Daily English for French Speakers (Ep. 1)
Comment ça va ?
How are you?
Grammar Tip: “How are you?” is a standard greeting in English, using the present tense. It’s informal and suitable for friends, family, or acquaintances.
Context: Used when you meet someone or start a conversation, to ask about their well-being.
Example:
Colleague: Good morning! How are you?
You: I’m doing well, thanks!
Qu’est-ce qu’on mange pour le petit déjeuner ?
What are we having for breakfast?
Grammar Tip: “What are we having” uses the present continuous tense to ask about current plans. “For breakfast” specifies the meal.
Context: Used in the morning to ask about breakfast options or plans.
Example:
Sibling: What are we having for breakfast?
You: Pancakes and orange juice!
Est-ce que tu veux plus de café ?
Do you want more coffee?
Grammar Tip: “Do you want” is a polite way to offer something. “More coffee” asks if the person would like another serving.
Context: Commonly used when serving drinks at home or in a café.
Example:
Host: Do you want more coffee?
Guest: Yes, please. That would be great!
On attend avec impatience les vacances.
We’re looking forward to the holidays.
Grammar Tip: “Looking forward to” is a fixed expression meaning to anticipate something with excitement. “The holidays” refers to upcoming vacation time.
Context: Used when expressing excitement about future events or breaks.
Example:
Friend: Any plans for summer?
You: We’re looking forward to the holidays!
Quels pays est-ce que tu as visités ?
Which countries have you visited?
Grammar Tip: “Which countries” asks for specific information. “Have you visited” uses the present perfect tense to refer to life experiences up to now.
Context: Used when talking about travel experiences.
Example:
Traveler: Which countries have you visited?
You: I’ve been to Italy, Japan, and Brazil.
On peut se voir plus tard si tu veux.
We can meet up later if you want.
Grammar Tip: “We can” expresses possibility. “Meet up” is a casual way to say “get together.” “If you want” makes the offer polite and flexible.
Context: Used to suggest meeting someone at a later time.
Example:
Friend: I’m busy right now.
You: No problem, we can meet up later if you want.
Je dois faire des heures supplémentaires aujourd’hui.
I have to work overtime today.
Grammar Tip: “Have to” expresses obligation. “Work overtime” means to work extra hours beyond the regular schedule.
Context: Used to explain why you are busy or unavailable.
Example:
Colleague: Are you coming to the gym after work?
You: I have to work overtime today, maybe another time.
Est-ce que tu as des frères et sœurs ?
Do you have any siblings?
Grammar Tip: “Do you have” asks about possession. “Siblings” is a general term for brothers and sisters.
Context: Used when getting to know someone or asking about their family.
Example:
New friend: Do you have any siblings?
You: Yes, I have one brother and two sisters.
On est fatigués depuis plusieurs jours.
We’ve been tired for several days.
Grammar Tip: “We’ve been” is the contraction of “we have been,” using the present perfect continuous tense to describe a state that started in the past and continues now.
Context: Used to explain ongoing tiredness or fatigue.
Example:
Colleague: You look tired lately.
You: We’ve been tired for several days because of the new project.
Ça fait un moment qu’on ne s’est pas parlés.
It’s been a while since we talked.
Grammar Tip: “It’s been a while” is a common phrase for saying a long time has passed. “Since we talked” specifies the last event.
Context: Used when reconnecting with someone after a long time.
Example:
Old friend: Hey! It’s been a while since we talked.
You: Yes, let’s catch up soon!
Tu fais quoi ce soir ?
What are you doing tonight?
Grammar Tip: “What are you doing” uses the present continuous tense to ask about someone’s plans. “Tonight” refers to the upcoming evening.
Context: Used to ask about a person’s plans for the evening, often to suggest meeting up.
Example:
Friend: What are you doing tonight?
You: I’m going to a concert downtown.
Quelle heure est-il ?
What time is it?
Grammar Tip: “What time is it?” is a standard question for asking the current time. “Is it” inverts the subject and verb for a question.
Context: Used when you need to know the time, in any setting.
Example:
Stranger: Excuse me, what time is it?
You: It’s half past three.
Je ne trouve pas mes clés.
I can’t find my keys.
Grammar Tip: “Can’t find” uses the modal “can’t” for inability. “My keys” is the object you are searching for.
Context: Used when you are looking for something you’ve misplaced.
Example:
Roommate: Are you ready to go?
You: I can’t find my keys. Have you seen them?
Ça te dit d’aller à la plage ce week-end ?
Do you want to go to the beach this weekend?
Grammar Tip: “Do you want to” is a polite way to invite someone. “Go to the beach” describes the activity, and “this weekend” specifies the time.
Context: Used to suggest a fun plan for the weekend.
Example:
Friend: Do you want to go to the beach this weekend?
You: That sounds great! Let’s do it.
Comment s’est passée ta journée ?
How was your day?
Grammar Tip: “How was” asks about the quality or events of something in the past. “Your day” refers to the person’s experience that day.
Context: Used in the evening or after work to ask about someone’s day.
Example:
Partner: How was your day?
You: It was busy, but I got a lot done.
Quel est ton livre préféré ?
What is your favorite book?
Grammar Tip: “What is” asks for specific information. “Your favorite book” means the book you like the most.
Context: Used when discussing reading interests or getting to know someone’s tastes.
Example:
Book club member: What is your favorite book?
You: I love “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Pouvez-vous me recommander un bon restaurant ?
Can you recommend a good restaurant?
Grammar Tip: “Can you” is a polite question form. “Recommend” means to suggest. “A good restaurant” specifies what you’re looking for.
Context: Used when asking for suggestions, especially in a new city.
Example:
Tourist: Can you recommend a good restaurant nearby?
Local: Sure! Try the Italian place on Main Street.
Je ne me sens pas bien aujourd’hui.
I don’t feel well today.
Grammar Tip: “Don’t feel well” is a common way to say you are sick or unwell. “Today” specifies when.
Context: Used to explain why you can’t do something or need to rest.
Example:
Boss: Are you coming to work?
You: I don’t feel well today, so I’ll stay home.
Je suis vraiment occupée cette semaine.
I’m really busy this week.
Grammar Tip: “I’m” is the contraction of “I am.” “Really busy” emphasizes how much you have to do. “This week” refers to the current week.
Context: Used to explain why you can’t make plans or have limited availability.
Example:
Colleague: Can you help with this project?
You: I’m really busy this week, but I can help next week.
Tu veux aller prendre un verre ?
Do you want to go for a drink?
Grammar Tip: “Do you want to” is a polite way to make a suggestion. “Go for a drink” means to go out and have a beverage, often alcoholic.
Context: Used to invite someone to socialize at a café, bar, or restaurant.
Example:
Friend: Do you want to go for a drink after work?
You: Sure, that sounds fun!
Oui, pourquoi pas.
Yes, why not.
Grammar Tip: “Yes” is a direct affirmation. “Why not” is a casual way to agree to a suggestion, indicating openness or lack of objection.
Context: Used to accept an invitation or suggestion in a friendly, informal way.
Example:
Colleague: Want to join us for lunch?
You: Yes, why not.
Est-ce qu’il pleut aujourd’hui ?
Is it raining today?
Grammar Tip: “Is it raining” uses the present continuous tense to ask about the current weather. “Today” refers to the current day.
Context: Used to inquire about the weather, especially when planning to go outside.
Example:
Roommate: Is it raining today?
You: Yes, you should take an umbrella.
Quel est ton sport préféré ?
What is your favorite sport?
Grammar Tip: “What is” asks for specific information. “Your favorite sport” means the sport you like the most.
Context: Used to discuss hobbies and interests, especially in social situations.
Example:
Classmate: What is your favorite sport?
You: My favorite sport is basketball.
Je reviens tout de suite.
I’ll be right back.
Grammar Tip: “I’ll” is the contraction of “I will,” expressing a future action. “Be right back” means you will return very soon.
Context: Used when you need to leave for a short time but will return quickly.
Example:
During a meeting: I’ll be right back, I just need to grab a document.
Comment se passe ta journée ?
How is your day going?
Grammar Tip: “How is” asks about the current state. “Your day going” uses the present continuous to inquire about ongoing experiences.
Context: Used as a friendly check-in during the day, often in messages or casual conversation.
Example:
Friend (texting): How is your day going?
You: It’s going well, thanks! How about yours?
Je ne suis pas sûr de ce qu’il faut faire ensuite.
I’m not sure what to do next.
Grammar Tip: “I’m not sure” expresses uncertainty. “What to do next” refers to the next step or action.
Context: Used when you need guidance or are uncertain about the next step in a process.
Example:
Team member: I’m not sure what to do next. Can you help?
Elle a dû annuler notre rendez-vous.
She had to cancel our appointment.
Grammar Tip: “Had to” expresses necessity or obligation in the past. “Cancel our appointment” means to call off a planned meeting.
Context: Used to explain why a meeting or event will not happen as planned.
Example:
Colleague: Did you meet with Sarah?
You: No, she had to cancel our appointment.
Comment se sont passées tes vacances ?
How were your holidays?
Grammar Tip: “How were” asks about the quality or events of something in the past. “Your holidays” refers to the person’s recent vacation.
Context: Used to ask about someone’s experience after a holiday or break.
Example:
Neighbor: How were your holidays?
You: They were wonderful! We visited the mountains.
Est-ce que vous avez un bic ?
Do you have a pen?
Grammar Tip: “Do you have” is used to ask about possession. “A pen” is a common item needed for writing (note: “bic” is a brand, but “pen” is the general term).
Context: Used in classrooms, meetings, or whenever you need to borrow a pen.
Example:
Student: Do you have a pen I could borrow?
You: Sure, here you go.
Je dois me coucher tôt ce soir.
I need to go to bed early tonight.
Grammar Tip: “I need to” expresses necessity. “Go to bed early” means to sleep before your usual time. “Tonight” specifies when.
Context: Used to explain why you can’t stay out late or need to end activities early.
Example:
Friend: Want to watch a movie tonight?
You: I need to go to bed early tonight. Maybe another time!
Comment était ton week-end ?
How was your weekend?
Grammar Tip: “How was” is used to ask about someone’s experience in the past. “Your weekend” refers to the Saturday and Sunday that just passed.
Context: Commonly used on Mondays or after a break to start a conversation.
Example:
Colleague: How was your weekend?
You: It was relaxing. I spent time with my family.
Tu devrais lui téléphoner.
You should call her.
Grammar Tip: “Should” is a modal verb used to give advice. “Call her” is the action being recommended.
Context: Used when suggesting that someone contact another person by phone.
Example:
Friend: I haven’t heard from Anna in a while.
You: You should call her and check in.
J’ai besoin d’un café.
I need a coffee.
Grammar Tip: “I need” expresses necessity or desire. “A coffee” refers to a cup of coffee, often used to express tiredness or a craving.
Context: Used when you feel tired or want to take a break.
Example:
Colleague: You look sleepy this morning.
You: I need a coffee before I start working.
Est-ce que tu écoutes des podcasts ?
Do you listen to podcasts?
Grammar Tip: “Do you listen to” is the present simple tense for asking about habits. “Podcasts” are digital audio shows.
Context: Used to discuss hobbies or find common interests.
Example:
Friend: Do you listen to podcasts during your commute?
You: Yes, I love true crime podcasts!
Il est en avance.
He is early.
Grammar Tip: “He is” is the present simple. “Early” means before the expected or scheduled time.
Context: Used to comment when someone arrives before the agreed time.
Example:
Receptionist: Your 2 PM appointment is here.
You: Oh, he is early!
Est-ce que tu peux m’aider ?
Can you help me?
Grammar Tip: “Can you” is a polite request. “Help me” asks for assistance.
Context: Used whenever you need someone’s support or assistance.
Example:
Student: Can you help me with this math problem?
You: Of course, let’s solve it together.
Allons déjeuner ensemble.
Let’s have lunch together.
Grammar Tip: “Let’s” is the contraction of “let us,” used for making suggestions. “Have lunch together” means to eat lunch with someone.
Context: Used to invite someone to share a meal, usually in a friendly or professional setting.
Example:
Colleague: Let’s have lunch together tomorrow.
You: Great idea! Where should we go?
À quoi tu penses ?
What are you thinking about?
Grammar Tip: “What are you thinking about?” uses the present continuous tense to ask about someone’s current thoughts.
Context: Used when someone seems lost in thought or distracted.
Example:
Partner: You look deep in thought. What are you thinking about?
You: Just planning our next vacation.
Merci pour ton aide !
Thank you for your help!
Grammar Tip: “Thank you” is a polite expression of gratitude. “For your help” specifies what you are thankful for.
Context: Used to show appreciation after someone assists you.
Example:
After moving furniture: Thank you for your help!
You: You’re welcome, happy to help!
Il fait beau dehors.
The weather is nice outside.
Grammar Tip: “The weather is” describes the current weather. “Nice” means pleasant or good, and “outside” specifies the location.
Context: Used to comment on pleasant weather, often to suggest going outdoors.
Example:
Friend: The weather is nice outside. Want to go for a walk?
You: That’s a great idea!
Est-ce que tu as vu ce film ?
Have you seen this movie?
Grammar Tip: “Have you seen” uses the present perfect tense to ask about life experience up to now. “This movie” refers to a specific film.
Context: Used when discussing movies or recommending films to friends.
Example:
Friend: Have you seen this movie? It’s really funny!
You: Not yet, but I want to watch it soon.
Je dois faire le ménage.
I have to do the housework.
Grammar Tip: “Have to” expresses obligation or necessity. “Do the housework” means to clean or tidy up your home.
Context: Used to explain why you’re busy or can’t join an activity.
Example:
Roommate: Want to play video games?
You: I have to do the housework first, then I’ll join you.
Quelle est ta couleur préférée ?
What is your favorite color?
Grammar Tip: “What is” asks for specific information. “Your favorite color” means the color you like most.
Context: Used when getting to know someone’s preferences, especially in casual conversations.
Example:
Teacher: What is your favorite color?
You: My favorite color is blue.
Il est parti promener le chien.
He went out to walk the dog.
Grammar Tip: “He went out” is the past tense of “go out.” “To walk the dog” means to take the dog outside for exercise.
Context: Used to explain someone’s absence or current activity.
Example:
Neighbor: Where’s Tom?
You: He went out to walk the dog.
Comment était ton week-end ?
How was your weekend?
Grammar Tip: “How was” asks about the quality or events of something in the past. “Your weekend” refers to the recent Saturday and Sunday.
Context: Used to start a conversation after the weekend, often on Monday.
Example:
Boss: How was your weekend?
You: It was great! I went hiking in the hills.
Quel âge a-t-il ?
How old is he?
Grammar Tip: “How old is he?” is the standard way to ask about someone’s age. “He” refers to a male person.
Context: Used when talking about someone’s age, often about children or new acquaintances.
Example:
Neighbor: How old is your son?
You: He’s eight years old.
Je suis désolé d’entendre ça.
I’m sorry to hear that.
Grammar Tip: “I’m sorry” expresses sympathy. “To hear that” refers to receiving bad or sad news.
Context: Used to show empathy when someone shares unfortunate news.
Example:
Friend: My cat is sick.
You: I’m sorry to hear that. I hope she gets better soon.
Quel est ton film préféré ?
What is your favorite movie?
Grammar Tip: “What is” asks for specific information. “Your favorite movie” means the film you like the most.
Context: Used to discuss preferences, especially in conversations about entertainment.
Example:
Classmate: What is your favorite movie?
You: My favorite movie is “Inception.”
Prenons une pause.
Let’s take a break.
Grammar Tip: “Let’s” is the contraction of “let us,” used for making suggestions. “Take a break” means to stop working for a short time to rest.
Context: Used in workplaces, study sessions, or any activity that requires a pause.
Example:
Team leader: We’ve been working for hours. Let’s take a break.
You: Good idea! I need some fresh air.