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How to Pronounce *PLUS* in French Posted by Hichem on Mar 1, 2013
New French learners often get confused about how to properly pronounce some words en français. One such French word is *PLUS.* Indeed, one can sometimes hear French speakers pronounce it as “PLUSS” (with the “s“), and other times as “PLU” (without the “s.”) So, how to tell the difference? L’astuce (the trick) is actually quite easy…
Top 5 French Idioms with SAUTER (To Jump) Posted by Hichem on Feb 28, 2013
Today’s topic is a particularly exciting one! Selected just for you, the fans of the Transparent French Blog, our Top Five French idiomatic expressions which make a fine use of the verb SAUTER (To JUMP.) Now, sans transition (without further ado), let us jump right to it, shall we, mes amis? NUMÉRO CINQ (Number Five): Sauter aux yeux…
How to Say “Give it Up” in French Slang Posted by Hichem on Feb 24, 2013
Formal French is of course essential to learn if you want to master le français, but French slang is also a “must”, especially if you plan to actually go to France. You also need French slang to understand French movies, songs—and even graffiti, for example! We’ll focus today on one particular expression that French people…
A Very Happy French Accordion Posted by Hichem on Feb 9, 2013
Out of the Côtes-d’Armor in the Brittany Peninsula, bordering the shores of Saint-Malo, from whence hailed and sailed the seafaring ancestors of the legendary Surcouf, “le roi des corsaires“ (“the King of Corsairs”), came up a cheerful tune. A highly melodic theme, it revolved around a local demoiselle whom everybody called “Marie la dondaine.” So far, so good. But what’s a “dondaine“, anyway? Is it…
Under the Wing of the French Phoenix Posted by Hichem on Feb 1, 2013
In France, the word “Eiffel” used to only bring to mind Paris‘s most celebrated monument: la Tour Eiffel (the Eiffel Tower.) Today, however, it also refers to a young and dynamic music band which has successfully reinvigorated the French Rock scene, after years of torpor and somnolence (the same as in English: sleepiness!) * * *…
How to Prepare Your Own Delicious Crème Pâtissière! Posted by Hichem on Jan 31, 2013
Today’s French Blog post will show you step-by-step how to prepare a tasty crème pâtissière classique (classic confectioner’s custard), which makes up the basis of many exquisite French desserts! Ce dont vous aurez besoin (What you will need): 400 g of lait (milk) 1/3 of gousse de vanille (vanilla bean) 3 jaunes d’oeufs (egg yolk) 80 g of sucre semoule (castor sugar, or, if you prefer, “granulated sugar”) 40 g of farine (flour) Les instructions…
Top 10 Funniest French Names of Flowers (Part DEUX) Posted by Hichem on Jan 23, 2013
We pick up today from where we left last time: The Top 10 Funniest French Names of Flowers! Here’s the link to Part 1, if you missed it. * * * NUMÉRO CINQ (NUMBER FIVE): Lis queue de rénard: Eremurus Eremurus is called in French Lis queue de renard, literally “Lily-Tail-of-a-Fox.” Shamans and White Magic practitioners (whom we know for…