French Words

Numerous French words have seamlessly integrated into the English language, ranging from areas such as culinary arts to art and fashion. Some well-known examples include café, déjà vu, entrepreneur, and souvenir. In many cases, English speakers may not even realize they are using French-derived words due to their ubiquity in the language. Cognates, or words that have similar meanings and origins in both languages, further bridge the connection between French and English.

Common French Words in English

Common French Words

Here are some examples of common French words used in English:

Bonjour – This popular expression means “hello” in French, often used for greeting people.
Hôtel – The word for “hotel” in English is derived from French, with both sharing the same meaning of a place providing lodging for travelers.
Rendezvous – A notable example from the realm of social interactions, this term refers to a planned meeting or appointment.
Résumé – A vital document for professionals, the résumé shares its origins with the French word for “summary.”
Cliché – This expression is used to describe something that has become overused or unoriginal.

Arts and Culture | French Words

Fashion and Couture

French has greatly influenced the world of fashion and couture, with terms like haute couture, which refers to high-end, custom-fitted clothing, prêt-à-porter, which means ready-to-wear, and silhouette, describing the outline or shape of a garment. These terms are commonly used in the fashion industry and have been adopted into the English language as standard expressions. French fashion houses, such as Chanel and Dior, are well-known for their contributions to the global fashion scene.

Visual Arts

In the realm of visual arts, French terms have also made a significant impact on the English language. Avant-garde, for example, is a French phrase that denotes innovative, experimental, or unorthodox art and artists. Originally referring to the vanguard in a military context, it now represents cutting-edge works pushing the boundaries of conventional ideas. Additionally, the term art nouveau, another French phrase, signifies a style of decorative and fine arts that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Ads paying for your free English lessons. Prefer a quiet page? Go ad-free

Cinema

French influence can be found in the film industry with the term film noir, which refers to a genre of moody, atmospheric crime dramas popular in the 1940s and 1950s. The expression stems from the French word for black (noir) and reflects the dark themes and visual style often associated with these films. Moreover, the French New Wave movement, or Nouvelle Vague, had a profound impact on modern cinema, with directors like François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard revolutionizing the cinematic language and aesthetic.

Here are more examples:

Cinéma vérité: a documentary film style that focuses on realism and authenticity
Récit: a detailed account or narrative of a series of events

Literature

The field of literature also bears the mark of French influence in the English language. Various literary periods and styles, such as Romanticism, which originated in France as Romantisme, have left their mark on English literature and language. Furthermore, French writers, like Victor Hugo, Marcel Proust, and Albert Camus, have made significant contributions to world literature, with their works translated and read by English speakers worldwide.

Food and Beverage | French Words

Dining Terms

Café: A French term, now commonly used in English to refer to a small establishment serving coffee and snacks.

Hôtel: In French, this term refers to an establishment offering accommodations and often meals. In English, it specifically means lodging.

Restaurant: A term borrowed from the French, referring to an establishment where one can purchase and consume meals.

Apéritif: A French-origin term, referring to a pre-dinner drink designed to stimulate the appetite.

Menu: A list of dishes and beverages available at a restaurant, also borrowed from the French language.

Cooking Terms

Chef: A professional cook, especially one who is in charge of a kitchen. Derived from the French word “chef de cuisine.”

Salade: The French word for a dish made with a mix of raw vegetables, often including lettuce and served with dressing. In English, we know it as “salad.”

Soupe: A French term for a liquid dish served hot or cold, typically made from boiling a combination of ingredients. In English, it’s “soup.”

Vinaigrette: A French term for a type of cold sauce made with vinegar, oil, and various flavorings, often used as a salad dressing.

Dish Names

Soufflé: A popular French and English dish made with a base of egg yolks and beaten egg whites, combined with other ingredients, and then baked to achieve a light, airy texture.

Gâteau: The French word for “cake,” referring to a sweet, baked dessert typically made from a combination of flour, sugar, eggs, and other ingredients.

Law and Administration | French Words

Law and administration are two interconnected areas, and the English language has borrowed a significant number of French words and phrases to describe various aspects of these fields. French has had a considerable influence on the development of legal terminology and administrative language in English.

Law: The word “plaintiff” in English, referring to a person who brings a lawsuit against another, comes from the French word “plaignant.” Other common expressions borrowed from French include “acte authentique” for a deed of sale, “attestation d’acquisition” for a notaire’s certificate, and “aponstrophe,” which showcases French origins.

Administration: The English word “administration” itself comes from the French word “administration,” which signifies the organization and supervision of a company or institution. The term “bureau,” widely used to describe an office or a department within an organization, also has its roots in the French language. “Charge,” “costs,” and “fee,” when referring to administrative expenses, can be translated as “charge,” “coût,” and “frais” respectively in French.

The adoption of these French words into the English language highlights the strong historical connection between the two cultures and their mutual influence on each other’s languages. Law and administration are just a few of the many fields where this linguistic exchange has taken place, enriching the vocabulary and expressions used to navigate and understand these complex domains.

French Phrases and Expressions

In this section, we will explore some of the most common French phrases and expressions used in English, providing a brief description for each.

Faux means false or fake in French. It is often used in English to describe something that is not genuine, such as faux fur or faux leather, meaning that they are synthetic substitutes for real fur or leather.

Faux pas is a French expression that describes a social blunder or mistake. In English, this phrase is used when someone breaches etiquette or offends others without intending to. For example, wearing white to someone else’s wedding could be considered a faux pas.

Bon voyage is a French phrase that translates to “good journey” in English. Typically, this expression is used to wish someone safe travels and good fortune on their trip.

Cliché originally referred to a stereotype or overused idea in French. In English, the term is used to describe phrases, ideas, or situations that have become so commonplace that they have lost their original meaning or significance.

Déjà vu is a French phrase that literally means “already seen.” In English, it refers to the sensation of having experienced a situation or moment before, even if it is happening for the first time.

Eau de toilette is a type of perfume with a lower concentration of fragrance oils. The phrase, which translates to “toilet water” in English, is often used to refer to lighter and milder scents compared to other types of fragrances.

Fiancé is a French word used in English to describe a person engaged to be married. It follows the French genders, with fiancé referring to a man and fiancée referring to a woman.

Laissez-faire is a French expression that translates to “let do” in English. It is commonly used to describe an economic policy or management style in which there is minimal government or organizational interference, allowing for a more hands-off approach.

En route is a French phrase meaning “on the way” or “along the way” in English. It is often used when someone is traveling or in the process of getting to a particular destination.

Facade originates from the French word “façade,” which refers to the front of a building. In English, the term has taken on a metaphorical meaning, indicating the superficial or false appearance that a person or thing may display to the outside world.