C’est la vie – This is life or such is life. It’s a phrase used to shrug off something that didn’t go as planned, acknowledging life’s ups and downs.
Je n’ai pas réussi l’examen, mais c’est la vie.
Ça va – It’s okay or it’s going. This common expression is used to say that things are generally okay or to inquire about someone’s well-being.
Salut, ça va?
Comme ci, comme ça – So-so or neither good nor bad. It’s typically a response when someone asks how you are doing, and things aren’t particularly wonderful or terrible.
Comment vas-tu ? Comme ci, comme ça.
Quoi de neuf? – What’s new? This is a casual greeting used to ask someone if there is anything new in their life.
Salut Jean, quoi de neuf?
Je ne sais quoi – I don’t know what. This phrase is used to describe an indescribable or indefinable quality that makes something or someone stand out.
Elle a un je ne sais quoi qui captivent les foules.
Laissez-faire – Let it be. Originally an economic term, this phrase is often used more broadly to express an attitude of letting things take their own course without interfering.
En matière de décoration, je préfère un style laissez-faire.
Joie de vivre – Joy of living. This expression describes a cheerful enjoyment of life; an exultation of spirit.
Il apporte une véritable joie de vivre avec son humour.
Cherchez la femme – Look for the woman. This phrase suggests that a woman is probably the cause of a problem or mystery.
Dès qu’il y a un problème, cherchez la femme.
Savoir-faire – Know how. It refers to the ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations.
Le diplomate a montré un grand savoir-faire lors des négociations.
Carte blanche – Blank check. It’s used to describe freedom to do whatever one wants or decides.
Le directeur m’a donné carte blanche pour gérer ce projet.
Coup de foudre – Love at first sight. Literally, it means a bolt of lightning, and it describes an unexpected and immediate romantic attraction.
Il a eu un coup de foudre en la voyant pour la première fois.
Tête-à-tête – Head to head. This phrase refers to a private conversation between two people.
Nous avons eu un tête-à-tête pour résoudre le conflit.
À la mode – In fashion or style. It’s used to describe something that is trendy or fashionable.
Cette coupe de cheveux est vraiment à la mode cette saison.
En plein air – In the open air. It describes activities done outside, typically referring to painting or dining outdoors.
Nous dînerons en plein air ce soir, il fait un temps magnifique.
Faux pas – False step. This phrase is used to describe an embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation.
Faire des commentaires sur son salaire était un vrai faux pas.
Esprit de corps – Spirit of the body. It refers to the common spirit existing in the members of a group, inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and strong regard for the honor of the group.
L’esprit de corps de cette équipe est vraiment impressionnant.
Vis-à-vis – Face to face. It’s used to refer to in relation to or compared with.
Je dois discuter de mon contrat vis-à-vis de mes responsabilités.
Après-ski – After skiing. This term refers to social activities and entertainment following a day of skiing.
Rejoignez-nous pour l’après-ski au chalet demain.
De rigueur – Required or in vogue. It is used to say that something is fashionable or customary.
À cette soirée, une cravate est de rigueur.
French expressions and idioms enrich conversations and offer insightful ways to express thoughts and feelings. Integrating these phrases into your language learning journey not only boosts your vocabulary but also deepens your understanding of French culture. Whether it’s expressing a simple “C’est la vie” or describing someone’s “je ne sais quoi,” these expressions add color and depth to your dialogue, making your French conversational skills more authentic and engaging.
