[2024-03-31] Unveil the mystery of French with us - Lesson 1: A French proverb and Key Words

deuxième

The French word 'deuxième' corresponds to 'second' in English and is used in similar contexts. It is suitable to use it in sequences, telling time, positioning, etc. For example, when indicating your standing after the first person, the term 'deuxième' is used. It's important to remember that the numbering in French employs 'deuxième' for 'second', unlike in English where 'second' and 'two' are distinctly different words.

Here's how to use it:

• Je suis à la deuxième page de ce livre.
• Le deuxième exercice est plus difficile que le premier.
• Pouvez-vous répéter la deuxième partie de la phrase?

tard

The French word 'tard' translates to 'late' in English. Similar to English, 'tard' can be used in several contexts in French. It can refer to the time of day, being late to an event, or anything not being on time. However, be aware that the way it is used in a sentence might slightly vary because French grammar is different from English grammar.

Here's how to use it:

• Je travaille jusqu'à tard dans la nuit.
• Il est rentré tard de l'école aujourd'hui.
• Il travaille tard ce soir.

éviter

The French word 'éviter' is used in many scenarios similar to its English equivalent, 'avoid'. You can use it when you want to escape from a situation (éviter un problème - avoid a problem), when you're trying to keep away from a person (éviter quelqu'un - avoid someone), or when dodging an object (éviter une voiture - avoid a car). It's a versatile word that is frequently used in both conversational and written French.

Here's how to use it:

• Elle tente d'éviter la confrontation en ignorant les commentaires négatifs.
• Éviter le soleil peut aider à protéger votre peau.
• Elle essaie d'éviter les endroits bruyants à cause de sa migraine.

quoi

The French word 'quoi' stands for the English word 'what'. It is often used in forming or answering questions. Similar to the English equivalent, 'quoi' can either be used to ask for specific information ('Quoi est-ce? — What is it?') or to express surprise or disbelief ('Quoi? — What?'). Note that the word ’quoi’ is generally used in informal speech; in formal writing or speech, 'que' or 'quel(le)' is more commonly used.

Here's how to use it:

• Quoi de neuf?
• Il faut que je sache quoi faire.
• Pourquoi es-tu en colère? Quoi qu'il en soit, je suis désolé.

affecter

The French word 'affecter' is the equivalent of the English word 'affect'. It is used as a verb in sentences and can refer to the act of influencing something or someone. Just like in English, it can be used in various contexts, including emotional, scientific, or general scenarios. For example, 'Cette nouvelle va l'affecter' means 'This news is going to affect him/her'.

Here's how to use it:

• Le manque de sommeil peut affecter votre performance au travail.
• Les changements climatiques affectent la biodiversité.
• Les publicités peuvent affecter notre perception du monde.

C'est la paille et la poutre