| 25 Colloquial French Words |
Want to learn some useful French expressions, words and slang that you probably don't cover in French class? We compiled a list of colloquial (everyday) terms you'll hear in France. You can sprinkle them into your conversations to sound more fluent or smile to yourself when you hear your French friends use these words.
Since this article is extremely popular there will be a followup post with an additional 25 words. So here's the first 25 French expressions and slang words you don't learn in French class (unless your French teacher is awesome).
Trop Stylé
This French expression is used a lot by teenagers and younger people, this is how they say something is cool, similar to « trop bien ». You can also use « stylé » (pronounced: stee-lay) as a standalone compliment for things such as clothing, tattoos, a drawing, etc...
« Hé matte-moi ça, c'est trop stylé ! »
This French expression is used a lot by teenagers and younger people, this is how they say something is cool, similar to « trop bien ». You can also use « stylé » (pronounced: stee-lay) as a standalone compliment for things such as clothing, tattoos, a drawing, etc...
« Hé matte-moi ça, c'est trop stylé ! »
Faire Gaffe
Recently I was surprised when my cousin kept saying this term and I had no clue what it meant. Ever since he explained it I heard it being used by my relatives, my friends in the South and even the teachers I worked with. Faire gaffe is just another way to say « faire attention » or pay attention, watch out, be careful. Make sure you conjugate the verb faire when necessary.
« Fais gaffe à la marche. »
En fait / Franchement
These two words are extremely useful. En fait (pronounced: ohn-fet) can either connect two phrases, or be used as an interjection. Franchement accentuates speech and bring attention to an opinion.
« Ah si franchement il est génial ! »
Ça y est !
Ça y est (pronounced: sigh-ay) is a little French expression that has two main meanings. It's usually a replacement of the word "finally" in French, « c'est fait / enfin ». However it's also an expression that can be used when you find something you were looking for.
Pompette & Déchiré
Oh man, two of my favorites words right here (not sure what that says about me). These words describe one thing: different states of being drunk. Pompette is the equivalent of being tipsy in English; when you've drank enough to feel it but not enough to regret anything. Déchiré is on the other end of the spectrum and it mean's you're WASTED... you're hammered. Game over - déchiré. Get ready for that walk of shame tomorrow morning.
« Oh putain, hier soir j'étais déchiré(e). »
