• Grammar,  Lessons,  Verbs

    Conjugation

    When we study verbs in French we arrange the information in an easy to understand format called conjugation. Starting in the singular (just one person or thing as subject), verbs are listed in the order of first person, second person,…

  • Lessons,  Vocabulary

    Months of the Year

    The French months of the year are very similar to the English months. Notice that the last four months are almost exactly like English. We get the names of our months from the Roman calendar. Originally the first month was…

  • Lessons,  Vocabulary

    Numbers One to Twelve

    Today’s lesson is about counting to twelve. Practice saying the French numbers. (Please note that the guides to pronunciation only give a rough idea of what things really sound like in French. Listen to the podcast to hear the correct…

  • Lessons,  Vocabulary

    Please and Thank You

    To say please in French, we use the phrase: s’il vous plaît (SEEL voo PLAY) This polite expression literally means, “if it pleases you.” Perhaps you have received an invitation that contains the initials R.S.V.P. This is short for the…

  • Lessons,  Phonics,  Vocabulary

    Nasal Sounds in French

    Hmmm… nasal sounds? Like somebody snoring? Not exactly! Some French sounds include forcing air through the back of the throat and into the nasal cavities. This cannot be taught by explanation. You need to hear the sounds and try to…

  • Lessons,  Phonics,  Vocabulary

    Vowel Sounds in French

    French and English share some vowel sounds but others can be quite different. a (short a)sac (SAK) = bag a, â (ah)bas (BAH) = stockinggâteau (gah-TOH) = cakeé, ay, er, ez (long a)bébé (bay-BAY) = babypays (pay-EE) = countryparler (pahr-LAY)…

  • Lessons,  Phonics,  Vocabulary

    CH in French

    Did you know that the letters CH say “sh” in French? Some English words that have been borrowed from French are pronounced this way, too. Do you know their English meanings? If not, use your dictionary to find out the…

  • Lessons,  Phonics,  Vocabulary

    TH in French

    Did you know that in French, the letters th say “t,” like the letter T? If you look through the TH section of a French dictionary, many of the words will look familiar to you. That is because many of…

  • Grammar,  Lessons

    The French Alphabet

    The French language uses an alphabet that is identical to the English alphabet. The names of the letters and their sounds are not the same however! Compare the French letter names with their English counterparts. (Please note that the guides…