French Blabla

Bonjour à tous and welcome back to the podcast! In today’s episode, we’re talking about something that has become a big part of daily life in France: French shops and the way we do our grocery shopping at the drive. If you’ve ever been curious about how people shop in France, this episode is for you. I’ll share my own experiences with le drive, what works well, what can be tricky, and how I make it part of my weekly routine. This episode is perfect for learners who want to speak French more confidently while learning practical vocabulary for real-life situations like shopping and errands. You’ll also discover an important grammar point for A2–B1 learners: expressions of quantity such as beaucoup de, assez de, and trop de.   In this Episode: Vocabulary Expansion: Learn everyday words and phrases to talk about French shops, grocery shopping, and pick-up services. Grammar Mastery: Practice using expressions of quantity to describe shopping experiences naturally. Challenge: Complete a simple activity at the end

Bonjour à tous and welcome back to the podcast! In today’s episode, we continue with a fun theme that started with a very unusual discovery. Last time, I found a hedgehog in the middle of the city! If you missed that episode, go check it out. It’s a great opportunity to learn new vocabulary and discover a touching rescue story. Today, the adventure continues, but this time, it’s not about animals. I stumbled upon something else unusual on the sidewalk that led me on a small mystery. This episode is perfect for learners who want to speak French more fluently by practicing real-life storytelling. If you enjoyed my previous story, you’ll definitely love this one too. Along the way, you’ll learn useful vocabulary and focus on an important grammar point for intermediate learners: adverbs ending in “-ment.”   In this Episode: Vocabulary Expansion: Learn everyday French words related to daily life, small mysteries, and neighbourhoods. Grammar Mastery: Learn how to use adverbs ending in “-ment” to make your sentence

Bonjour à tous and welcome back to the podcast! Today is September 1st, which means it’s back-to-school day in France. Pupils are having their very first day of class, and for parents, that also means back-to-school shopping. In today’s episode, I’ll share my own adventure with school supplies, the mistakes I made in the past, how I tried to be more prepared this year, and even a funny story about a business idea I once had. This episode is designed for learners who want to feel more confident speaking French by following real-life stories. Since today is all about back-to-school shopping, you’ll hear a personal story full of small mistakes, funny surprises, and useful vocabulary you can reuse in daily life. We’ll explore the world of school supplies with plenty of French to English explanations so you can connect new words to their meaning right away. On the grammar side, we’ll work with chronological connectors like d’abord, ensuite, puis, enfin, which are essential for telling stories clearly in French. He

Today, we open a new chapter with a fun and unexpected theme: hedgehog French! If you’re wondering what that means, you’re in the right place. This episode is perfect for French learners who want to expand their vocabulary and improve their grammar while enjoying a surprising real-life story. In this episode, we will explore useful words related to animals, nature, and city life. More importantly, we’ll focus on a key grammar point for A2 learners: reflexive verbs in the past tense. You’ll hear how to use verbs like se cacher, se mettre en boule, or se détendre when telling simple stories or sharing personal experiences.   In this Episode: Vocabulary Expansion: Wildlife, rescue situations, and everyday actions in French. Grammar Focus: Master reflexive verbs in the past. Challenge: At the end of the episode, you’ll get a creative writing task to apply what you’ve learned.   So, whether you’re curious about starting your journey with hedgehog French or simply want to grow your storytelling skills, this episo

Welcome back to another episode of the French Blabla podcast! In the last episode, we tackled two iconic French swear words—or as I prefer, the P-word and M-word. I find them a bit too bold for my taste, and maybe you do too. So, let’s stick to the P-word and M-word to keep the air light. If you missed that episode, it's definitely worth a listen as it sets the stage perfectly for today's topic. Click here to listen. Today, we're diving deeper into the realm of curse words in French, focusing on another essential word that, surprisingly, doesn't get as much attention as it deserves. This word is frequently used in daily conversations across France, yet it seems to fly under the radar in language learning materials. Let’s shine a spotlight on it and explore how it can be used in casual settings without any fuss. And before we dive in, a quick shout out to our sponsor, Lingopie. I’ll give you more details about their services later in the episode, so stay tuned! Alright, let's get started with today's explorati

Hello, and welcome back to another episode of the French Blabla podcast! I'm Caroline, your host. Today, we're about to unwrap two cheeky and somewhat controversial gems from the French linguistic treasure chest. These expressions are quintessential to everyday French banter, often sparking raised eyebrows and knowing smiles. We're going to explore "putain" and "merde," two swear words in French that are sure to ring a bell if you've spent any time on social media watching humorous language learning videos. As we delve into these popular swear words in French, remember the cultural depth and emotional weight they carry in the French language. With today's episode, you'll understand not just the translations but the appropriate contexts to use these colorful expressions without offending native speakers. Let’s embark on this vocabulary journey with a light heart and a mind open to the intriguing world of casual French. Later in the episode, I’ll also introduce you to our sponsor, but first, let's dive into the

Bonjour à tous and welcome back to our podcast! In today's episode, we delve into a practical and engaging topic: how to sell used clothes on French websites. This episode is perfect for those looking to combine the eco-friendly act of selling used clothes with enhancing their French language skills. As we go through my story to sell used clothes online, I'll teach you the necessary French vocabulary and grammar to navigate these transactions effectively. This setup is an excellent opportunity for French learners to apply language lessons in real-life scenarios, which can be incredibly rewarding. Throughout the episode, I focus on the practical aspects of how to sell used clothes online in France, including how talk about the process of selling  and sending your items and how to describe them attractively in French.    In this Episode: Vocabulary Expansion: Learn specific terms related to clothing, sales, and e-commerce—all in French. Grammar Mastery: Dive deep into the use of articles in French, which are e

Hey folks! So, here's the scoop: 2024 is my year of "transformation", and it's all centered around diving deep into 'cuisine French.' But here's the twist – after realizing that my love affair with pain au chocolat has been a little too indulgent, I've decided it's time to get savvy with macro counting. Yep, I'm on a mission to strike the perfect balance between savoring the richness of French cuisine and keeping my nutrition in check. In this episode, I'm taking you along on my adventure of marrying the art of macro counting with the indulgence of French food. It's not about giving up the good stuff; it's about making the good stuff work for me and my health goals. And let me tell you, it's been quite the enlightening journey so far!   In this Episode: From Pain au Chocolat to Portion Control: Sharing my personal story of how those irresistible French pastries led me to a path of healthier eating habits without sacrificing flavor. Grammar Corner: We explore useful French phrases to express opposition, perfe

Hey folks, welcome back to a new episode, where I dive into my laid-back morning stroll on the 'plage'—that's 'beach' in French for those diving into the language with me. This episode is all about the simple pleasures of the beach in French culture, from the seashells I found to the unique way I decided to cook them. Plus, I've got the scoop on beach etiquette in France. So there I was, walking on the beach in French territory, when I came across an array of seashells. It sparked a little culinary idea in me. Why not cook these seashells? Turned out to be a delicious decision. Along the way, I picked up on some do's and don'ts of French beach etiquette that I thought were pretty interesting to share.   In this Episode: Seashell Vocabulary: I'll share the French names for the cool seashells I found on the beach. Beach Etiquette: Picked up some tips on how to behave on the beach. There's a certain way to do things here. Grammar Nuggets: We'll tackle how to express obligations and prohibitions in French, super

Welcome to a special episode of the podcast, where I delve into the heartwarming French tradition for Christmas, focusing particularly on the enchanting world of advent calendars. As we count down the days to 'Noël,' I want to share with you my personal experiences with past advent calendars and the unique joy they bring during the festive season. In this episode, I'll take you through a journey of discovery, exploring the origins of the advent calendar. This tradition, deeply rooted in French culture, is not just a countdown to Christmas; it's a daily celebration of anticipation and joy. I'll recount my cherished memories associated with these calendars, from the excitement of revealing each day's surprise to the special moments shared with family. But that's not all – we'll also dive into some fascinating grammar points. We'll review the use of 'tout' and 'tous,' exploring their various contexts and applications in French. This grammar focus will enhance your understanding and usage of these versatile words

Today's podcast episode is an extraordinary journey into the heart of the French wilderness, as we explore the theme of deer in French or "le cerf" in an enchanting forest setting. This episode is not just about discovering the majestic deer in their natural habitat but also about enhancing your French skills, particularly if you're at the A2 level. Our focus is on prepositions of location, an essential aspect of French grammar that paints a picture of where events unfold. Whether you're just starting out or looking to solidify your A2 level skills, understanding these prepositions is crucial for describing settings and locations in French, especially when talking about nature and wildlife like deer. So, settle in and relax as we dive into the captivating world of deer in the French forests and unravel the simplicity and beauty of French grammar. Are you intrigued by all of this? Make sure to download the study guide linked below. It includes everything from the episode's transcription to a rich vocabulary li

Mastering the French language pronunciation is a crucial aspect of becoming fluent, and integrating French funny phrases and sounds can make the learning process even more enjoyable. Understanding and using authentic sounds like "pfff," "hein," "rohh," "blowing a raspberry," and "mmmm" can significantly enhance your grasp of the language. In this lesson, we'll delve deep into these unique elements of French language pronunciation, showing you how to use them just like a native speaker. Adding these sounds to your vocabulary will not only improve your pronunciation but also help you grasp the nuances of various French peculiar everyday phrases.   In this Episode: Show surprise, frustration and annoyance with sounds Bonus casual phrases to add to the sounds The number 1 French TV show to level up your French     Useful Episode Resources Episode 36 of the French Blabla podcast : Don't say ”je ne sais pas”, use these words instead - Click to listen "Plan Coeur - The Hookup Plan" - TV Show - Click to check t

I've just had an incredible adventure in a French destination that's a great spa town. Picture this: it's early morning, the air is crisp, and I'm stepping into a thermal spa with a history that goes all the way back to the Romans. Can you believe it? This great spa town has been around for centuries, and I'm about to dive into its healing mineral waters. Our grammar focus today is on conjunctions of coordination and subordination, which help us connect and organize ideas in a sentence. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced learner, we'll explore some essential conjunctions.  The level is A2 so beginner + If you’re interested in all of this, you can download the study guide below where you’ll find the transcription, the vocabulary and the grammar focus.   To listen to my previous Bath episode : Click to listen   In this episode Words and phrases connected to spa and treatments Review conjunctions of coordination and subordination A challenge for you to shine   Useful Episode Resources Grab today's go

Do you like wine? In today's episode of our new series "Unlock the Story", we're playing a game where you'll need to fill in the blanks with the correct French vocabulary to complete the narrative. The stories follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and today the level is A2 or beginner +. You can submit your completed story in the comments section for feedback and guidance on frenchblabla.org. In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of wine and the hard work that goes into producing it. We follow the fictional story of a couple who bought a vineyard in the Aude region of France over fifty years ago and began making their own wine. Let me know in the comments if you enjoy this episode and would like more!   In this episode Words and phrases connected to wine Review the past tenses A challenge for you to shine       Useful Episode Resources Grab today's goodie here.     FREE audio training to help you understand spoken French Want to understand when French people spe

Looking for a fun and effective way to improve your French language skills? While using TV shows and movies to learn a language has always been a popular method, it can be frustrating when subtitles are not designed for language learners. In this episode of the podcast, we explore some tips for using TV shows to improve your comprehension of fast-spoken French and your pronunciation.    In this episode The technique to improve your pronunciation What to do for an effective learning My tips to enrich your vocabulary and grammar My free audio training to improve your understanding of fast spoken French   Useful Episode Resources Episode 37 of the French Blabla podcast : Let's remember grammar - Click to listen     FREE audio training to help you understand spoken French Want to understand when French people speak? Sound more natural? Have a better and smoother pronunciation? Well, you can do that with this free audio training. It will give you the tips and secrets to speak more like a native. Grab your

Today, I'm excited to discuss the beloved French dish, aligot. This cheesy, creamy comfort food is perfect for cold winter nights. Our grammar focus today is on logical conjunctions, or "les connecteurs logiques" in French, which help us connect and organize ideas in a sentence. Whether you're a beginner or more advanced learner, we'll explore some essential conjunctions.  The level is A2 so beginner + So sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of aligot and French grammar! If you’re interested in all of this, you can download the study guide below where you’ll find the transcription, the vocabulary and the grammar focus.   In this episode Words and phrases connected to food and recipe preparation Review the logical conjunctions A challenge for you to shine     Useful Episode Resources Grab today's goodie here.     FREE audio training to help you understand spoken French Want to understand when French people speak? Sound more natural? Have a better and smoother pronunciation? Well, you can do

In today's episode of our new series "Unlock the Story", we're playing a game where you'll need to fill in the blanks with the correct French vocabulary to complete the narrative. The stories follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and are appropriate for all levels of French learners. You can submit your completed story in the comments section of each episode for feedback and guidance at frenchblabla.org. This episode's theme is "our pets", and the story is half-fictional. Beginners need only provide one word, while intermediate or advanced learners are encouraged to use their imagination and come up with multiple words. Click the link in the description or visit frenchblabla.org for the transcription and possible answers to the blanks.  Let me know in the comments if you enjoy this episode and would like more!   In this episode Words and phrases connected to pets A challenge for you to shine     Useful Episode Resources Grab today's goodie here.     FREE audio training to he

Discover the world of temporal clauses in French with this A2-B1 level podcast episode. Get a deep understanding of how these words and phrases express the timing of events and create a sequence of actions. Along with a discussion on temporal clauses, I share my personal journey of egg donation, including the stimulation process, self-administered injections, and the procedure itself. Hear about the challenges I faced, such as finding a doctor, dealing with injections, and navigating the hospital experience. This educational episode also provides technical health terms to enhance your learning.    In this episode Words and phrases connected to health and hospital Review the temporal clauses  A challenge for you to shine     Useful Episode Resources Grab today's goodie here.     FREE audio training to help you understand spoken French Want to understand when French people speak? Sound more natural? Have a better and smoother pronunciation? Well, you can do that with this free audio training. It will give you

Joyeux Noël ! Mes meilleurs voeux à tous. Je vous souhaite de passer de merveilleuses fêtes. Voilà. Alors, bienvenue pour ce nouvel épisode. Today, because it’s Christmas, I’m going to share a story that I saw in a newspaper. It’s aimed at A2 learners, so beginner +. The whole episode uses the present tense. We also have a sprinkle of passive voice so if you’d like to review this, stay tuned. There are also some colourful phrases you can learn to enrich your vocabulary. If you’d like to grab all the goodies I’ve just talked about, head over to frenchblabla.org or simply click the link below to download the study guide where you’ll find the transcription, the vocabulary, the grammar focus and of course the writing challenge. You know the drill.     Useful Episode Resources Grab today's goodie here.     FREE audio training to help you understand spoken French Want to understand when French people speak? Sound more natural? Have a better and smoother pronunciation? Well, you can do that with this free audio trai

Aujourd’hui on va parler d’une de mes découvertes qui a changé ma vie quotidienne. Je suis sûre que beaucoup d’entre vous vont me dire “mieux vaut tard que jamais”, better late than never if we say it in English. Yes, I’m always a late bloomer. This episode is a direct request from Eric. He joined the Christmas Postcard exchange and asked for more beginner episodes. If you’d like to review your present tense and your object pronouns (le - la - les) while learning new vocabulary to talk about your house cleaning habits, then stay tuned. If you’re intermediate, don’t skip this episode because I have some colourful phrases for you that are natural, casual and especially will make you sound like a native. You’ll find everything in the study guide. Simply click on the link below to get your hands on the transcription, the vocabulary and the grammar focus.   Useful Episode Resources Grab today's goodie here.     FREE audio training to help you understand spoken French Want to understand when French people speak? So