pour un nouvel épisode de podcast. How is your French going? Now that summer is over and we get back in the daily groove of things with work and school, have you found a place in your busy schedule for your French studies? I hope so and if you haven’t, let’s take advantage of the few minutes we have together to improve your French. Thank you for sharing your precious time with me.

I was thinking about my students from my Let’s Talk conversation class. Check it out if you want to practice your French. I noticed that when they speak, a lot of them tend to rely on the same words, like “parce que”, the same structures, over and over again.

There’s nothing wrong about it, especially when we start learning, but there are other words and other structures that we use a lot in spoken French. However, it’s difficult to know which ones to choose, because when you open a grammar book and you look for certain types of words, you’re overwhelmed with a list of a dozen words… which one to choose? and especially which ones are actually common in daily French? There’s no way to know.

Today let me give you two alternatives to “parce que” and “bien que” that you’re not even going to find in books or in class.

Share your answers in the comment section

I’m really looking forward to your answers to my little challenge. After a few contributions, I will post the answer to the quizz. Do you have any puzzling grammatical use that you struggle with? Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try? Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

The post Ep54 – Parce que, parce que… time to shake up the way you speak! appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep53 – Don’t say “de rien”, use these words instead!

Speak Like a native — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 18:46:00 +0000

Add some colour in your French

Welcome to the fifty-third episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

Bonjour à tous, thanks for tuning in today, I hope you’re ready for a new episode.

Last year, yes, a long time ago, I started a small series called “Don’t say this, say that instead”. The goal here was to expand your vocabulary with natural words as well as explaining to you the subtleties of all the possibilities you had.

It was pretty popular, at least the statistics and the emails you sent me say so.

If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go check episode 36 to learn a weird French sound and episode 33 to stop saying yes all the time.

In the light of all this, I’ve decided to do a third instalment… there might be a fourth one too, but let’s not put the cart before the horse.

As the title suggests, we’re going to learn what to say when somebody says “merci” to you. Because yes, there are numerous ways you can answer.

Let’s start, shall we?

In this Episode

Master different ways to show politeness like a native
Add nuances through different “de rien”
How to use “je vous en prie” according to different situations

The post Ep53 – Don’t say “de rien”, use these words instead! appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep52 – Tout, tout, tout you’ll know everything about… everything

Speak Like a native — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 16:01:00 +0000

Coucou à tous ! Merci d’être là aujourd’hui avec moi pour un nouvel épisode. J’espère que vous allez bien et que vous profitez de l’été. This episode, once more, is a request. from you guys, Tony and Sneha. I’m sure I’ve butchered your name, sorry. They wanted me to review how to use the words tout, tous, toutes… the word meaning all and especially its pronunciation because it can be tricky. After this episode, you’ll see that there’s nothing that difficult, it’s just puzzling sometimes, that’s all.

In this Episode

When to pronounce and when not to pronounce this damn last letter in a word
The mistake almost every learner makes when they say “monde”
Tout, tous… when to pronounce the S and when you don’t

The post Ep52 – Tout, tout, tout you’ll know everything about… everything appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep51 – How to compliment like a native

Speak Like a native — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 22:16:00 +0000

This episode is a request from a dear listener, her name is Samin. She contacted me on Instagram and told me about the difficulties she has when she wants to compliment in French. We’re going to study different phrases so that you’ll be able to say something more than “c’est beau”. You’ll know several phrases to compliment and to show admiration. Don’t forget to download the infographic that sums up all the things you’ll learn today.

In this episode

Compliment like a native
Several techniques to add emotions to your speech
Review the repetition

The post Ep51 – How to compliment like a native appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep46 – Let’s talk about our shopping habits

Speak Like a native — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 21:32:00 +0000

In this episode, Candice comes back for a chat. We had a nice talk about her dream house in this episode. Today, we will discover her shopping habits. It will be a good opportunity to review how to properly use articles. If you struggle with them, it’s time to listen and download the study guide to practice.

In this Episode

Real conversation with real fillers and regional pronunciation
Learn or review how to use articles
Vocabulary about grocery shopping

Tell me about your shopping habits in the comment section

Now is your turn to tell me about your shopping habits. With the help of the grammar that you’ve learnt in the study guide, write a few lines about how you shop and where you shop. What do you usually buy? What do you never buy? I’ll be waiting for you in the comment section. I can’t wait to discover a bit more about you!

The post Ep46 – Let’s talk about our shopping habits appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep41 – Are you guilty of saying “comme ci comme ça ” ? Time to use “bof” instead

Speak Like a native — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the forty-first episode of the French Blabla podcast, where we not only enhance your French fluency but also delve into the fascinating meaning of “comme ci comme ca.”

This episode is dedicated to unraveling the layers behind this commonly used yet often misunderstood phrase in the French language.

Have you ever casually replied “comme ci comme ca” when asked about your well-being?

While this phrase has found its way into many conversations, its true essence often remains a mystery.

In today’s episode, we’re going beyond the surface to explore the real meaning of “comme ci comme ca” and how it’s perceived in everyday French dialogue.

Interestingly, despite its popularity in language classes and media, “comme ci comme ca” is not as commonly used among native French speakers as one might think.

Building on our previous discussions, such as in episode 22 where we decoded “I’m excited,” this episode takes a deeper dive into the meaning of “comme ci comme ca.”

We’ll explore how this phrase encapsulates a sense of indifference or moderate satisfaction, and how it’s contextually used in French conversations.

In This Episode, You Will Discover:

An in-depth exploration of the phrase “comme ci comme ça” in the French language.
Key body language expressions that complement the verbal nuances of French.
Authentic responses to the question “How are you?” in French, moving beyond the cliché “comme ci comme ca.”
Cultural insights into the subtleties of French social interactions and conversational etiquette.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we dissect the meaning of “comme ci comme ca,” offering you a richer understanding of French conversational nuances.

Tune in to French Blabla Podcast Episode 41 for an engaging and informative session that will elevate your grasp of the French language and culture.

A precious contribution by a fellow listener! A real gem

Share your questions in the comment section

Do you have any situation where you struggle in French? Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try? Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

Music by Bensound.com

The post Ep41 – Are you guilty of saying “comme ci comme ça ” ? Time to use “bof” instead appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep39 – Listen if you hesitate about the pronunciation of “plus”

Speak Like a native — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the thirty-ninth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

Today’s episode is a special request from a dear listener, Sarah. She contacted me on the chat and she told me “Caroline, in French you usually drop the last letter. But how is it with the “plus” I can’t figure out when to say plu or plus“. When I read her question, I panicked a little bit because there was no way I could explain the rules in just two sentences on a chat while preparing dinner. I gave her a very simplified answer but we really need an episode. This is a topic that comes up a lot and a question that you will find in many French podcasts. Today is my turn to cover it. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

The rules you need to know how to pronounce the word “plus”
A challenge for you to shine

Do you know what you shouldn’t pronounce? That’s right! “Comme ci comme ça” is a big no no. Get the mug and never make this mistake again. Click the picture to know more.

Share your answers in the comment section

I’m really looking forward to your answers to my little challenge. After a few contributions, I will post the answer to the quizz. Do you have any other words that you struggle to use in French? Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try? Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

Music by Bensound.com / Audio Sponsor by Timbre · Freesound

The post Ep39 – Listen if you hesitate about the pronunciation of “plus” appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep37 – Let’s remember grammar

Speak Like a native — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the thirty-seventh episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

Today’s episode is a special request from a dear listener, Russ. In episode 33, he told me that he struggles to remember and use certain phrases that combine too many verbs. We will talk about a method that will help you remember difficult grammar. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

My personal method to remember difficult grammar
A talk about chunking
A challenge for you to shine

For people who like research, here’s some about chunking and how it contributes to fluency. From Evers-Vermeul et al (2017)

Share your questions in the comment section

Do you have any other phrases that you struggle to use in French? Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try? Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

The post Ep37 – Let’s remember grammar appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep36 – Don’t say “je ne sais pas”, use these words instead

Speak Like a native — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the thirty-sixth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

In episode 33, we talked about different alternatives to the word “oui” you could use to enrich your conversation and to become a more active participant. In this episode, we continue to expand our vocabulary and we’re going to tackle the phrase “je ne sais pas”. It’s totally ok to use this in your conversations but let’s study some other ways to express this idea in a bit more colourful way. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

Master different ways to show your ignorance like a native
Add nuances through different “je ne sais pas”
A funny anecdote about cultural differences

Music by bensound.com / Audio Sponsor by Timbre – Freesound

The post Ep36 – Don’t say “je ne sais pas”, use these words instead appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep35 – Let’s talk about our summer plans

Speak Like a native — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 19:30:00 +0000

Welcome to the thirty-fifth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

In this episode we have a new guest, Arnaud. Summer is very close and he will tell us about his plans for the upcoming months as well as his struggle with pollen allergy. Through our conversation, we’ll learn how to talk about our plans for the future and we will review how to build the near future tense. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

French culture nuggets about an underrated French region
Learn or review how to build and use the near future tense
A challenge for you to shine

Tell me about your plans for the summer in the comment section

Now is your turn to tell me about your plans for the summer. With the help of the grammar that you’ve learnt in the study guide, write a few lines about what you’re going to do next month. I’ll be waiting for you in the comment section. I can’t wait to discover a bit more about you!

Music by Bensound.com

The post Ep35 – Let’s talk about our summer plans appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep34 – Let’s talk about our dream house

Speak Like a native — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 16:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the thirty-fourth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

In this new episode we will have with Candice again. After her trip to Ireland a few years ago, she comes back on the podcast to talk about her recent moving and her house. Through our conversation, we’ll learn how to talk about our accommodation and how to compare. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

Learn the vocabulary of the accommodation
Learn and review how to use the comparison
French culture nugget – Discover an underrated French region
A challenge for you to shine

Tell me about where you live in the comment section

Now is your turn to tell me about your house or your appartment. With the help of the vocabulary and grammar that you’ve learnt in the study guide, write a few lines about the place you live in. I’ll be waiting for you in the comment section. I can’t wait to discover a bit more about you!

Music by Bensound.com

The post Ep34 – Let’s talk about our dream house appeared first on French Blabla.

Episode 33 – Don’t say yes, use these words instead!

Speak Like a native — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 17:23:00 +0000

Be more active in your conversation

Welcome to the thirty-third episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

I thought it would be interesting to continue on the topic of words to say when interacting with French people. This time, we will study how to express agreement and we will go beyond our traditional “yes”. You’ll be able to create a more active conversation and to add feelings and nuances. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

Master different ways to show agreement like a native
Add nuances and feelings through agreement
Bonus – how to call the doctor’s office

Episode 33 - Dialogue

Dialogue transcription

Share your questions in the comment section

Do you have any other phrases that you struggle to use in French?

Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try?

Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

Music by Bensound.com – Audio Sponsor by Timbre – Freesound

The post Episode 33 – Don’t say yes, use these words instead! appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep31 – Using the verb être this way will make your teacher scream

Speak Like a native — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 19:15:00 +0000

Welcome to the thirty-first episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

Today we’re going to talk about the very first verb you learnt, the verb être, to be. We will learn how to use it in a totally incorrect way but so frequently used in France. We will also learn how to talk about our localization and our whereabouts in a more natural way. This new way to use the verb “être” will make your French teacher scream. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

A new way to use the verb “être”
Variations to talk about your localization
A challenge for you to shine

Share your answers in the comment section

I’m really looking forward to your answers to my holiday exercise using the verb être and the other verbs studied in the episode. Do you have any other verbs that you struggle to use in French? Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try? Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

Music by Bensound.com

The post Ep31 – Using the verb être this way will make your teacher scream appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep 30 – Do you know how to apologize like a native

Speak Like a native — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 17:41:00 +0000

Welcome to the thirtieth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

I thought it would be interesting to continue on the topic of formal phrases or words to say when interacting with French people. This episode is kind of a follow-up of episode 28, where we covered how to wish but this time we will learn how to apologize. It will be a good opportunity also to explain how to translate “I’m confused” in French. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

Every way to apologize
Stop the confusion of “I’m confused”
A challenge for you to shine

Share your answers in the comment section

I’m really looking forward to your answers to my little challenge. After a few contributions, I will post the answer to the quizz. Do you have any other phrases that you struggle to use in French? Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try? Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

Music by Bensound.com / Audio sponsor by Timbre – Freesound

The post Ep 30 – Do you know how to apologize like a native appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep29 – Mixing “an” with “année” will be a thing of the past

Speak Like a native — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 17:05:00 +0000

Welcome to the twenty-ninth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

The beginning of the year is the perfect opportunity to study the difference between “an” and “année”. I know that a lot of you get mixed up and don’t really understand how to choose one or the other. Today, let’s cover together a few simple rules that will make your French easier. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

The rules to choose between “an” and “année”
The rules to choose between “jour” and “journée”
A cheat sheet to download with the tips from today’s episode

Share your answers in the comment section

I’m really looking forward to your answers to my little challenge. After a few contributions, I will post the answer to the quizz. Do you have any other word pair that you struggle to use in French? Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try? Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

Music by Bensound.com

The post Ep29 – Mixing “an” with “année” will be a thing of the past appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep 28 – How 16 wishes will change the way you show empathy in French

Speak Like a native — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 16:30:00 +0000

Welcome to the twenty-eighth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

Happy new year to everybody! Let’s begin 2020 on a slow note with a vocabulary lesson. We’ll keep the grammar for another episode. Today, we’ll cover formal phrases that we use to wish in French and to show empathy. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

Formal phrases for various situations to wish in French and to show empathy
Sound like a native
Nuggets of French culture
A cheat sheet to download with the tips from today’s episode

What do you want to see next? Share in the comment section

Do you have any other situations in which you struggle to find the proper words? Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try? Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

Music by Bensound.com / Audio sponsor by Timbre – Freesound

The post Ep 28 – How 16 wishes will change the way you show empathy in French appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep26 – On vs Nous – Let the battle begin

Speak Like a native — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 16:30:00 +0000

Let's change the way you talk

Welcome to the twenty-sixth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

This episode will clear the mystery around the use of “on” vs “nous” and hopefully will change the way you talk forever.

We will unveil the many secrets of “on”. After this episode, you’ll be a master.

If you want to sound even more like a native, listen again to episode 15 if you’re a beginner and episode 16 if you’re intermediate or advanced.

Stay tuned!

In this Episode

Tips to talk about yourself more naturally
No more confusion with “on” vs “nous”
Instantly sound like a native
A challenge for you to shine

Share your answers in the comment section

I’m really looking forward to your answers to my little challenge.

After a few contributions, I will post the answer to the quizz.

Do you have any other grammatical mystery that you want to understand in French?

Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try?

Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

Music by Bensound.com

The post Ep26 – On vs Nous – Let the battle begin appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep22 – How to say “I’m excited” like a native

Speak Like a native — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 09:58:00 +0000

"Je suis excité" ???

Welcome to the twenty-second episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

In episode 4, we talked about risque pronunciation and English words that translated poorly in French. If you haven’t listened to this episode or if you don’t remember, I suggest you go listen.

Today, we’re going to focus on one of these phrases “I’m excited”.

It’s commonly translated word for word and it’s something you should stay away from. Listen to today’s episode to discover how to translate “I’m excited” like a native. Stay tuned!

Share what you're excited about in the comment section

Do you have any other phrases or puzzling words that you struggle with? What are you excited about in your life? Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

Music by Bensound.com

The post Ep22 – How to say “I’m excited” like a native appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep21 – What’s your favourite recipe?

Speak Like a native — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 14:15:00 +0000

Welcome to the twenty-first episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

In this new episode we will talk about eating and I will share with you an easy French recipe that I like. We’ll learn how to talk about our food and discover a new tense to help you share your local recipes. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

The imperative tense
Learn the vocabulary of cooking
French culture nugget
A challenge for you to shine

Tell me about your favourite recipe in the comment section

Now is your turn to tell me about the things you like to eat. With the help of the vocabulary and grammar that you’ve learnt in the study guide, share with me a recipe from your country or your favourite recipe. I’ll be waiting for you in the comment section. I can’t wait to discover a bit more about you!

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep21 – What’s your favourite recipe? appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep19 – Let’s talk about your family

Speak Like a native — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 13:12:00 +0000

Welcome to the nineteenth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

In this new episode we will meet Louis and we will have a talk about his family. As he’s from Corsica, you will notice that his accent is different from Nicole’s. Through our conversation, we’ll learn how to talk about our family and then it will be your turn. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

Discover a new French accent
Learn the vocabulary of the family
French culture nugget
A challenge for you to shine

Tell me about your relatives in the comment section

Now is your turn to tell me about the people close to you. With the help of the vocabulary and grammar that you’ve learnt in the study guide, write a few lines about the members of your family. I’ll be waiting for you in the comment section. I can’t wait to discover a bit more about you!

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep19 – Let’s talk about your family appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep18 – What do you do on weekends – Let’s talk about hobbies

Speak Like a native — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 10:58:00 +0000

Welcome to the eighteenth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning. In this new episode we meet Nicole, one of my relatives and she will talk about her hobbies and what she likes doing during the weekends. Through our conversation, we’ll learn how to talk about our activities but also we will study some fluency tips to improve your listening skills. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

Talk about likes and dislikes
Learn the vocabulary of hobbies
Discover the French culture
A challenge for you to shine

Tell me about your hobbies in the comment section

Now is your turn to tell me about your hobbies! With the help of the vocabulary and grammar that you’ve learnt in the study guide, write a few lines about what you like doing and what you don’t like doing on weekends. I’ll be waiting for you in the comment section. I can’t wait to discover a bit more about you!

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep18 – What do you do on weekends – Let’s talk about hobbies appeared first on French Blabla.

L’heure du conte – Pierre et le cadeau de Noël

Speak Like a native — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 06:36:00 +0000

Discovering the Joy of French Festivities: how do we say merry christmas in french - My Special Holiday Episode

As the festive season draws near, I find myself enveloped in the magic of Christmas, especially the French way.

In today’s special holiday episode, I’m excited to share with you the essence of French Christmas traditions, focusing on how do we say merry christmas in French.

This episode is more than just learning a phrase; it’s about embracing the cultural richness that comes with these words.

When writing heartfelt cards or sending warm messages to loved ones, knowing how do we say merry christmas in French becomes essential.

I’ll guide you through crafting the perfect holiday greetings, ensuring your words resonate with the warmth and joy of the season.

But that’s not all – I’m also diving into the delightful world of French Christmas decoration vocabulary. From sparkling ‘guirlandes’ (garlands) to twinkling ‘lumières’ (lights), I’ll teach you how to discuss these festive adornments with ease.

And, as always, a comprehensive study guide awaits.

This guide is designed to help you practice and perfect these special holiday phrases, ensuring you’re ready to spread holiday cheer in true French style.

In this Episode

Mastering Holiday Greetings: I’ll explore the nuances of how do we say merry christmas in French

French Christmas Vocabulary: Join me in expanding our French lexicon with essential Christmas decoration terms. Learn how to describe your holiday setup in French, from the ‘sapin de Noël’ (Christmas tree) to the ‘couronnes’ (wreaths).

Writing Perfect Holiday Cards: I’ll share tips on composing heartfelt Christmas and New Year cards in French. We’ll cover everything from formal greetings to friendly wishes.

Interactive Study Guide: Engage with my specially designed study guide, complete with exercises and quizz to reinforce your learning and ensure you’re ready to celebrate Christmas the French way.

Join me in this enchanting episode as we explore the beauty of French holiday traditions. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to polish your French skills, this episode is packed with cultural insights, practical tips, and a whole lot of festive fun. Tune in and let’s celebrate ‘Noël’ with a touch of French eleganc!

Share your wishes in the comment section

In the study guide, there’s a creative exercise for you to do. If you’d like me to have a look at it, please share it in the comment section. Let’s send our best wishes to each other for the holidays. I can’t wait!

Joyeux Noël à tous,

Music by Nicolai Heidlas “Let It Be Christmas”

The post L’heure du conte – Pierre et le cadeau de Noël appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep17 – French Essentials #3 – Stop confusing Connaître and Savoir

Speak Like a native — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 21:48:00 +0000

Welcome to the seventeenth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning. I come back with a new episode in the French essentials series. If you haven’t checked the two other episodes, click here to end the confusion between “bon” et “bien” and here for the difference between “c’est” and “il est”. Today we will study the differences between the verbs “connaître” and “savoir”. You will also discover the magic recipe to always know which one to use. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

A magic rule to always know between your “Connaître” and your “savoir”
A special use of the verb “connaître”
A cheat sheet to download with the tips from today’s episode
A challenge for you to shine

Share your answers in the comment section

I’m really looking forward to your answers to my little challenge. After a few contributions, I will post the answer to the quizz. Do you have any other pairs or puzzling grammatical use that you struggle with? Is there something that you can’t seem to master no matter how hard you try? Don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment section.

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep17 – French Essentials #3 – Stop confusing Connaître and Savoir appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep15 – How to litter your French like a native #1

Speak Like a native — Sat, 22 Oct 2016 19:36:00 +0000

Bonjour à tous, Welcome to the fifteenth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning. This episode is the first part of a two parts series in which we will study how to speak a more natural French through common transformations. This episode is aimed at beginners with easy and instantly actionable tips that will improve your French in under 8 minutes. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

The smooshing comes back
Three tips to sound more natural
Improve your listening skills
A dictation challenge

Here’s a very good example of the disappearance of the “il” in the phrase “il y a”. It’s a very common phenomenon and I encourage you to do it too. As a bonus, in the first sentence, you will notice that the “ils” in front of the verb “étaient” also got a little transformation and turned into a simple “i”. Watch until 0’22.

“Alors ? Combien ils étaient ?”
– Bah, y en avait plusieurs… Y en avait là… Y en avait environ là… Y en avait derrière…
– Et… et là aussi ?
– Et là aussi oui. Et y en avait là.
– Ok. Donc “Y en avait là.””

Join the dictation challenge in the comment section

In the episode, I challenged you with three smooshed sentences where I applied all the tips that we learnt today. Will you be able to recognize the transformations and write what I said in the comment section?

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep15 – How to litter your French like a native #1 appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep13 – Don’t forget your raincoat in Ireland – Let’s talk about the weather

Speak Like a native — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 17:05:00 +0000

Coucou tout le monde, Welcome to the thirteenth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning. In this new episode we will continue our trip to Dublin with Candice. This time, she will talk about the weather . Through our conversation, we’ll learn how to talk about the weather but also we will study some fluency tips to improve your listening skills. Stay tuned !

In this Episode

Bad French English accent
Learn the vocabulary of the weather
Tips for a better pronunciation
A challenge for you to shine

Tell me about the weather in your city in the comment section

Now is your turn to tell me about where you live! With the help of the vocabulary and grammar that you’ve learnt in the study guide, write a few lines about the typical weather that you have where you live. You can also describe what the weather is like depending on the seasons. I’ll be waiting for you in the comment section. I can’t wait to discover a bit more about you!

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep13 – Don’t forget your raincoat in Ireland – Let’s talk about the weather appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep12 – Dublin is so cool – How to describe your city

Speak Like a native — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 16:49:00 +0000

Bonjour à tous, Welcome to the twelfth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning. This episode is a bit special, I’ve decided to have a chat with my little sister and we talked about her last holidays in Dublin. Through our conversation, we’ll learn how to talk about our city. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

Bad French English accent
Learn the vocabulary of the city
Tips for a better pronunciation
A challenge for you to shine

Tell me about your city in the comment section

Now is your turn to tell me about your city! With the help of the vocabulary and grammar that you’ve learnt in the study guide, write a few lines about a city you like or the one where you live in. I’ll be waiting for you in the comment section. I can’t wait to discover a bit more about you!

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep12 – Dublin is so cool – How to describe your city appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep11 – The Real French Etiquette in Shops

Speak Like a native — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 13:30:00 +0000

Bonjour à tous, Welcome to the eleventh episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning. This episode is once again inspired by one of my advanced student who told me a story of an embarrassing situation she experienced in a shop in Paris. She was shocked that nobody told her about that. Today we’re going to study together the real French manners when you go to shops so that you don’t have to experience what my student did. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

A common French attitude
Learn the real French etiquette
Stop saying “je voudrais”

Share your anecdotes in the comment section

Have something like that ever happened to you? Have you ever found yourself in a situation you didn’t understand? How did you react? If you have some embarrassing or funny stories to share, I’ll be delighted to read them. I’ll be waiting for you in the comment section.

Reference:

http://theses.univ-lyon2.fr/documents/lyon2/2002/trinh_dt/pdfAmont/trinh_dt_chapitre6.pdf

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep11 – The Real French Etiquette in Shops appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep08 – Essentials#2 – Stop confusing Bon and Bien

Speak Like a native — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 17:27:00 +0000

Bonjour à tous, Welcome to the eight episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning. Let’s start 2016 with some French! I wish you all the best for this new year and I hope you will fill it with language learning. To kick-start it, today we will cover two words that learners usually don’t really know how to use. We will cover tips to choose wisely and to understand why we use what we use depending on the situation. Stay tuned!

In this Episode

Mistakes to avoid
Cheat words to swap to instantly know whether to use “bon” or “bien”
A cheat sheet to download with the tips from today’s episode
A challenge for you to shine

Share your answers in the comment section

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep08 – Essentials#2 – Stop confusing Bon and Bien appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep07 – Asking questions about work like a native

Speak Like a native — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 14:05:00 +0000

Welcome to the seventh episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning. I initially thought that this episode would be the second part of my French Essentials serie, but I changed my mind in the mean time and really wanted to do a follow-up of the third episode where we talked about introducing ourselves like real French people. I thought that doing a single episode about self-introduction and basically about proper French social chit-chat wasn’t enough.

As for the last episode, do you remember my little challenge? I would like to thank Elias, Ruth, and Danielle for their answers. You did great and right! Congrats to the 3 of you. I’m so happy you joined me here.

In this Episode

Which phrases are real French and which aren’t
How to be polite even where you’re not interested
How to ask for details gracefully
A cheat sheet to download with the tips from today’s episode

Choose what will be next on the French Blabla podcast!

This podcast is for you and your French journey, I’m really interested in knowing what you would like me to cover in the next episodes. Is there a grammar point or a situation that you’re curious about? Something you learnt at school you’d like me to frenchify? Please tell me your ideas in the comment section

A très vite pour un nouvel épisode !

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep07 – Asking questions about work like a native appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep06 – French Essentials#1 – Stop confusing C’est and Il est

Speak Like a native — Sat, 31 Oct 2015 11:02:00 +0000

Avoid this easy trap!

Welcome to the sixth episode of the French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

This episode was created hearing my advanced students make this mistake over and over again.

I’ve decided that it was time to end the confusion and help choose correctly between the two constructions.

In today’s episode, you will see that it’s a trap easy to avoid.

We will cover tips to choose wisely and to understand why we use what we use depending on the situation.

Stay tuned!

In this Episode

Real tips and explanations
Use the two constructions like a boss
A cheat sheet to download with the tips from today’s episode
A challenge for you to shine

Share your answers in the comment section

I’m really looking forward to your answers to my little challenge. After a few contributions, I will post the answer to the quizz.

Oh and by the way, you remember the question I asked you in the episode, I hope you chose “c’est une fille”!

Don’t forget that with an article + noun, we use “c’est”, not “il est”. If you chose correctly, let me know in the comments too!

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep06 – French Essentials#1 – Stop confusing C’est and Il est appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep03 – How to introduce yourself like a native

Speak Like a native — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:16:00 +0000

Welcome to the third episode of the French Blabla podcast, where we not only enhance your French fluency but also delve into the basics of conversation, starting with how to say hi in the French language.

Today, we’re revisiting your first-ever French lesson – remember learning to introduce yourself?

While “Je m’appelle” is a good start, it’s time to explore what natives actually say.

In This Episode, You Will Discover:

Effective ways to introduce yourself in French, going beyond the textbook phrases.
How to bid farewell to artificial French and embrace authentic expressions.
Essential etiquette for greeting and meeting people, including how to say hi in the French language.

Join us as we break down the nuances of everyday greetings.

You’ll learn not just how to say hi in the French language, but also how to make a genuine connection from the very first “Bonjour.”

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to polish your conversational skills, this episode is packed with practical tips and cultural insights.

Music by Bensound.com

The post Ep03 – How to introduce yourself like a native appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep02 – Sound like a native – The R sound

Speak Like a native — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:16:00 +0000

Welcome to the second episode of French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

In today’s episode, we will talk about the most difficult sound of the French language, that is to say our R sound. Feared by many of you, after this episode, you will know all there is to know about it and you will have the tools to face this sound!

In this Episode

Reasons you can’t pronounce R in every word
A step by step guide to pronounce the R sound
How to create your personalized drills

Share your story in comments below

We’ve all been struggling with pronunciation and it can be so frustrating not to be able to sound the way we want. Try to do the exercises and tell me if it helped. Which position of the R is the most difficult to you? I would love to hear about it.

Music by Bensound.com

The post Ep02 – Sound like a native – The R sound appeared first on French Blabla.

Ep01 – Overcome your fear of speaking now!

Speak Like a native — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 12:16:00 +0000

Welcome to the first episode of French Blabla podcast where we will cover tips to increase your fluency while boosting your way of learning.

In today’s episode, we will talk about a situation that every learner has faced at least once. It can be a real plague for some of us and prevent us from reaching our full potential. Today is the day you will discover how to overcome your fear of speaking.

In this Episode

Reasons we get blocked and paralyzed when speaking a foreign language
Why the recurrent advice “go face your fear” doesn’t work
Why active listening will improve your communication
8 practical tips to definitely get rid of fear

BONUS

One of the expressions we can use to do an active listening but also to sound more natural is “C’est-à-dire ?”. You will find more expressions in the PDF: Ep01 – Overcome your fear of speaking now – Active listening expressions

Share your story in comments below

We’ve all felt this way at one point in our learning journey. What are the situations when you feel anxious and blocked? What do you do to overcome your fear? I would love to hear about it.

References

Young, D.J. (1991)Creating a Low-Anxiety Classroom Environment: What Does LanguageAnxiety Research Suggest? [Electronic version]. The Modern Language Journal, 75 (4),426-439
“I CAN UNDERSTAND BUT CANNOT SPEAK”: LANGUAGE ANXIETY FOR ORAL COMMUNICATION
Azamat A. Akbarova, Ph.D., Hakan Aydoğan, Ph.D.c., Ali Doğan, Ph.D.c., Kemal Gonen, Ph.D.c., Enes Tuncdemir, Ph.D.c.
Crookall, David & Rebecca Oxford. “Dealing with Anxiety: Some Practical Activities for Language Learners and Teacher Trainees.” Language Anxiety: From Theory and Research to Classroom Implication
Coping with anxiety and Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Produced November 2010 By Lee Brosan Brenda Hogan Eloise Flight Jeanette Freyland Friederike Kult Emma Lightning Richard Van Heeswyk

Music by bensound.com

The post Ep01 – Overcome your fear of speaking now! appeared first on French Blabla.