Achever, vtr : to finish, to finish [sth] off, to complete. The French word « achever » looks a lot like the English word “achieve.” The word “achieve” in English typically means to accomplish or to be successful. In French, « achever » means “to finish, to finish something off, or to complete.” Vous pourrez […]
Énergie, nf : energy, vigor. avec énergie : energetically, vigorously Je n’ai pas beaucoup d’énergie ce matin. I haven’t got much energy this morning. Il récurait le plancher avec énergie. He was scouring the floor energetically. Il a protesté avec énergie. He protested vigorously.
Did you know that the prefix “re-” often indicates repetition: “redire” (to say again). Before a vowel, it becomes “ré-“: “être réélu” (to be re-elected), “réinventer” (to reinvent), etc. There are also some verbs that begin with a vowel or an “h” that take the prefix “r-” (without the “e”): “rouvrir” (to reopen), “rhabiller” (to […]
Let gardening season begin! Although I’m not French, I so enjoy their appreciation of simplicity and elegance that extends to their gardens. I was recently reading an article from a French newspaper (Le Reveil Normand (Orne), 27 May 2026, “Gardening, ally of physical and mental health”) about the benefits of gardening on our health, especially […]
« Sauter au plafond ». Literal translation: To jump to the ceiling. Meaning: To hit the ceiling (to be very angry). To jump for joy. Quand il a annoncé l’erreur au chef, il a sauté au plafond. When he told the boss of the mistake, he hit the ceiling. Quand le voisin a trouvé son […]
La Marne (edition Meaux), le 27 May 2026 Tartelettes chocolat, pistache et framboise Pour 4 à 6 personnes : 4 pots de crème dessert chocolat noir Marie Morin, 40 g de sucre, 1 jaune d’oeuf, 60 g de beurre, 100 g de farine, 15 g de poudre d’amandes, quelques framboises, quelques pistaches non salées. Mélanger […]
Accommoder, vtr : to prepare, to adapt. The French word « accommoder » looks a lot like the English word “accomodate.” The word “accomodate” in English typically means to provide lodging or to provide space. It can also mean to fulfill a need or request, or to adapt to something. As a semi-false cognate, in […]
Réalité, nf : reality, truth. la réalité des faits : the reality of the situation dans la réalité : in reality en réalité : in reality, in actual fact Il faut regarder la réalité en face, c’est impossible ! You have to face reality; it’s impossible! La réalité dépasse parfois la fiction. Sometimes, reality is […]
Did you know that “Au fait” (the final “t” is pronounced) is used at the beginning of a sentence to get someone’s attention and before saying something you’ve just thought of? It can also be used to link back to the topic you were just talking about or to the current situation. En français : […]
Today, I finished watching the French TV series Mystery of Manon which is currently offered on PBS Passport. Very well done and well acted. With all the twists and turns, it wasn’t until the very last few minutes that I guessed the ending… the mystery was well hidden. Set in a coastal village, north or […]
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