15 French Expressions to Sound Natural (Without Being Rude)
Speak like a native – and still be yourself 🌿 Introduction You’ve learned French grammar.You know how to introduce yourself.You’ve memorized “Bonjour, je m’appelle...” But when you hear real French people talk, you feel lost.They say things like: “C’est pas la mer à boire.”“Il me saoule.”“C’est pas gagné.” And you wonder…Can I say that too?Is it rude? Too informal? Just natural? In this article, I’ll help you learn 15 real French expressions that you can start using today — even as an intermediate learner (A2–B2).They’re friendly, natural, and often used by native speakers — without being vulgar or too slangy. 💬 Why learn these kinds of expressions? Many French learners struggle with one question:…
Why I created a Facebook group for English speakers blocked in French speaking
If you’re learning French and find yourself saying: ...you’re not alone. As a French teacher and psychologist, I’ve met so many learners who carry not just the burden of language acquisition, but also deep emotional blocks: fear of judgment, perfectionism, past trauma related to learning, shame, or simply the anxiety of not being able to express who they really are in a foreign language. This kind of block isn’t solved with more grammar drills. It requires something different. It requires a safe space to feel, reflect, and gradually re-claim your voice. And this is exactly why I created the Facebook group: "Speak French with Confidence – through Writing" The deeper problem…
The 5 fears that block your French speaking
And how writing can help you move through them — gently You’ve been learning French for a while.You read articles, understand podcasts, maybe even follow conversations.But when it’s time to speak… your mind freezes. No words. Just doubt. You're not alone. For most intermediate learners, the real problem is not grammar.It’s fear. Quiet, invisible fear.But the good news is: fear can be explored, written, and transformed. In this article, I’ll guide you through the 5 most common fears that block oral expression — and offer you a gentle writing exercise for each one, to help you unlock your voice step by step. “I’m afraid of making mistakes” This fear is almost universal.It often comes from school…
✨ Discover the French Writing Club
A gentle way to practice French — every week, with no pressure You understand French.You read more easily, you watch series, maybe you even write sometimes.But when it’s time to speak… your voice disappears. You freeze.You translate in your head.You’re afraid to make mistakes.You feel blocked. What if the key was… writing? At French Creative Academy, we believe writing isn’t just about grammar.It’s a soft, powerful space to reconnect with your voice — in French.And that’s exactly what the French Writing Club is here for. ✍️ What is the French Writing Club? The French Writing Club is a free, weekly writing space for intermediate learners (A2–B2).Each Sunday, you’ll receive a…
✍️ 5 habitudes d’écriture pour débloquer ton français à l’oral
Tu comprends le français, tu écris parfois, mais quand il s’agit de parler… plus rien ne sort ?Tu n’es pas seul.e. Et tu n’es pas nul.le. Dans cet article, je vais te montrer comment l’écriture peut t’aider à parler plus facilement, même si tu es bloqué.e à l’oral depuis des années. Et surtout : je vais te donner 5 habitudes simples que tu peux commencer aujourd’hui, à ton rythme. Pourquoi l’écriture aide à mieux parler Tu as peut-être l’impression que l’écriture, c’est l’opposé de la parole.C’est plus lent, plus réfléchi. Et pourtant… Quand tu écris, tu travailles les mêmes circuits mentaux que pour parler :→ Tu choisis des mots.→ Tu construis des phrases.→ Tu formes ton message.…
Le café en France : une culture à part entière
Quand on apprend le français, on découvre aussi tout un univers de gestes, de rituels et d’habitudes culturelles. Le café, en France, n’est pas seulement une boisson chaude. C’est un moment, une pause, parfois un prétexte pour discuter. C’est un mot simple, mais chargé de sens, presque symbolique. Dans cet article, je t’invite à plonger dans la culture du café à la française. Tu comprendras mieux comment vivent les Français… et tu enrichiras ton vocabulaire sans t’en rendre compte. 📜 Une petite histoire du café Le café est arrivé en France au XVIIe siècle. En 1686, le tout premier café parisien ouvre ses portes : Le Procope. Il devient rapidement un…
3 erreurs de grammaire qui te bloquent à l’oral (et comment les dépasser avec confiance)
Parler français, ce n’est pas seulement connaître les règles. C’est oser dire quelque chose, même quand ce n’est pas parfait. Pourtant, certaines erreurs reviennent souvent. Elles créent un petit blocage invisible : un doute, une hésitation, une peur de se tromper. Et cette peur te pousse à te taire. Dans cet article, je t’invite à regarder ces erreurs non pas comme des fautes à éviter, mais comme des clés pour mieux comprendre le français… et retrouver ta liberté d’expression. L’accord du participe passé avec être Tu connais sans doute cette règle : avec l’auxiliaire être, le participe passé s’accorde avec le sujet. Elle est partie.Ils sont arrivés.Nous sommes restés longtemps. Mais dans la pratique, quand…
25 French Words to Talk About Your Emotions – and Feel Understood
Introduction: Words for What You Feel Speaking a new language is not just about rules and verbs—it’s about being seen and understood. But when emotions rise, many learners feel blocked. They know how to say Je suis content or Je suis triste, but what about more subtle or intense feelings? This article gives you 25 French words to talk about your inner world more precisely—and more confidently. Each word is explained with care, with a short example to help you feel it, not just memorize it. Vocabulary: Emotions You’ve Felt, Now in French soulagé(e) – relieved Quand j’ai reçu ses nouvelles, je me suis senti soulagé.(When I got news from her, I felt relieved.) ému(e) –…
How to speak French with confidence – even if you’re still making mistakes
The science behind confidence, and 5 proven techniques to unlock your voice in French “I understand French… but I freeze when I try to speak.” If that sounds like you, you’re not alone.Maybe you can read articles, watch series with subtitles, and even write a little. But when it’s time to speak – your mind goes blank. You feel blocked, tense, unsure of your words. That’s not because you’re lazy, untalented, or “too old to learn.” It’s not even because you don’t know enough vocabulary.It’s because your confidence hasn’t caught up with your knowledge – yet. In this article, we’ll explore why speaking feels so hard, what research says about confidence in…
How to Stop Translating in Your Head When Speaking French
A gentle and creative approach to speak French fluently and confidently. Introduction Do you often find yourself stuck when trying to speak French because you need to translate every word in your head? You’re not alone. This mental habit is one of the biggest obstacles for intermediate learners who want to speak French fluently and with confidence. But don’t worry: in this article, you’ll discover why it happens and how to gently stop translating in your head so you can start speaking French more naturally. ➡️ Tu as déjà vécu cette situation : tu veux parler, mais tu bloques. Pourquoi ? Parce que tu traduis. Et cette habitude crée un mur…
