[2024-06-16] Learn French Words & Proverbs!

cas

The French word 'cas' is used similarly to the English 'case'. It can suggest a particular situation or event, as well as a legal investigation. But be careful, in French 'cas' does not mean a box or a container, for that the word 'boîte' is used.

Here's how to use it:

• Dans le cas de Marie, elle préfère le café.
• Au cas où il pleut, prenez un parapluie.
• C’est un cas difficile à résoudre.

feux d'artifice

The French term 'feux d'artifice' is used to refer to fireworks, particularly those used during celebrations like New Year's Eve or Bastille Day in France. It is usually used in the plural form given the collective nature of fireworks. It's important to remember the phrase in its entirety, as 'feux' on its own refers to 'fires' and 'artifice' can mean 'trickery', but together they make up the term for fireworks.

Here's how to use it:

• Les feux d'artifice pendant la fête nationale sont magnifiques.
• Les feux d'artifice illuminent le ciel nocturne.
• Il vend des feux d'artifice pour gagner sa vie.

lire

The French verb 'lire' means 'to read'. Just like in English, it can be used in several contexts such as reading a book, a sign, a map etc. It is an irregular verb and so, has different conjugations for different tenses and moods. For example, 'Il lit un livre' translates to 'He is reading a book'.

Here's how to use it:

• Nous aimons lire des histoires à nos enfants.
• Je dois lire ce rapport avant la réunion.
• Tu dois apprendre à lire les instructions.

peu

The French word 'peu' is generally used as an adjective to indicate a small amount or degree of something. It is used similarly to 'little' in English, such as in the phrase 'un peu de sucre,' which means 'a little sugar.' However, the context of the sentence or phrase can sometimes lead to different translations, so it's always important to take that into consideration.

Here's how to use it:

• Il reste un peu de pain.
• Le garçon est un peu timide.
• Il mange très peu

aide

In French, 'help' translates to 'aide'. This word can be used in contexts where assistance or support is being provided. It can be used similar to how it is used in English, as a noun or verb, within a sentence. For example, 'J'ai besoin d'aide' translates to 'I need help'.

Here's how to use it:

• Il a besoin de ton aide.
• L'aide vient toujours à temps.
• Je suis ici pour t'aider.

Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid