[2024-01-29] Begin your French journey with us!

minute

The word 'minute' in French, just like in English, is used to quantify time. It represents the 60th part of an hour. However, it is pronounced differently as compared to English pronunciation. 'Minute' is pronounced as 'mi-noot' in French.

Here's how to use it:

• Donnez-moi une minute, s'il vous plaît.
• Il n'est pas ici depuis une minute.
• Attends une minute, je suis presque prêt.

fédéral

The word 'fédéral' in French is equivalent to the English word 'federal'. Much like its English counterpart, 'fédéral' is used to describe something that is connected with the central government of a country, rather than local government. For instance, if a law or regulation is approved at the nation-wide level, it can be termed as a 'loi fédérale' or federal law. The term 'fédéral' can also be used in the context of grouping of states, as in a 'gouvernement fédéral' or federal government.

Here's how to use it:

• La loi fédérale impose des restrictions sur les droits de douane.
• Le parlement fédéral a approuvé le nouveau budget.
• L'agence fédérale a émis un avis de rappel.

signe

The word 'signe' in French translation is 'sign' in English. It can be used in several contexts such as expressing a symbol, a signal, or an indication in the French language. For instance, a traffic sign is 'un signe de circulation' in French. As with most languages, the connotation of 'signe' may change depending on the context.

Here's how to use it:

• Je cherche un signe de vie.
• Quel est ton signe de naissance?
• Le feu rouge est un signe d'arrêt.

plus

In French, 'plus' is used in the same way as 'more' in English. It can be used to express a higher or greater extent or amount. It is usually positioned after the verb in a sentence. The use of 'plus' may vary depending on the context of the sentence.

Here's how to use it:

• Je veux plus de café.
• Il est plus grand que moi.
• Vous devez en savoir plus.

petit

The word 'petit' is used in French to describe something small in size. It is used similarly to how 'small' is used in English. For example, to describe a small house, one would say 'une petite maison'. Besides, it could also refer to someone who is not very tall. Note that 'petit' agrees with the gender and quantity of the noun it modifies.

Here's how to use it:

• Il est un petit garçon
• Ce n'est qu'un petit problème
• Elle est ma petite amie

Une maman citron dit à ses enfants: Pour vivre longtemps, il ne faut jamais être pressé!