The most popular French words. Beautiful French words and phrases with translation

NB! words are read based on the rules of reading in French. Where there are exceptions, I have written the pronunciation ie.

1. PRESTIDIGITATEUR(magician, illusionist).
2. ABASOURDIR(stun, stun) - this verb is difficult to pronounce correctly even for francophones, since the tendency is to say it through the sound “s”, but it is correct to pronounce it through the sound “z” (remember the rule: if “s” is located between two vowels, then it is voiced! ).
3. CARROUSEL(carousel) - here the same rule as with the verb abasourdir. We say "carousel".
4. AUTOCHTON(indigenous, native) - we pronounce “otokto” (nasal “o” at the end of the word)
5. ANTICONSTITUTIONNELEMENT(anti-constitutional) is an adverb and it is the longest in French.
6. EXANGUE(bloodless, pale, anaemic) - since this word begins with the prefix ex-, you want to pronounce it through the sound “z”. However, after the prefix comes the base sang (blood) and the letter "s" gives the sound "s". Therefore, it is correct to pronounce "eksang".
7. ANANAS(pineapple) - I really want to pronounce “s” at the end out of habit. But in French, the letter "s" at the end of the word is not readable! We say "anana".
8. GROIN(snout, mug, muzzle)
9. SERRURERIE(plumbing, locksmith's shop) - in this word we encounter a fluent "e", which drops out during pronunciation. Of course it's hard to say "serrur'rie".
10. ACCUEILLIR(receive, meet) - the combination of the letters i and two l in French gives the sound "th". For some, it is very difficult to pronounce this verb (“akoyir”).
11. GABEGIE(confusion, confusion, disorder) - here we also meet with a fluent "e". Pronounce this word correctly gab’ gie».
12. AUJOURD’ HUI(today)
13. COQUELICOT(self-seed poppy)
14. ENTENDRE(hear, listen, listen) - in this word there are two nasal sounds "a". If indefinite form this verb is not so difficult to pronounce, then difficulties may arise in a conversation. For example: Tu m'entends? -Je ne t'entends pas!
15. STATISTICIEN(statistician)
16. MAGNAT(tycoon, bigwig) - of course we remember the rule that the combination of the letters "gn" gives the sound "n", but not in this case. Correctly pronounce mag— na»
17. PUGNACE(pugnacious, combative, combat-ready) - the same tendency as in the previous word - everyone strives to follow the rule, but the sound “g” is pronounced clearly - “ pug— nass»
18. OIGNON(bow, onion) - the tendency to pronounce "ouanion" (I myself suffer from this), because the rule "o" + "i" gives the sound "wa" sits firmly in my head. Meanwhile, in this word, historically, the letter "i" serves simply to soften the combination of the letters "gn", so you need to pronounce " onion».
19. Ré BELLION(mutiny, uprising)
20. GAGEURE(bet, pledge, challenge) – by general rule the combination of the letters "eu" is pronounced " œ ”, however, in this word, “e” serves to give the letter “g” the sound “g”, therefore it is unpronounceable. Pronounce this word correctly gajure through the sound "u".
21. GENè SE(genesis, genesis, origin) - I want to pronounce this word "zhenez", but you should observe the spelling of this word and pronounce it correctly "zhenez".
22. BOUILLOIRE(teapot, boiler) - too many vowels in a row "bouillard".
23. QUINCAILLERIE(hardware, hardware) - a combination of nasal and ioted sounds.
24. MILLE— FEUILLE(yarrow, also called the Napoleon cake) - you need to remember that in the word "mille" the sound "l" is pronounced, and in the word "feuille" the combination of the letters "ill" gives the sound "th". The correct pronunciation is "millefeuil".
25. ENTHOUSIASME(inspiration, delight, enthusiasm) - very often this word is pronounced as “antousiazme” or as two sounds “z” are used in Russian - “antouziazme”, however, it is correct to say “antouziasme” (through the sound “s” at the end of the word).

Is your word on the list? Write to us in the comments what words in French are difficult for you to pronounce!))

If you know the rules of reading well, train diction with the help of tongue twisters and exercises, take into account exceptions to the rules, then all the difficulties will cease to be such. The main thing in speech is skill. And the more you speak French, the less difficulty you will experience. And our teachers will help you with this - come to us at We will be happy to take you under our wing and select for you an individual phonetic course that will bring you not only benefit, but also pleasure.

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French is deservedly considered the most sensual language in the world - in its everyday life there are several hundred verbs denoting emotions and feelings different kind. The lyrical melody of the throat sound “r” and the exquisite precision of “le” give a special charm to the language.

Gallicisms

Used in Russian French words called gallicisms, they have firmly entered the Russian-speaking conversation with a large number of words and derivatives from them, similar in meaning or, conversely, only in sound.

The pronunciation of French words differs from Slavic ones in the presence of throat and nasal sounds, for example, “an” and “on” are pronounced by passing the sound through the nasal cavity, and the sound “en” through the lower part of the front wall of the throat. Also, this language is characterized by an accent on the last syllable of the word and soft hissing sounds, as in the word "brochure" and "jelly". Another indicator of gallicism is the presence in the word of suffixes -azj, -ar, -izm (plume, massage, boudoir, monarchism). Already these subtleties make it clear how unique and diverse official language France.

Abundance of French words in Slavic languages

Few people realize that "metro", "baggage", "balance" and "politics" are primordially French words borrowed by other languages, beautiful "veil" and "nuance" too. According to some data, about two thousand gallicisms are used every day in the territory of the post-Soviet space. Clothing items (knickers, cuffs, vest, pleated, overalls), military themes (dugout, patrol, trench), trading (advance payment, credit, kiosk and mode) and, of course. the words accompanying beauty (manicure, cologne, boa, pince-nez) are all gallicisms.

Moreover, some words are consonant by ear, but have a distant or different meaning. For example:

• A frock coat is an item of men's wardrobe, and literally means "on top of everything."
• Buffet - we have it festive table, for the French it's just a fork.
• A dude is a dapper young man, and a dude in France is a dove.
• Solitaire - from the French "patience", in our country it is a card game.
• Meringue (a kind of fluffy cake) is a beautiful French word for a kiss.
• Vinaigrette (vegetable salad), vinaigrette is just French vinegar.
• Dessert - originally this word in France meant clearing the table, and much later - the last dish, after which they clean up.

Language of love

Tete-a-tete (one-on-one meeting), rendezvous (date), vis-a-vis (opposite) - these are also words from France. Amor (love) is a beautiful French word that has stirred the minds of lovers so many times. A stunning language of romance, tenderness and adoration, the melodic murmur of which will not leave any woman indifferent.

The classic “je tem” is used to denote strong, all-consuming love, and if “byan” is added to these words, then the meaning will already change: it will mean “I like you.”

Peak of popularity

French words in Russian first began to appear during the time of Peter the Great, and from the end of the eighteenth century they significantly moved native speech aside. French became the leading language high society. All correspondence (especially love) was conducted exclusively in French, beautiful long tirades filled the banquet halls and negotiation rooms. At the court of Emperor Alexander III, it was considered shameful (bauvais ton - bad manners) not to know the language of the Franks, a person was immediately branded ignorant, so French teachers were in great demand.

The situation changed thanks to the novel in verse "Eugene Onegin", in which the author Alexander Sergeevich acted very subtly by writing a monologue letter from Tatyana to Onegin in Russian (although he thought in French, being Russian, as historians say.) By this he returned former glory of the native language.

Popular phrases in French now

Comme il faut in French means "as it should", that is, something made comme il faut - made according to all the rules and wishes.

• Se la vie! - very famous phrase meaning "such is life".
• Je tem - singer Lara Fabian brought worldwide fame to these words in the song of the same name "Je t'aime!" - I love you.
• Cherchet la femme - also known to everyone as "look for a woman"
• A la ger, com ger - "in war, as in war." Words from the song that Boyarsky sang in the popular film of all time "The Three Musketeers".
• Bon mo is a sharp word.
• Fézon de parle - manner of speaking.
• Ki famm ve - que le ve - "what a woman wants, God wants it."
• Antre well sau di - it is said between us.

History of several words

Everyone famous word"marmalade" is a distorted "Marie est malade" - Marie is sick.

In the Middle Ages, Stuart suffered from seasickness during her trips and refused food. Her personal doctor prescribed slices of oranges with peel, thickly sprinkled with sugar, and the French chef prepared decoctions of quince to stimulate her appetite. If these two dishes were ordered in the kitchen, they immediately whispered between the courtiers: "Marie is sick!" (mari e malad).

Chantrap - the word for idlers, homeless children, also came from France. Children who did not have an ear for music and good vocal abilities were not taken to the church choir as singers (“chantra pas” - does not sing), so they wandered around the streets, smoking and having fun. They were asked: "Why are you idle?" Answer: "Shantrapa".

Podshofe - (chauffe - heating, heater) with the prefix under-, that is, heated, under the influence of heat, adopted for "warming". A beautiful French word, but the meaning is just the opposite.

By the way, everyone knows why it was called that? But this is a French name, and she also has a handbag from there - a reticule. Chapeau - translates as "hat", and "gag" is akin to a slap. The slap-folded hat is a folding top hat, which was worn by the mischievous old woman.

Silhouette is the surname of the controller of finance at the court of Louis XV, who was famous for his craving for luxury and various expenses. The treasury was empty too quickly and, in order to remedy the situation, the king appointed the young incorruptible Etienne Silhouette, who immediately banned all festivities, balls and feasts. Everything became gray and dull, and the fashion that arose at the same time for depicting the outline of a dark-colored object on a white background was in honor of the miserly minister.

Beautiful French words will diversify your speech

AT recent times word tattoos are no longer only English and Japanese (as fashion dictated), they are increasingly being caught in French, and some of them have an interesting meaning.

The French language is considered quite complex, with many nuances and details. To know it well, you need to painstakingly study for more than one year, but to use several winged and beautiful phrases it's not obligatory. Two or three words, inserted at the right time into a conversation, diversify your vocabulary and make your speech in French emotional and lively.

Any study foreign language helps in development, career and can significantly strengthen your social position. This is an excellent brain training that allows you to maintain a sound mind and memory at any age. French is considered a rich and analytical language, structuring thought and developing a critical mind, in negotiations and discussions, the basic phrases in French will serve you well.

Do they need to know

Knowing everyday phrases is necessary not only for tourists: French is an insanely beautiful, melodic and inspiring language. People, who know history, cannot remain indifferent to France and its heroes, in an effort to join its culture, many feel the desire to learn the language of its people. Hence the mass enthusiasm for this language of lovers and poets, which was spoken by Maupassant, Voltaire and, of course, Dumas.

French is in the top six official languages United Nations, it is spoken in 33 countries around the world (including Haiti and some African countries). Already long time knowledge of French is considered good form, it is the language of diplomats and simply educated and cultured people. The main phrases in this language are heard at international symposiums and scientific congresses.

Where useful

If you wish to work in France, knowledge of the language will be essential. Many large French corporations also work in Russia, if you start a career in them, then knowledge French phrases on entry level will help an employee of Renault or Bonduelle, Peugeot, as well as the cosmetic leader of L'Oreal.

Many decide to come to France for permanent residence, and knowledge of French in this case is necessary as air. Due to insufficient language proficiency, misunderstandings may arise, new acquaintances and expansion of the circle of communication are impossible, even conflict situations. This interferes with the well-being of those who wish to arrange their lives in France. English in this country is at a low esteem, so knowledge of French is required, at least at a minimum level. The French are a very proud nation, and from everyone who comes here to live, they demand respect for the language and culture. Ignorance of everyday simple phrases can hurt the local people to the core.

Another passionate dream of many of our compatriots is to receive higher education in France. This country offers many options for studying, including budgetary basis. And again - where without language? As soon as there are difficulties with the translation in the exam, you may be denied admission to the university. Some French universities accept applicants without exams, only based on the results of an interview in French. That is why it is so important to know the language if you want to study in the country.

In French universities, as a rule, they enter a year before the start school year, that is preparatory process may take quite long time, there is an opportunity to learn French well, and the earlier you start your studies, the better you will show the result in the entrance tests.

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