The Most Common French Words

When learning French, starting with the most common words provides the fastest path to effective communication. Around 100 frequently used words constitute nearly half of all spoken and written French.

The Most Common French Words

The Most Common Words in French with Meaning

Understanding the most frequent French words is the cornerstone of effective communication. These foundational words appear constantly in everyday speech and text, allowing learners to grasp the core meaning of sentences and build confidence quickly. Mastering this essential vocabulary accelerates the French learning process significantly, helping you understand approximately 50% of typical French conversations.

French
Bonjour
English
Hello / Good morning (neutral/formal)
Example Sentence
Bonjour, Madame Martin.
Translation
Hello, Ms. Martin.
French
Salut
English
Hi / Hello (informal)
Example Sentence
Salut, comment va ta journée?
Translation
Hey, how's your day going?
French
Merci
English
Thank you
Example Sentence
Merci pour ton aide!
Translation
Thank you for your help!
French
Oui
English
Yes
Example Sentence
Oui, j'aimerais bien sortir ce soir.
Translation
Yes, I'd like to go out tonight.
French
Non
English
No
Example Sentence
Non, je n'ai pas le temps.
Translation
No, I don't have time.
French
S'il vous plaît
English
Please (formal or addressing group)
Example Sentence
Un verre d'eau, s'il vous plaît?
Translation
A glass of water, please?
French
S'il te plaît
English
Please (informal, singular)
Example Sentence
Passe-moi le sel, s'il te plaît.
Translation
Pass me the salt, please.
French
Excusez-moi
English
Excuse me (formal or addressing group)
Example Sentence
Excusez-moi, pourriez-vous m'indiquer la sortie?
Translation
Excuse me, could you show me the exit?
French
Excuse-moi
English
Excuse me (informal, singular)
Example Sentence
Excuse-moi, tu aurais une minute?
Translation
Excuse me, do you have a minute?
French
Pardon
English
Sorry ('oopsie')
Example Sentence
Pardon, je ne t'avais pas vu.
Translation
Sorry, I didn't see you there.
French
Désolé
English
Sorry (masculine; deeply sorry)
Example Sentence
Désolé, je n'ai pas compris votre question.
Translation
Sorry, I didn't understand your question.
French
Désolée
English
Sorry (feminine; deeply sorry)
Example Sentence
Désolée, je suis en retard pour le rendez-vous.
Translation
Sorry, I'm late for the appointment.
French
Comment
English
How
Example Sentence
Comment ça fonctionne?
Translation
How does this work?
French
Pourquoi
English
Why
Example Sentence
Pourquoi est-il parti si tôt?
Translation
Why did he leave so early?
French
Où
English
Where
Example Sentence
Où se trouve la station de métro?
Translation
Where is the subway station?
French
Quand
English
When
Example Sentence
Quand allons-nous partir?
Translation
When are we going to leave?
French
Qui
English
Who
Example Sentence
Qui a appelé tout à l'heure?
Translation
Who called earlier?
French
Combien
English
How much / How many
Example Sentence
Combien de personnes viennent?
Translation
How many people are coming?
French
Je
English
I
Example Sentence
Je suis médecin.
Translation
I am a doctor.
French
Tu
English
You (informal, singular)
Example Sentence
Tu veux venir au cinéma ce soir?
Translation
Do you want to go to the movies tonight?
French
Vous
English
You (formal or plural)
Example Sentence
Vous désirez autre chose?
Translation
Would you like anything else?
French
Il
English
He
Example Sentence
Il est en vacances.
Translation
He's on vacation.
French
Elle
English
She
Example Sentence
Elle travaille ici.
Translation
She works here.
French
Nous
English
We
Example Sentence
Nous allons au marché.
Translation
We're going to the market.
French
Ils
English
They (masc. / mixed)
Example Sentence
Ils vivent en France.
Translation
They live in France.
French
Elles
English
They (fem.)
Example Sentence
Elles étudient la biologie.
Translation
They study biology.
French
Et
English
And
Example Sentence
J'ai un chat et un chien.
Translation
I have a cat and a dog.
French
Beau
English
Handsome / Beautiful (masc.)
Example Sentence
Ton frère est très beau.
Translation
Your brother is very handsome.
French
Belle
English
Beautiful (fem.)
Example Sentence
Sa sœur est vraiment belle.
Translation
His/Her sister is really beautiful.
French
Nouveau
English
New (masc.)
Example Sentence
J'ai un nouveau portable.
Translation
I have a new phone.
French
Nouvelle
English
New (fem.)
Example Sentence
Elle a une nouvelle idée.
Translation
She has a new idea.
French
Vieux
English
Old (masc.)
Example Sentence
Mon ordinateur est vieux.
Translation
My computer is old.
French
Vieille
English
Old (fem.)
Example Sentence
Cette maison est vieille.
Translation
This house is old.
French
Ou
English
Or
Example Sentence
Chocolat ou vanille?
Translation
Chocolate or vanilla?
French
Très
English
Very
Example Sentence
C'est très intéressant!
Translation
That's very interesting!
French
Bien
English
Well / Good
Example Sentence
Il parle bien anglais.
Translation
He speaks English well.
French
Mal
English
Badly / Bad
Example Sentence
Je chante mal.
Translation
I sing badly.
French
Peut-être
English
Maybe
Example Sentence
Peut-être que je viendrai.
Translation
Maybe I'll come.
French
Toujours
English
Always
Example Sentence
Il est toujours poli.
Translation
He's always polite.
French
Jamais
English
Never
Example Sentence
Je ne regarde jamais la télé.
Translation
I never watch TV.
French
Souvent
English
Often
Example Sentence
Nous visitons souvent cette ville.
Translation
We often visit this city.
French
Parfois
English
Sometimes
Example Sentence
Parfois, je cuisine le soir.
Translation
Sometimes, I cook in the evening.
French
Maintenant
English
Now
Example Sentence
Je dois partir maintenant.
Translation
I have to leave now.
French
Aujourd'hui
English
Today
Example Sentence
Aujourd'hui, il fait très beau.
Translation
It's really nice out today.
French
Demain
English
Tomorrow
Example Sentence
On se voit demain?
Translation
See you tomorrow?
French
Hier
English
Yesterday
Example Sentence
Hier, j'ai beaucoup dormi.
Translation
Yesterday, I slept a lot.
French
Ici
English
Here
Example Sentence
Pose-le ici.
Translation
Put it here.
French
Là-bas
English
Over there
Example Sentence
Les toilettes sont là-bas.
Translation
The restrooms are over there.
French
Plus
English
More
Example Sentence
Je voudrais plus de détails.
Translation
I'd like more details.
French
Moins
English
Less
Example Sentence
Peux-tu parler un peu moins vite?
Translation
Could you speak a bit slower?
French
Beaucoup
English
A lot
Example Sentence
J'aime beaucoup voyager.
Translation
I like traveling a lot.
French
Peu
English
Little / Few
Example Sentence
Il y a peu de temps pour finir.
Translation
There's little time to finish.
French
Trop
English
Too much
Example Sentence
Tu mets trop de sel.
Translation
You're putting in too much salt.
French
Tout
English
All / Everything
Example Sentence
Tout est possible.
Translation
Everything is possible.
French
Rien
English
Nothing
Example Sentence
Je n'ai rien fait aujourd'hui.
Translation
I didn't do anything today.
French
Quelque chose
English
Something
Example Sentence
J'ai besoin de quelque chose de sucré.
Translation
I need something sweet.
French
Quelqu'un
English
Someone
Example Sentence
J'entends quelqu'un dans la pièce.
Translation
I hear someone in the room.
French
Personne
English
No one
Example Sentence
Il n'y a personne ici.
Translation
There's no one here.
French
Ce
English
This / That (masc.)
Example Sentence
Ce film est génial!
Translation
This movie is awesome!
French
Cette
English
This (fem.)
Example Sentence
Cette histoire est vraie.
Translation
This story is true.
French
Ces
English
These / Those
Example Sentence
Ces gens sont sympathiques.
Translation
These people are nice.
French
Mon
English
My (masc.)
Example Sentence
Mon frère habite à Londres.
Translation
My brother lives in London.
French
Ma
English
My (fem.)
Example Sentence
Ma sœur adore le sport.
Translation
My sister loves sports.
French
Mes
English
My (plural)
Example Sentence
Mes amis arrivent demain.
Translation
My friends arrive tomorrow.
French
Ton
English
Your (masc., informal)
Example Sentence
Ton téléphone sonne.
Translation
Your phone is ringing.
French
Ta
English
Your (fem., informal)
Example Sentence
Ta valise est déjà prête?
Translation
Is your suitcase ready?
French
Tes
English
Your (plural, informal)
Example Sentence
Tes parents sont en ville?
Translation
Are your parents in town?
French
Votre
English
Your (formal singular)
Example Sentence
Votre manteau est au vestiaire.
Translation
Your coat is in the cloakroom.
French
Vos
English
Your (formal plural)
Example Sentence
Vos passeports, s'il vous plaît.
Translation
Your passports, please.
French
Leur
English
Their
Example Sentence
Leur chien est très calme.
Translation
Their dog is very calm.
French
Leurs
English
Their (plural)
Example Sentence
Leurs enfants sont adorables.
Translation
Their children are adorable.
French
Avoir
English
To have
Example Sentence
J'ai faim.
Translation
I'm hungry.
French
Être
English
To be
Example Sentence
Nous sommes prêts.
Translation
We're ready.
French
Faire
English
To do / To make
Example Sentence
Que fais-tu ce weekend?
Translation
What are you doing this weekend?
French
Aller
English
To go
Example Sentence
Je vais au musée.
Translation
I'm going to the museum.
French
Venir
English
To come
Example Sentence
Tu viens chez moi ce soir?
Translation
Are you coming to my place tonight?
French
Pouvoir
English
Can / To be able to
Example Sentence
Je peux vous aider si vous voulez.
Translation
I can help you if you want.
French
Vouloir
English
To want
Example Sentence
Je veux apprendre le français.
Translation
I want to learn French.
French
Savoir
English
To know
Example Sentence
Je sais jouer du piano.
Translation
I know how to play piano.
French
Voir
English
To see
Example Sentence
Je veux voir cette exposition.
Translation
I want to see that exhibit.
French
Manger
English
To eat
Example Sentence
Nous allons manger après le film.
Translation
We're going to eat after the movie.
French
Boire
English
To drink
Example Sentence
J'aimerais boire un thé.
Translation
I'd like to drink tea.
French
Parler
English
To speak
Example Sentence
Peux-tu parler plus lentement?
Translation
Can you speak more slowly?
French
Comprendre
English
To understand
Example Sentence
Je ne comprends pas ta question.
Translation
I don't understand your question.
French
Aimer
English
To like / To love
Example Sentence
J'aime la musique classique.
Translation
I like classical music.
French
Donner
English
To give
Example Sentence
Peux-tu me donner un coup de main?
Translation
Can you give me a hand?
French
Prendre
English
To take
Example Sentence
Je vais prendre un café, merci.
Translation
I'll take a coffee, thanks.
French
Trouver
English
To find
Example Sentence
Je ne trouve pas mes clés.
Translation
I'm looking for my keys.
French
Chercher
English
To look for
Example Sentence
Je cherche mes lunettes.
Translation
I'm looking for my glasses.
French
Dire
English
To say
Example Sentence
Qu'est-ce que tu veux dire?
Translation
What do you mean?
French
Penser
English
To think
Example Sentence
Je pense souvent à mes vacances.
Translation
I often think about my vacation.
French
Attendre
English
To wait
Example Sentence
Attendez-moi cinq minutes, s'il vous plaît.
Translation
Wait for me five minutes, please.
French
Acheter
English
To buy
Example Sentence
Je vais acheter du pain frais.
Translation
I'm going to buy fresh bread.
French
Grand
English
Big / Tall
Example Sentence
Il est très grand pour son âge.
Translation
He's very tall for his age.
French
Petit
English
Small
Example Sentence
C'est un petit appartement.
Translation
It's a small apartment.
French
Lire
English
To read
Example Sentence
Je vais lire ce roman ce weekend.
Translation
I'm going to read this novel this weekend.
French
Écrire
English
To write
Example Sentence
Elle aime écrire des poèmes.
Translation
She likes to write poems.
French
Ouvrir
English
To open
Example Sentence
Peux-tu ouvrir la fenêtre?
Translation
Can you open the window?
French
Fermer
English
To close
Example Sentence
Il faut fermer la porte à clé.
Translation
We need to lock the door.
French
Aider
English
To help
Example Sentence
Je vais t'aider à faire la vaisselle.
Translation
I'll help you do the dishes.

French Transition Words & Conjunctions

Transition words and conjunctions are the glue that holds the French language together, allowing speakers to create complex, flowing sentences. Learning these connecting words is crucial for moving beyond basic phrases to more sophisticated French expression. They help you organize your thoughts, create logical connections between ideas, and make your French sound more natural and coherent.

Transition Words in French

Transition words help connect ideas and create flow in your speech and writing. Master these essential French transition words to make your French sound more natural and sophisticated. Proficiency with these terms elevates your language skills from beginner to intermediate level, enabling you to express complex relationships between ideas.

French
D'abord
English
First (of all)
Example
D'abord, je vais préparer la sauce.
Translation
First, I'm going to prepare the sauce.
French
Ensuite
English
Next / Then
Example
Ensuite, nous mettrons les légumes au four.
Translation
Next, we'll put the vegetables in the oven.
French
Puis
English
Then
Example
Puis, il faudra vérifier la cuisson régulièrement.
Translation
Then, you'll have to check the cooking regularly.
French
Enfin
English
Finally
Example
Enfin, nous pourrons passer à table.
Translation
Finally, we can sit down to eat.
French
Cependant
English
However
Example
J'ai beaucoup travaillé; cependant, je n'ai pas tout terminé.
Translation
I worked a lot; however, I didn't finish everything.
French
Pourtant
English
Yet / However
Example
Il fait beau, pourtant il fait frais.
Translation
It's sunny, yet it's chilly.
French
Néanmoins
English
Nevertheless
Example
Il a perdu le match; néanmoins, il garde le sourire.
Translation
He lost the match; nevertheless, he's still smiling.
French
En revanche
English
On the other hand
Example
Ce restaurant est petit; en revanche, la cuisine est excellente.
Translation
This restaurant is small; on the other hand, the food is excellent.
French
Par contre
English
On the other hand
Example
J'aime la plage; par contre, je déteste les foules.
Translation
I like the beach; on the other hand, I hate crowds.
French
De plus
English
Moreover / In addition
Example
J'adore ce livre; de plus, l'auteur est très sympathique.
Translation
I love this book; moreover, the author is very nice.
French
En outre
English
Furthermore
Example
En outre, nous aurons besoin d'un budget plus élevé.
Translation
Furthermore, we'll need a higher budget.
French
D'ailleurs
English
Besides / Moreover
Example
Je ne veux pas sortir; d'ailleurs, il pleut.
Translation
I don't want to go out; besides, it's raining.
French
Par conséquent
English
Therefore
Example
Il a raté le bus; par conséquent, il est arrivé en retard.
Translation
He missed the bus; therefore, he arrived late.
French
Ainsi
English
Thus / So
Example
Il a beaucoup étudié; ainsi, il a réussi son examen.
Translation
He studied a lot; thus, he passed his exam.
French
En fait
English
In fact
Example
Je pensais que c'était difficile; en fait, c'était plutôt facile.
Translation
I thought it was hard; in fact, it was pretty easy.
French
Effectivement
English
Indeed
Example
Effectivement, tu avais raison.
Translation
Indeed, you were right.
French
C'est-à-dire
English
That is to say
Example
Je dois partir tôt, c'est-à-dire avant 18h.
Translation
I have to leave early, that is to say before 6 p.m.
French
Quand même
English
Still / Anyway
Example
Il pleut, mais on sort quand même!
Translation
It's raining, but we're still going out anyway!
French
Malgré tout
English
Despite everything
Example
Malgré tout, elle est restée optimiste.
Translation
Despite everything, she remained optimistic.
French
Sinon
English
Otherwise / Or else
Example
Travaille plus vite, sinon tu seras en retard.
Translation
Work faster, otherwise you'll be late.
French
En résumé
English
In summary / To sum up
Example
En résumé, ce projet est très prometteur.
Translation
In summary, this project is very promising.
French
Bref
English
In short
Example
Bref, il faut s'organiser rapidement.
Translation
In short, we have to organize quickly.
French
Du coup
English
So / Hence (informal)
Example
Je n'ai pas de voiture; du coup, je prends le train.
Translation
I don't have a car; so, I take the train.
French
Finalement
English
Finally / In the end
Example
Finalement, ils ont décidé de rester à la maison.
Translation
In the end, they decided to stay home.
French
Par ailleurs
English
Moreover / Otherwise
Example
Par ailleurs, je voulais te demander un conseil.
Translation
Moreover, I wanted to ask you for advice.
French
Toutefois
English
However
Example
J'ai essayé de l'appeler; toutefois, il n'a pas répondu.
Translation
I tried to call him; however, he didn't answer.
French
Bien que
English
Although (conjunction)
Example
Bien que fatigué, il a continué à travailler.
Translation
Although he was tired, he kept working.
French
Or
English
Now / But (formal link)
Example
J'avais prévu de sortir; or, il a commencé à neiger.
Translation
I was planning to go out; now, it started to snow.
French
En effet
English
Indeed / In fact
Example
En effet, le succès de ce livre s'explique par son originalité.
Translation
Indeed, the success of this book is due to its originality.
French
Autrement dit
English
In other words
Example
Je n'ai pas d'argent liquide, autrement dit, je ne peux pas payer en espèces.
Translation
I don't have cash; in other words, I can't pay in cash.

French Conjunctions

Conjunctions are essential connectors that join words, phrases, or clauses together. In French, mastering these small but powerful words allows you to create more complex and sophisticated sentences. Understanding when and how to use conjunctions correctly will significantly enhance your French fluency and help you express relationships between different ideas with precision.

French
Et
English
And
Example
J'ai un chat et un chien.
Translation
I have a cat and a dog.
French
Ou
English
Or
Example
Tu veux du thé ou du café?
Translation
Do you want tea or coffee?
French
Mais
English
But
Example
J'aime le chocolat mais pas trop sucré.
Translation
I like chocolate but not too sweet.
French
Car
English
Because/For
Example
Je suis fatigué car j'ai beaucoup travaillé.
Translation
I'm tired because I worked a lot.
French
Comme
English
As/Since
Example
Comme il pleut, je reste à la maison.
Translation
Since it's raining, I'm staying home.
French
Parce que
English
Because
Example
Je l'aime parce qu'il est gentil.
Translation
I like him because he's nice.
French
Puisque
English
Since
Example
Puisque tu es là, aide-moi.
Translation
Since you're here, help me.
French
Quand
English
When
Example
Appelle-moi quand tu arrives.
Translation
Call me when you arrive.
French
Si
English
If
Example
Si tu viens, je serai content.
Translation
If you come, I'll be happy.
French
Que
English
That
Example
Je pense que tu as raison.
Translation
I think that you're right.
French
Donc
English
So/Therefore
Example
Il pleut, donc je prends mon parapluie.
Translation
It's raining, so I'm taking my umbrella.
French
Ni
English
Neither/Nor
Example
Je n'aime ni le café ni le thé.
Translation
I like neither coffee nor tea.
French
Lorsque
English
When
Example
Lorsque j'étais enfant, j'habitais à la campagne.
Translation
When I was a child, I lived in the countryside.
French
Soit
English
Either
Example
Soit tu viens maintenant, soit tu restes ici.
Translation
Either you come now, or you stay here.
French
Tandis que
English
While/Whereas
Example
Elle travaille tandis que lui se repose.
Translation
She works while he rests.

French Nouns, Verbs and Adjectives

Nouns, verbs, and adjectives form the backbone of the French language. These word categories are essential for constructing meaningful sentences and expressing yourself clearly. By studying the most common words in each category, you’ll quickly develop the vocabulary needed for everyday communication and gain confidence in your French language skills.

The Most Common French Nouns

Nouns are the building blocks of any language, naming the people, places, things, and ideas we discuss. Learning the most common French nouns provides an essential foundation for communication. These frequently used words will help you describe your surroundings, express your needs, and engage in meaningful conversations about everyday topics.

French
La personne
English
Person
Example
C'est une personne très gentille.
Translation
She's a very nice person.
French
L'eau
English
Water
Example
Je bois beaucoup d'eau chaque jour.
Translation
I drink a lot of water every day.
French
Le temps
English
Time
Example
Je n'ai pas le temps de faire ça maintenant.
Translation
I don't have time to do that now.
French
La vie
English
Life
Example
La vie est belle.
Translation
Life is beautiful.
French
La main
English
Hand
Example
Donne-moi la main, s'il te plaît.
Translation
Give me your hand, please.
French
La maison
English
House
Example
J'habite dans une grande maison.
Translation
I live in a big house.
French
Le monde
English
World
Example
Je veux voyager autour du monde.
Translation
I want to travel around the world.
French
La famille
English
Family
Example
Ma famille est très importante pour moi.
Translation
My family is very important to me.
French
La tête
English
Head
Example
J'ai mal à la tête.
Translation
I have a headache.
French
L'amour
English
Love
Example
L'amour est un sentiment merveilleux.
Translation
Love is a wonderful feeling.
French
La ville
English
City
Example
Paris est une belle ville.
Translation
Paris is a beautiful city.
French
Le pays
English
Country
Example
La France est un beau pays.
Translation
France is a beautiful country.
French
Le jour
English
Day
Example
Bonne journée!
Translation
Have a good day!
French
La nuit
English
Night
Example
Bonne nuit!
Translation
Good night!
French
L'homme
English
Man
Example
C'est un homme très gentil.
Translation
He's a very nice man.
French
Le smartphone
English
Smartphone
Example
Je ne quitte jamais mon smartphone de la journée.
Translation
I never put my smartphone down all day.
French
L'ordinateur
English
Computer
Example
J'ai installé un nouveau jeu sur l'ordinateur.
Translation
I installed a new game on the computer.
French
L'appli
English
App (application)
Example
Cette appli de météo est très pratique pour planifier le week-end.
Translation
This weather app is very handy for planning the weekend.
French
Internet
English
Internet
Example
On peut tout apprendre sur Internet de nos jours.
Translation
You can learn everything on the Internet nowadays.
French
Le réseau social
English
Social network
Example
Je poste souvent des photos sur ce réseau social.
Translation
I often post pictures on this social network.
French
La voiture
English
Car
Example
On prend ma voiture ou la tienne?
Translation
Shall we take my car or yours?
French
Le boulot
English
Work / Job (informal)
Example
J'ai trop de boulot cette semaine, je suis crevé.
Translation
I have too much work this week, I'm exhausted.
French
L'école
English
School
Example
Mon petit frère rentre de l'école à 16h.
Translation
My little brother comes home from school at 4 p.m.
French
Le téléphone
English
Telephone / Phone
Example
Ton téléphone a encore sonné, tu devrais vérifier.
Translation
Your phone rang again, you should check it.
French
La musique
English
Music
Example
J'écoute de la musique dès que je me réveille.
Translation
I listen to music as soon as I wake up.
French
Le film
English
Movie
Example
On se fait un film chez moi ce soir?
Translation
Want to watch a movie at my place tonight?
French
La série
English
Series / TV show
Example
Cette série est tellement addictive que j'ai tout regardé d'un coup.
Translation
This series is so addictive that I binge-watched it all.
French
La télé
English
TV (television)
Example
Qu'est-ce qu'il y a à la télé ce soir?
Translation
What's on TV tonight?
French
Le message
English
Message
Example
J'ai lu ton message sur WhatsApp ce matin.
Translation
I read your WhatsApp message this morning.
French
La vidéo
English
Video
Example
J'ai posté une nouvelle vidéo sur ma chaîne YouTube.
Translation
I uploaded a new video on my YouTube channel.

The Most Common French Verbs

Verbs express actions, states, and occurrences, making them crucial for constructing sentences in French. Mastering common French verbs is key to communicating effectively, as they allow you to describe what people do, feel, and experience. These essential verbs appear frequently in everyday conversation and will significantly expand your ability to express yourself in various contexts.

French
Avoir
English
To have
Example
J'ai deux chats.
Present
J'ai (I have)
Past
J'ai eu (I had)
Future
J'aurai (I will have)
French
Être
English
To be
Example
Je suis fatigué ce matin.
Present
Je suis (I am)
Past
J'ai été (I was)
Future
Je serai (I will be)
French
Aller
English
To go
Example
Je vais au cinéma ce soir.
Present
Je vais (I go)
Past
Je suis allé(e) (I went)
Future
J'irai (I will go)
French
Faire
English
To do / To make
Example
Je fais un gâteau pour l'anniversaire de mon ami.
Present
Je fais (I do / make)
Past
J'ai fait (I did / made)
Future
Je ferai (I will do / make)
French
Dire
English
To say / To tell
Example
Je dis toujours la vérité.
Present
Je dis (I say)
Past
J'ai dit (I said)
Future
Je dirai (I will say)
French
Pouvoir
English
Can / To be able to
Example
Je peux conduire une moto.
Present
Je peux (I can)
Past
J'ai pu (I could / was able to)
Future
Je pourrai (I will be able to)
French
Vouloir
English
To want
Example
Je veux des vacances!
Present
Je veux (I want)
Past
J'ai voulu (I wanted)
Future
Je voudrai (I will want)
French
Savoir
English
To know
Example
Je sais parler français.
Present
Je sais (I know)
Past
J'ai su (I knew)
Future
Je saurai (I will know)
French
Voir
English
To see
Example
Je vois un oiseau rare dans le jardin.
Present
Je vois (I see)
Past
J'ai vu (I saw)
Future
Je verrai (I will see)
French
Devoir
English
Must / Have to
Example
Je dois finir mon travail.
Present
Je dois (I must / have to)
Past
J'ai dû (I had to)
Future
Je devrai (I will have to)
French
Prendre
English
To take
Example
Je prends le métro tous les matins.
Present
Je prends (I take)
Past
J'ai pris (I took)
Future
Je prendrai (I will take)
French
Mettre
English
To put
Example
Je mets la table avant le dîner.
Present
Je mets (I put)
Past
J'ai mis (I put / I placed)
Future
Je mettrai (I will put)
French
Donner
English
To give
Example
Je donne un cadeau à mon ami.
Present
Je donne (I give)
Past
J'ai donné (I gave)
Future
Je donnerai (I will give)
French
Trouver
English
To find
Example
Je trouve souvent des coquillages sur la plage.
Present
Je trouve (I find)
Past
J'ai trouvé (I found)
Future
Je trouverai (I will find)
French
Comprendre
English
To understand
Example
Je comprends bien cette leçon.
Present
Je comprends (I understand)
Past
J'ai compris (I understood)
Future
Je comprendrai (I will understand)
French
Parler
English
To speak
Example
Je parle souvent avec mes amis.
Present
Je parle (I speak)
Past
J'ai parlé (I spoke)
Future
Je parlerai (I will speak)
French
Aimer
English
To like / To love
Example
J'aime le chocolat.
Present
J'aime (I like / love)
Past
J'ai aimé (I liked / loved)
Future
J'aimerai (I will like / love)
French
Venir
English
To come
Example
Je viens chez toi ce soir.
Present
Je viens (I come)
Past
Je suis venu(e) (I came)
Future
Je viendrai (I will come)
French
Laisser
English
To leave / To let
Example
Je laisse mes clés sur la table.
Present
Je laisse (I leave / let)
Past
J'ai laissé (I left / let)
Future
Je laisserai (I will leave / let)
French
Passer
English
To pass / Spend time
Example
Je passe la journée chez ma sœur.
Present
Je passe (I spend / pass)
Past
J'ai passé (I spent / passed)
Future
Je passerai (I will spend / pass)
French
Chercher
English
To look for
Example
Je cherche mes clés depuis ce matin.
Present
Je cherche (I look for)
Past
J'ai cherché (I looked for)
Future
Je chercherai (I will look for)
French
Jouer
English
To play
Example
Je joue au foot tous les samedis.
Present
Je joue (I play)
Past
J'ai joué (I played)
Future
Je jouerai (I will play)
French
Écouter
English
To listen
Example
J'écoute de la musique en voiture.
Present
J'écoute (I listen)
Past
J'ai écouté (I listened)
Future
J'écouterai (I will listen)
French
Entendre
English
To hear
Example
J'entends un bruit étrange dans le couloir.
Present
J'entends (I hear)
Past
J'ai entendu (I heard)
Future
J'entendrai (I will hear)
French
Manger
English
To eat
Example
Je mange un sandwich à midi.
Present
Je mange (I eat)
Past
J'ai mangé (I ate)
Future
Je mangerai (I will eat)
French
Boire
English
To drink
Example
Je bois un café avant de partir.
Present
Je bois (I drink)
Past
J'ai bu (I drank)
Future
Je boirai (I will drink)
French
Lire
English
To read
Example
Je lis un roman passionnant en ce moment.
Present
Je lis (I read)
Past
J'ai lu (I read / I have read)
Future
Je lirai (I will read)
French
Écrire
English
To write
Example
J'écris un email important.
Present
J'écris (I write)
Past
J'ai écrit (I wrote)
Future
J'écrirai (I will write)
French
Dormir
English
To sleep
Example
Je dors rarement avant minuit.
Present
Je dors (I sleep)
Past
J'ai dormi (I slept)
Future
Je dormirai (I will sleep)
French
Sortir
English
To go out
Example
Je sors avec des amis ce soir.
Present
Je sors (I go out)
Past
Je suis sorti(e) (I went out)
Future
Je sortirai (I will go out)

The Most Common French Adjectives

Adjectives bring color and detail to your French, allowing you to describe people, places, and things with precision. Understanding how adjectives change form to match the gender and number of the nouns they modify is a key aspect of French grammar. These common adjectives will enhance your descriptive abilities and help you express opinions and impressions more vividly.

French
Beau
English
Beautiful / Handsome
Masculine Singular
beau
Feminine Singular
belle
French
Blanc
English
White
Masculine Singular
blanc
Feminine Singular
blanche
French
Bon
English
Good
Masculine Singular
bon
Feminine Singular
bonne
French
Calme
English
Calm
Masculine Singular
calme
Feminine Singular
calme
French
Cher
English
Expensive / Dear
Masculine Singular
cher
Feminine Singular
chère
French
Doux
English
Sweet / Soft
Masculine Singular
doux
Feminine Singular
douce
French
Facile
English
Easy
Masculine Singular
facile
Feminine Singular
facile
French
Fier
English
Proud
Masculine Singular
fier
Feminine Singular
fière
French
Fort
English
Strong
Masculine Singular
fort
Feminine Singular
forte
French
Frais
English
Fresh / Cool
Masculine Singular
frais
Feminine Singular
fraîche
French
Faux
English
False / Wrong
Masculine Singular
faux
Feminine Singular
fausse
French
Gentil
English
Kind / Nice
Masculine Singular
gentil
Feminine Singular
gentille
French
Grand
English
Big / Tall
Masculine Singular
grand
Feminine Singular
grande
French
Heureux
English
Happy
Masculine Singular
heureux
Feminine Singular
heureuse
French
Jaloux
English
Jealous
Masculine Singular
jaloux
Feminine Singular
jalouse
French
Jeune
English
Young
Masculine Singular
jeune
Feminine Singular
jeune
French
Joli
English
Pretty
Masculine Singular
joli
Feminine Singular
jolie
French
Long
English
Long
Masculine Singular
long
Feminine Singular
longue
French
Malheureux
English
Unhappy
Masculine Singular
malheureux
Feminine Singular
malheureuse
French
Mauvais
English
Bad
Masculine Singular
mauvais
Feminine Singular
mauvaise
French
Méchant
English
Mean / Nasty
Masculine Singular
méchant
Feminine Singular
méchante
French
Nouveau
English
New
Masculine Singular
nouveau
Feminine Singular
nouvelle
French
Petit
English
Small
Masculine Singular
petit
Feminine Singular
petite
French
Roux
English
Red-haired
Masculine Singular
roux
Feminine Singular
rousse
French
Sec
English
Dry
Masculine Singular
sec
Feminine Singular
sèche
French
Sérieux
English
Serious
Masculine Singular
sérieux
Feminine Singular
sérieuse
French
Sympathique
English
Nice / Friendly
Masculine Singular
sympathique
Feminine Singular
sympathique
French
Vieux
English
Old
Masculine Singular
vieux
Feminine Singular
vieille
French
Vif
English
Lively / Bright
Masculine Singular
vif
Feminine Singular
vive
French
Vrai
English
True
Masculine Singular
vrai
Feminine Singular
vraie

French Numbers and Ordinals

Numbers are fundamental to everyday communication in French, whether you’re shopping, telling time, or discussing dates. Learning the French numerical system, including both cardinal (1, 2, 3) and ordinal (1st, 2nd, 3rd) numbers, is essential for practical situations like making purchases, understanding addresses, or following directions. Mastering this vocabulary will help you navigate daily life in French-speaking environments with confidence.

Zéro
Zero
Un
One
Deux
Two
Trois
Three
Quatre
Four
Cinq
Five
Six
Six
Sept
Seven
Huit
Eight
Neuf
Nine
Dix
Ten
Onze
Eleven
Douze
Twelve
Treize
Thirteen
Quatorze
Fourteen
Quinze
Fifteen
Seize
Sixteen
Dix-sept
Seventeen
Dix-huit
Eighteen
Dix-neuf
Nineteen
Vingt
Twenty
Vingt et un
Twenty-one
Vingt-deux
Twenty-two
Vingt-trois
Twenty-three
Vingt-quatre
Twenty-four
Vingt-cinq
Twenty-five
Vingt-six
Twenty-six
Vingt-sept
Twenty-seven
Vingt-huit
Twenty-eight
Vingt-neuf
Twenty-nine
Trente
Thirty
Quarante
Forty
Cinquante
Fifty
Soixante
Sixty
Soixante-dix
Seventy
Quatre-vingts
Eighty
Quatre-vingt-dix
Ninety
Cent
Hundred
Mille
Thousand
Dix mille
Ten thousand
Cent mille
Hundred thousand
Un million
Million
Un milliard
Billion
Premier
First
Deuxième
Second
Troisième
Third
Quatrième
Fourth
Cinquième
Fifth
Sixième
Sixth
Septième
Seventh
Huitième
Eighth
Neuvième
Ninth
Dixième
Tenth
Onzième
Eleventh
Douzième
Twelfth
Treizième
Thirteenth

French Calendar & Time Vocabulary

Calendar and time vocabulary is essential for scheduling, making plans, and discussing events in French. Understanding days of the week, months, and seasons allows you to navigate daily life, make appointments, and talk about important dates. This practical vocabulary is among the first you’ll need when visiting a French-speaking country or communicating with French speakers, making it a priority for language learners of all levels.

Jour
Day
Jour de la semaine
Day of the week
Week-end
Weekend
Lundi
Monday
Mardi
Tuesday
Mercredi
Wednesday
Jeudi
Thursday
Vendredi
Friday
Samedi
Saturday
Dimanche
Sunday
Janvier
January
Février
February
Mars
March
Avril
April
Mai
May
Juin
June
Juillet
July
Août
August
Septembre
September
Octobre
October
Novembre
November
Décembre
December
Printemps
Spring
Été
Summer
Automne
Autumn
Hiver
Winter

French Words for Colors

Colors are essential vocabulary for describing the world around you in French. Learning color terms allows you to give detailed descriptions of objects, express preferences, and understand visual information. These words are commonly used in shopping, art discussions, and everyday conversations, making them valuable for practical communication in various contexts. Mastering color vocabulary adds vividness to your French expression.

Couleur
Color
Quelle est sa couleur?
What color is it?
Quelle est ta couleur préférée?
What's your favourite color?
Rouge
Red
Orange
Orange
Jaune
Yellow
Vert
Green
Bleu
Blue
Cyan
Cyan
Violet
Purple
Rose
Pink
Marron
Brown
Noir
Black
Blanc
White
Gris
Grey
Argent
Silver
Or
Gold

French Time Expressions

Time expressions are crucial for structuring narratives, making plans, and discussing schedules in French. Being able to refer to the past, present, and future with precision helps you tell stories, arrange meetings, and communicate about events. These phrases appear frequently in both casual conversations and formal communications, making them essential vocabulary for effective interaction in French-speaking environments.

Quelle heure est-il?
What time is it?
À quelle heure?
At what time?
Matin
Morning
Midi
Noon
Après-midi
Afternoon
Soir
Evening
Nuit
Night
Minuit
Midnight
Année
Year
Mois
Month
Semaine
Week
Jour
Day
Heure
Hour
Minute
Minute
Seconde
Second
Présent
Present
Maintenant
Now
Aujourd'hui
Today
Ce matin
This morning
Cet après-midi
This afternoon
Ce soir
Tonight
Cette semaine
This week
Ce mois-ci
This month
Cette année
This year
Passé
Past
Hier
Yesterday
Hier matin
Yesterday morning
Hier après-midi
Yesterday afternoon
Hier soir
Yesterday evening
Avant-hier
Day before yesterday
La nuit dernière
Last night
La semaine dernière
Last week
Le mois dernier
Last month
L'année dernière
Last year
Futur
Future
Demain
Tomorrow
Demain matin
Tomorrow morning
Demain après-midi
Tomorrow afternoon
Demain soir
Tomorrow evening
Après-demain
Day after tomorrow
La semaine prochaine
Next week
Le mois prochain
Next month
L'année prochaine
Next year

Learn French with AI

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How to learn to speak French fast?

  • Practice daily with short, focused sessions
  • Focus on the most common vocabulary first
  • Use AI Language Tutor like Kippy for conversation and pronunciation practice
  • Listen to French music and watch French shows with subtitles
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Is French hard or easy to learn?

  • French is relatively accessible for English speakers since about 40% of English vocabulary comes from French
  • The pronunciation can be challenging with nasal sounds and silent letters, but Kippy can help you with that
  • Grammar concepts like gendered nouns and verb conjugations require practice
  • The Foreign Service Institute classifies French as a Category I language, requiring about 575-600 hours to reach proficiency
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How long does it take to learn French?

  • Basic conversational skills: 3-6 months of consistent study
  • Intermediate proficiency: 6-12 months of regular practice
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How many words do I need for a basic conversation in French?

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