informalities

Informal French

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?

Pisser (fam) – to pee, go pee; to gush (out); to pour rain

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb pisser.

  conjugation tables • informalities 

Planer – to glide, hang, hover; (inf) to have one’s head in the clouds; to be high

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb planer.

  conjugation tables • informalities 

Planter – to plant, stick in, put; (familiar) to stab

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb planter.

  conjugation tables • informalities 

Potasser (inf) – to cram, swot (up on / for a test)

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb potasser.

  conjugation tables • informalities 

Expressions

Promis, juré, craché

I swear this is a really useful French expression - promis, juré, craché !

  informalities 

Expressions

Quand les poules auront des dents

Find out what toothy hens and flying pigs have in common with this lesson on the French idiom quand les poules auront des dents.

  informalities 

Expressions

Quand même

You're not really going to pass up the opportunity to learn how to use this French expression, quand même.

  informalities 

Expressions

Quant à

How much do you know regarding the French expression quant à?

  informalities 

Expressions

Que dalle !

Instead of doing nothing, learn about the familiar French expression que dalle.

  informalities 

Expressions

Quelle mouche t’a piqué ?

Something bothering you? Read this lesson on the idiomatic French expression Quelle mouche t'a piqué ? to figure it out.

  informalities 

Grammar Lessons

Questions

Knowing how to ask questions in French is essential for making plans, shopping, traveling, getting to know people, and any other activity that requires obtaining information. There are two different types of questions, and different ways to ask each type.

  A1 - Beginning French • formalities • informalities • questions 

Expressions

Quoi de neuf ?

Find out what's new with the informal French expression Quoi de neuf ?

  informalities 

Rabioter (informal) – to get, wangle, grab; to swindle

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb rabioter.

  conjugation tables • informalities 

Expressions

Raconter des salades

Learn how to spin yarns with the idiomatic French expression raconter des salades.

  informalities 

Râler – to groan, moan; (informal) to complain

Simple and compound conjugations for the regular -er French verb râler.

  conjugation tables • informalities