Languages › French Important French Words to Learn These 25 common French words are vital terms to know Print BakiBG / Getty Images French Vocabulary Pronunciation & Conversation Grammar Resources For Teachers By ThoughtCo Team Updated on November 04, 2019 French can be difficult to learn: The grammar is often different than in English, and correct pronunciation is key to mastering this Romance language. But learning basic terms can help. This list contains varied terms such as auparavant (beforehand), égard (exhausted), and toucher (to touch). You might know this last term by its pronunciation: "too shay," a term anyone who has read the novel "The Three Musketeers" or seen a movie with swashbuckling swordfights will readily recognize. Read More The 20 Most Common French Words By ThoughtCo Team The Top 25 Each French term on this list is followed its pronunciation in parentheses, and then its definition. Some of the words provide links to web pages that provide more complete explanations, background information, and even tips on how to conjugate the words where appropriate. Word Pronunciation Definition auparavant o pa ra van Beforehand, previously bis bees a musical encore at the end of a concert; detour or diversion bouffer boo fay to be full; have volume chouette shweht owl; great, nice or cool coucou koo koo (exclamation) hello, hi, peek-a-boo; cuckoo (clock) doué doo wee gifted égard e gar respect génial zhay nyal genius, inspired; great, cool incontournable a(n)-ko(n)-toor-nabl inescapable, inevitable, or indispensable intéressant eh(n) tay ray sa(n) interesting, attractive, worthwhile justement ʒystəmɑ̃ exactly lendemain la(n)d-ma(n) the next day, day after; future maîtriser meh tree zay to control, overcome, suppress; to master malin mah-la(n) Shrewd, cunning normal nor mal normal occasion uh ka zyo(n) chance, opportunity piège pjɛʒ trap piger piʒe to get it pinard pee nar cheap wine, plonk projet pʀɔʒɛ intention; plan rater ra tay misfire, miss, fail, bungle, miscarry, to mess up taux to rate toucher too shay to touch; to approach, be/go near; to affect untel oo(n) tel so-and-so vachement vahsh ma(n) really Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Team, ThoughtCo. "Important French Words to Learn." ThoughtCo, Dec. 6, 2021, thoughtco.com/mot-du-jour-top-french-word-1372673. Team, ThoughtCo. (2021, December 6). Important French Words to Learn. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/mot-du-jour-top-french-word-1372673 Team, ThoughtCo. "Important French Words to Learn." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/mot-du-jour-top-french-word-1372673 (accessed April 18, 2024). copy citation By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies