French Sayings

From LoveToKnow French

What's very interesting about the English language is that we Anglophones have borrowed quite a few French sayings and verbiage and adapted it for use in English. There are also quite a few sayings that translate into French and of course at times, the French have their own unique way of expressing things.

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English Sayings and Words That Come From the French

Truthfully, English speakers have borrowed quite a bit from the French language. While the French have a tradition of keep their language pure, English is much more of a blend of European languages. Anglophones use German, Italian and even Spanish words in daily communication. Go through this list and see how many words you knew were French.

Au naturel-- This is actually the French and in both languages means naked.

Coiffe-- While the word in English is somewhat antiquated, in France, those who are hairdressers are still referred to as coiffeurs. Likewise, a stylish hair do in French is a coiffe.

In lieu of-- In English you usually use this expression to replace the word instead. Like wise in France, this is the word for instead.

Je ne sais quoi-- This French saying literally means I don't know what and can be used in English to describe something that has a certain pinache. It's usually used melodramatically.

Faux pas-- In English this is a mistake in etiquette. In French, faux is the word for false and pas is the word for 'step'. Literally translated: a false step.

A la mode-- In English, this is generally used to describe a dessert with ice cream. However, in French it means that something is fashionable.

Au contraire-- In both languages this French saying means to the contrary.

Carte blanche-- In English this expression refers to having free reign to do whatever you'd like to do. In French, the expression literally means a blank letter or card.

A coup-- In English this refers to a government overthrow. The French saying that means a government overthrow is coup d'état.

C'est la vie-- In both English and French this expression means that's life.

Double entendre-- Entendre is the verb for understand. Therefore a double entendre literally means a double understanding. In English it's when you say something that can be taken two entirely different ways.

Unique French Sayings and Expressions

Of course the French have their own unique sayings that are simply French. Here is a list of French expressions.

Ça m'est égal-- It doesn't matter to me. (Literally: To me it is equal.)
À jeune chasseur, il faut un vieux chien.--Someone inexperienced needs someone older to show him the ropes. (Literally: A young hunter needs an old dog.)

À bon chat, bon rat-- Tit for tat. (Literally: For a good cat, a good rat.)

À deux pas de chez moi-- Right by my house. (Literally: Two steps from my house.)

Acheter quelque chose à prix d'or.--To pay an arm and a leg for something. (Literally: To buy something for the price of gold.)

Après la pluie, le beau temps.--Every cloud has a silver lining. (Literally: After the rain comes nice weather.)

Bien faire et laisser dire.--Work hard and don't listen to others' criticism. (Literally: Work well and let them talk.)

Ça ne me dit pas grand-chose.-- It's not a big deal. (Literally: That says nothing grand to me.)

Qui vole un oeuf vole un boeuf-- Once a thief, always a thief. (Literally: He who steals an egg, steals an ox.)

Manger les pissenlits par la racine.-- To be dead or pushing up daisies. (Literally: To eat dandelions from the roots.)

Souris qui n'a qu'un trou est bientôt prise.-- Better to be safe than sorry. (Literally: A mouse with only one mouse hole quickly gets taken.)

Courir sur le haricot-- To annoy someone or get on their nerves. (Literally: To run on the bean.)

C'est le ton qui fait la musique.-- It's not what you say but how you say it. (Literally: It's the tone that makes the music.)

Les carrottes sont cuites.-- The die are cast. (Literally: The carrots are cooked.)

Romantic French Sayings

French is often referred to as a language of love, and indeed the language is beautiful and can sound lovely for romantic occasions. Learning a few romantic French love phrases, or famous French love quotes, to speak or add to a card or letter can be a wonderful way to express your emotions. Try a simple phrase such as Je t'adore (meaning I adore you) to start, and practice your French pronunciation to learn more difficult love phrases to impress your sweetheart.

French Proverbs

French proverbs are famous French sayings that typically impart a bit of wisdom or reasoning. These are fun and interesting to learn and say, and can help you with you with your French skills. Resources for French proverbs and wisdom sayings include:

French Proverbs from 1611: This comprehensive listing provides many historical proverbs.

101 French Proverbs: This book from McGraw-Hill contains French sayings, allowing you to express yourself like never before. The book and accompanying audio CD provide translations and explanations of the proverbs so individuals can use them appropriately.

Many quotation websites contain listings of proverbs in French and other language origination. Cross-reference and make sure the proverbs or sayings from these types of sites are accurately translated to avoid misusing them.

The more you can interject some common French sayings into your everyday vocabulary, the more you will sound like you speak French fluently. Practice with a phrase daily, until you know it and know how to use it in the correct context. Little by little is the road to French fluency!.

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