Salut !
As I was in Brazil last week, I thought « Hey, I’m just like my readers right now! ». And asked myself tons of questions such as:
– What if I was sick? I see the pharmacies all around me… But what about a doctor?
– My mum wanted to have a haircut but we had no idea how to ask for what we wanted!
– What would we say in a formal situation? My brother is studying there and he might need some formal portuguese to speak with his teachers!
All this, as I figured out later, was the aim of Comme une Française. Simple answers for simple situations. Of course, all my friends asked « Are you going to look for « Comme une Brésilienne »? » This would have been super useful. Especially as I’m in love with all the little details in other cultures.
Coming back to France (all snowy this morning, it’s gorgeous!), I’ve prepared for you a list of 10 posts to survive in France.
Did Comme une Française ever helped you with your life in France? Click here to let me know how! I’d love to hear about you.
Everyday French for everyday use
A few phrases to make a difference.
Say hello during the day solves the big mistake most of my English-speaking readers make at work, in France.
Don’t speak French very well? Say it!: the 5 seconds key to having French people slow down and be understanding in a conversation. You can do it!
Solve a problem in a shop: don’t let the shop assistant take advantage of your level of French. You could chain yourself to the counter until you grab the attention of a customer service executive worth his salt. But, let’s be honest. That not the way things are done.
Protect your health
Your best asset, that can give you nightmares.
Getting a doctor’s appointment in France gives the exact script to use to book a doctor’s appointment in French.
With Don’t stay sick, ask the pharmacist you will be able to describe your symptoms and download a PDF to store in your medicine cabinet. Just in case!
Buy sanitory towels in France will teach you all the words you need every month. And where and how to buy everything you need.
Improve your French
It’s not all about Google translator.
5 French words that look ok but are not: Sometimes you make mistakes. It’s ok to make mistakes as you are learning the language. However, there are some that will bring you shame, once you figure it out… Months later.
10 ways to end an email in French in 1 or 2 words You don’t know how to end emails in French. Should you say “Bisous” (kisses) to your mother in law? Or is “Cordialement” (kind regards) a good idea for friends? What if you want to ask for a service? We are going to see which expression to use and with whom.
5 games to improve your French: phrases and culture: You want to improve your French so you read “French culture for dummies”. But it’s a very thick book and reading alone is not much fun. And you forget as soon as you read it. Here are 5 ideas to learn French, playing games.
Tell me in the comments below which subject was the most useful to you!
Bisous,
Géraldine
PS: Oh, wait. I just recorded my answering machine, and I thought you’d like this one too: Record your answering machine message in French ????
