How to use bilingual dictionaries

The best (though not always the easiest) way to find out whether your bilingual dictionary gave you the right translation is to ask a native speaker. Dictionaries make generalizations, get outdated, and even make a few mistakes, but native speakers evolve with their language - they know the slang, and whether this term is too formal or that one is a little rude, and especially when a word "doesn't sound quite right" or "just can't be used like that." Native speakers are, by definition, the experts, and they are the ones to turn to if you have any doubts about what your dictionary tells you.

If you don't know any native speakers, don't despair - the A la française forum has native speakers who are more than willing to answer any of your questions - just post a note in the forum.