Bonjour! Are you ready to take your French to the next level? Even intermediate French speakers sometimes make mistakes that instantly reveal they’re not native speakers. Often, these errors come from literal translations from their native language. But don’t worry! After reading this guide, you’ll avoid these common pitfalls and sound more like a native French speaker.
1. “Je vais bien” vs. “Je suis bien”
❌ Incorrect: Je suis bien ✅ Correct: Je vais bien
When answering “Ça va?” (How are you?), use the verb “aller” (to go), not “être” (to be).
- “Je vais bien” = I’m doing well
- “Je suis bien” = I’m comfortable (e.g., in this chair)
Remember: Use “être” for specific states: “Je suis en forme” (I’m in good shape), “Je suis fatigué” (I’m tired).
2. “Lundi prochain” Without “Le”
❌ Incorrect: Le lundi prochain ✅ Correct: Lundi prochain
Don’t use “le” before days of the week when referring to a specific day.
Exceptions:
- Habits: “Le lundi, je vais à la piscine” (Every Monday, I go to the pool)
- Precise dates: “Le lundi 2 novembre, je reprends le travail” (On Monday, November 2nd, I return to work)
3. “Le matin” Without Preposition
❌ Incorrect: Dans le matin ✅ Correct: Le matin
Don’t use prepositions like “en” or “dans” with times of day.
Correct usage: “Le matin, je me lève à 6h. L’après-midi, je fais du sport.”
4. “Beaucoup de” Without “des”
❌ Incorrect: Beaucoup des livres ✅ Correct: Beaucoup de livres
After quantity expressions like “beaucoup,” “peu,” or measurements, use “de” or “d'” (before vowels), never “des.”
Example: “J’ai beaucoup de livres mais peu d’amis.”
5. “Rendre visite” or “Aller voir” for People
❌ Incorrect: Je visite mes amis ✅ Correct: Je rends visite à mes amis / Je vais voir mes amis
Use “visiter” only for places, not people.
Exception: Medical context – “Le médecin visite ses patients.”
6. “Poser une question”
❌ Incorrect: Demander/faire une question ✅ Correct: Poser une question
Always use “poser” with “question.”
Note: You can say “faire une demande” or “demander quelque chose.”
7. “Être en retard” vs. “Être tard”
❌ Incorrect: Je suis tard ✅ Correct: Je suis en retard
“Être en retard” means to be late for something. “Tard” is an adverb meaning “late” (opposite of “tôt” – early).
Example: “J’avais rendez-vous à 8h et je suis malheureusement en retard de 10 min !”
Quiz Time!
Test your knowledge with these questions:
- How do you say “I’m fine” in French?
- What’s the correct way to say “next Monday” in French?
- How would you express “in the morning” in French?
- What’s the correct way to say “a lot of books” in French?
- How do you say “I’m visiting my friends” in French?
- What’s the correct verb to use with “question” in French?
- How do you say “I’m late” in French?
Remember, practice makes perfect! Try to use these correct forms in your everyday French conversations. Bonne chance with your French learning journey!
