Many words in French and English are similar or look similar. That's lucky because it helps with learning vocabulary faster. However, these words sometimes means something very different in the two languages! In this case, they are called "faux amis", false friends, or false cognates. Here’s a list of 5 common false friends so you don't make the mistake! False friends, part 1: Episode 85- www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast85 False friends, part 2: Episode 103- www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast103 False friends, part 3: Episode 118 - www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast118 False friends, part … Read More →

For this special episode, I offer to go back and refresh what you’ve learnt over all the time we’ve spent together, for the last 100 weeks! (if you’ve only started to this podcast recently or if it’s your first time today, don’t worry! Welcome!!) I’ve prepared a quiz of 15 questions for you (you can find them in the shownotes along with the number of the episode I refer to for each question and I’ve even included the link to each podcast episode in the shownotes – they follow the same pattern: www.frenchyourway.com.au/podcast(number). I hope you’ll enjoy testing yourself. Most of all, I hope … Read More →

Marie would like help to understand some French words and expressions related to cooking: "I like cooking and as such talk about it quite a lot.  I seem to get confused about the different verbs eg faire cuisiner, cuisiner, faire la cuisine, cuire, faire cuire and often do not know quite which expression is commonly used.  When I study their meanings, it seems straightforward, but when I go to speak, it is another thing..." Ok, let's do a bit of vocabulary and, as usual, brush-up some grammar notions! Disclaimer: It may not be a good idea to listen to this episode if you're … Read More →

In today's episode I'm answering a question from Donovan: "Can you please give some examples of when to use j'étais versus j'ai été and when to use j'avais versus j'ai eu?  In English, we translate so many things as "was" or "had", that it's hard to understand the difference! I've tried to find material on this, but most of what I have found is not specific to avoir and être." We'll brush up the difference between the passé composé and imparfait tenses in French and I'll illustrate with examples how sometimes the choice is only a difference of perspective. This episode also celebrates … Read More →

Gillian’s question, When and why to use the verb AGIR in French, is a great opportunity to boost your French vocabulary and reflect on grammar, as this verb is used in different sentence structures. Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode Agir = to act, to take action We need to act! Il faut / on doit agir! Une action = an act Des agissements (mplur) = schemes, doings, machinations. Agir = to act, to behave Tu as bien/mal agi en lui disant cela agir sur [qch] = to have an effect on [sth] Les effets de la morphine n'agissent plus sur … Read More →

In this somewhat different episode you'll get to hear a real French lesson that I recorded with Lothar, a student from Germany! As you will hear, Lothar has very good comprehension and speaking skills, so listening to our conversation will be a great exercise for you! Lothar wanted to tell me about his trips to French island Corsica (la Corse, where Napoléon was from); the session was a spontaneous conversation. I interrupted Lothar here and there to correct or point out a few grammatical points and give him relevant vocabulary. The notes I took down for him during the session are available in … Read More →

Do you know how to translate expressions such as "to make someone happy / proud / apologise / jump" etc. in French? Can you tell that there are actually two different types of structures in the examples just given? Beware of literal translation, as it may well not work! This episode will help you get this very common structure right! Vocabulary and Spelling of the French Words mentioned in this episode RENDRE quelqu'un (+adj) = to make someone (adj) She flirts to make him jealous = Elle flirte pour le rendre jaloux Your card made me very happy = Ta carte m'a rendu.e très … Read More →

Find out why I couldn’t record an episode for you this week and what you can do in the meantime to brush-up your French! Tips about New Zealand welcome: Contact Me Listen to upcoming episode #100 of French Voices Podcast! Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose mine, and I’m grateful for that. If you enjoyed today’s show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the side or bottom of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on … Read More →