The Coffee Break French Show

Coffee Break French

Mastering French vowel sounds: ‘ou’ and ‘u’ made easy

French pronunciation can be both fascinating and tricky, especially when it comes to vowel sounds like ou and u. These two sounds might seem similar at first, but being able to distinguish between them will greatly help to improve your French pronunciation and comprehension, as well as your spelling. The Coffee Break French Show is

Coffee Break French

Understanding adjective placement in French: when do adjectives go before a noun?

Adjectives play a crucial role in adding depth to your French conversations. However, understanding where to place them in a sentence can be tricky for learners. In most cases, adjectives in French come after the noun they modify, but there are some exceptions which can make this rule seem more like a guideline. The Coffee

Coffee Break French

Converse in French like a native: choosing ‘tu’ or ‘vous’

Learning a new language comes with its own set of interesting challenges, and for learners of French, one of these challenges is knowing when to use the informal tu and when to use the formal vous, especially if your native language is one which only has one word for “you”. Mastering this nuance, however, is

Coffee Break French

Useful expressions with ‘avoir’

Which French expressions do you know that use the verb avoir? There are many to choose from! While avoir translates into English as “to have”, its use goes beyond possession and ownership, extending to sensations, emotions and age. The Coffee Break French Show is a podcast series of bite-sized, friendly conversations in which we demystify

Coffee Break French

What’s the difference between ‘jour’ and ‘journée’ in French?

Why does French have two words for “day”? The distinction between jour and journée can be confusing for French learners and can seem subtle, but we’re going to look at the nuances of each word to help you know when to translate “day” as jour and when it should be journée. The Coffee Break French

Coffee Break French

Mastering French pronunciation: a comprehensive guide to the letter ‘e’

French pronunciation can be a challenge, but understanding the rules regarding certain vowels and consonant combinations can make all the difference in your language-learning journey. In this article, we’ll focus on one very common letter than can have different pronunciations, depending on accents and the letters that follow – the letter e.  The Coffee Break

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When to use ‘qui’ and ‘que’: French relative pronouns

Do you know the difference between qui and que? Both qui and que are relative pronouns – designed to replace a noun in a sentence – yet, each has its distinct role. When to use qui and when to use que is one of the questions we get asked the most by our Coffee Break French community. So, let’s explore both

Coffee Break French

Practising relative pronouns: ‘qui’ and ‘que’

Knowing when to use qui and when to use que is a tricky topic for many French learners. In this article we’re going to practise qui and que to help you know when to use each of them. The Coffee Break French Show is a podcast series of bite-sized, friendly conversations, in which we demystify tricky French language topics. In the latest episode,

Coffee Break French

Which prepositions are used with cities and countries?

As a French learner, deciding which preposition to use with locations, such as cities and countries, can be frustrating. Getting to grips with why we make these choices will help us make the correct decision. The Coffee Break French Show is a podcast series of bite-sized, friendly conversations, in which we demystify tricky French language

Coffee Break French

What’s the difference between ‘à cause de’ and ‘grâce à’?

À cause de and grâce à are easy to get mixed up. This is because, depending on the context, both phrases can be translated as “because of” in English. However, while both phrases link a cause to a consequence, they paint distinct pictures of the outcome! We’re going to explore the subtleties of these phrases, unravelling