Archive for 'Vocabulary'
French Question: Why is it “Le Nouvel An” and not “Le Nouveau An”? Posted by Elizabeth Schmermund on Jan 4, 2017
Bonne année! Happy New Year! I wish all of our Transparent French readers a happy and healthy 2017. Talking about the new year in French can be especially difficult. This is because there are two words that mean “year”–an (m) and année (f)–and because both of these words start with a vowel, which can change the word that…
Si, Señor! Posted by Tim Hildreth on Jan 3, 2017
No, you’re not in the wrong place. This is indeed your favorite French blog. If you know any Spanish though, you’ll recognize this week’s title as Spanish for “Yes, Sir!“.* And while most people first learning French learn that the way to say ‘yes’, is ‘oui’, did you know that there are actually two ways…
Va te faire cuire un œuf!* Posted by Tim Hildreth on Dec 27, 2016
It is said that the classic French chef’s hat has 100 folds, one for each way to cook an egg. This morning over breakfast as I wondered what to write about this week, I found the answer right there in front of me . . . dans mon assiette! (in my plate)** So this week…
Santa’s Naughty Partner: Come Meet Père Fouettard! Posted by Josh Dougherty on Dec 22, 2016
He sees you when you’re sleeping He knows when you’re awake He knows if you’ve been bad or good So be good for goodness sake! There are only 3 days left until Christmas, so that means there are only 72 hours to right your wrongs from the past year to make sure you end up on Santa’s…
Un cadeau* Posted by Tim Hildreth on Dec 20, 2016
12 years ago when I was a French teacher, le mois de décembre (the month of December) presented a special challenge. As the winter break and les fêtes de fin d’année (year end holidays) approached, keeping kids focused on lessons and learning became more and more difficult. Especially in the last week before les vacances**…
C’est Noël! Posted by Elizabeth Schmermund on Dec 19, 2016
Well, not quite. Ce n’est pas encore Noël. But it will be soon enough. And it’s the perfect time to enjoy some Christmas music … en français. Last week, John shared with you le chanson “Au Royaume du Bonhomme Hiver” (Walking in a Winter Wonderland). There’s another holiday classic is often played on French airwaves during this season: “C’est Noël” (It’s Christmas)…
Drôles d’invitées* Posted by Tim Hildreth on Dec 13, 2016
Le temps des fêtes (holiday season) is just about my favorite time of year. At my house we love to really get into it and decorate which . . . when you do it the way we do . . . takes some time! While we decorate, we like to watch movies that put us…