informalities

Informal French

French informality

Français familier

This index includes a variety of French words, expressions, pronunciations, and grammatical and structures reserved for informal communication.

For an explanation of the difference between informal, familiar, and slang see What is register?

   

Grammar Lessons

Exclamative Adverbs

French exclamative adverbsAn exclamative adverb (comme, que, ce que) is a word or phrase used in front of a clause to express a strong emotion like surprise or awe.

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Expressions

Expressions with (ne …) pas

French expressions with ne pas
The French negative adverb ne ... pas essentially means "not." In addition to being useful for negating any normal sentence, ne ... pas or even just pas is found in many expressions and proverbs. Learn how to say none of your business, to be stingy, quite a bit, and more with this list of expressions with (ne ...) pas.

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Expressions

Expressions with Parts of the Body

French idioms with the body
Parts of the body are found in many idiomatic expressions, including to annoy, to give up, and to be extremely lazy. Learn these and dozens of other French expressions from head to toe.

   

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Travel and Culture

Faire la bise

Faire la biseFrench kissing has always been a fascinating part of French culture. Not in the sense of kissing with tongues (a topic for another site!), but rather the ubiquitous exchange of cheek kisses upon meeting and greeting in France.