They’re the kind of everyday French that rarely appears in textbooks, but that native speakers use all the time.
None of these expressions are particularly difficult. What makes them confusing is that they often use familiar words in ways that don’t make sense when translated literally.
Here are 10 expressions you’ll hear a lot in real life.
To help you master these phrases, I have recorded audio for all 10 expressions and their examples, first at a natural speed and then a little more slowly so you can repeat, and build your confidence.
🎧 Audio Trainer: Click play to hear the examples at Native Speed vs. Slow Speed.
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Literal translation: It walks.
What it really means: Sounds good! / That works! / Deal!
Example: On se retrouve à 18 h ? Ça marche !
Where English uses the verb "to work" for a plan or a machine, French uses the verb "to walk" (marcher). So, if your phone is broken, you would say: Ça ne marche plus.
Literal translation: No worry.
What it really means: No problem. Don’t worry.
Example: Tu peux venir me chercher à la gare? Oui, pas de souci !
Literal translation: I am disgusted.
What it really means: I’m gutted. / I’m so disappointed. / I’m bummed out.
Example: La France a perdu. Je suis dégoûté.
In casual spoken French, you will often hear it shortened to je suis deg, and in text messages, it is frequently spelled chui deg!
Literal translation: Let it fall.
What it really means: Forget it. / Never mind. / Don’t bother.
Example: Laisse tomber, c’est pas grave.
Literal translation: That says to me.
What it really means: I’m in! / I’d like that. / Sounds good to me.
Example: — Ça te dit d’aller au cinéma ? — Oui, ça me dit !
Notice how the little pronoun changes depending on who you are talking to! For example: Ça te dit ? (Does that sound good to you?) or Ça lui dit ? (Does that sound good to him/her?).
Literal translation: It’s gone.
What it really means: Let’s go! / Here we go!
Example: Tout le monde est prêt ? C’est parti !
Literal translation: That there is.
What it really means: There we go! It’s done! Finally!
Example: Ça y est, j’ai fini!
Literal translation: So much worse.
What it really means: Oh well. / Too bad.
Example: Il n’y a plus de croissants ? Tant pis, je vais prendre un pain au chocolat.
Literal translation: You surprise me.
What it really means: No kidding! Tell me about it!
Example: — Il fait trop chaud, j’ai envie de déménager en Norvège! — Tu m’étonnes !
Literal translation: Good courage.
What it really means: There isn’t a perfect English equivalent. French people say it to encourage someone who’s about to do something difficult or unpleasant.
Example: — Je travaille tout le week-end. — Bon courage !
It is very common to say bon courage to a cashier at the store, or to anyone you notice who is having a stressful or exhausting day.
Tell me in the comments: Which of these expressions have you heard before? And are there any other confusing French phrases you’ve caught in conversation and always wondered about?
I offer one-to-one French lessons tailored to your goals, with personalized feedback, pronunciation coaching, and a learning plan designed just for you. You can learn more about my lessons here.
À la semaine prochaine,
Marie
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