Chapter 47: Sound Like a Native

Don't translate word for word. Use the colorful expressions that make French unique.

Dialogue: Ça ne va pas fort

Sharing troubles with a friend.

M
Marc

Salut Paul. Tu as l'air triste. Qu'est-ce qui se passe ?

(Hi Paul. You look sad. What's going on?)

Bof. J'ai le cafard ce matin. Et j'ai une faim de loup.

(Meh. I have the blues (the cockroach) this morning. And I'm starving (hunger of a wolf).)
P
Paul
M
Marc

Julie t'a posé un lapin pour le déjeuner ?

(Did Julie stand you up (place a rabbit) for lunch?)

Le Coin Culturel: Visual Language

French idioms are often very visual or animal-based. You don't just "give up"; you "give your tongue to the cat" (donner sa langue au chat). You don't just "have a frog in your throat"; you "have a cat in your throat" (avoir un chat dans la gorge). Using these images correctly instantly makes you sound more native.

Idiom Matcher

Click a card to reveal its true meaning.

Avoir le cafard

(To have the cockroach)


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Poser un lapin

(To place a rabbit)


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Coup de foudre

(Strike of lightning)


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Ça coûte les yeux de la tête

(It costs the eyes of the head)


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Ce ne sont pas mes oignons

(These are not my onions)


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Avoir la dalle

(To have the slab)


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