[2024-01-10] Kicking off with French - Spice up your vocabulary & enjoy a slice of humor!

grand

The word 'grand' in French is equivalent to the English word 'great'. It can be used in similar contexts as English - to express something of large size, high quantity or superior quality. However, it is important to note that in French adjectives generally follow the noun they are describing, which is unlike English where adjectives precede the noun.

Here's how to use it:

• C'est une grande chance pour nous.
• Paris est une grande ville.
• Il a fait une grande erreur.

chocolat chaud

The French word for 'hot cocoa' is 'chocolat chaud'. It is pronounced as sho-ko-la sho. Just like in English, it can be used in any context where you are referring to a warm, sweet beverage made from chocolate or cocoa powder and milk.

Here's how to use it:

• Je vais faire du chocolat chaud pour les enfants.
• Sarah adore le chocolat chaud avec des marshmallows.
• N'oublie pas d'ajouter du lait au chocolat chaud.

tableau

The French word 'tableau' is used to mean 'board'. It is commonly used in the context of blackboard or whiteboard in a classroom. However, it can also refer to a dashboard or panel of buttons and gadgets in cars or machines, and even a painting or a work of art in gallery. So depending on the context, 'tableau' can have different meanings.

Here's how to use it:

• Le tableau électrique est vieux et doit être remplacé.
• Le tableau de multiplication est un outil essentiel pour les enfants.
• Ce graphique représente un tableau clair de la situation économique.

parrain

The French term for 'godfather' is 'parrain'. It refers to a man who promises to help a child grow up to be a good person and provides help and advice as the child grows up. It is commonly used in the context of baptism, where the 'parrain' is a spiritual guide for the child.

Here's how to use it:

• Je suis le parrain de son fils.
• Parrain, tu es mon héros.
• Il joue le rôle du parrain dans le film.

arriver

The French word 'arriver' translates to 'happen' in English. It is used to describe when something occurs or comes to pass, similarly to how 'happen' is used in English. For instance, 'Qu'est-ce qui est arrivé?' means 'What happened?'. It is also used in various contexts and expressions, making it an important word to learn in the French language.

Here's how to use it:

• C'est difficile d'arriver à la fin du mois sans argent.
• Tu sembles arriver à une conclusion.
• Il est dangereux d'arriver à une conclusion hâtive.

Le maîtresse regarde Toto et demande: Quel est l'avenir de 'Je bâille'? Je dors!