Summer Travel Guide to Francophone Expressions
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Take a trip with us, not by plane (just yet), but through language!
This summer, we invite you to travel the Francophone world by exploring some of its most colorful and surprising
expressions. If you are planning your next real-world adventure or just daydreaming for now, these local phrases might
come in handy one day.
In France, adieu is a solemn farewell—used when you may never see someone again. But in Switzerland, it simply means “hello”!
Adieu, ça va ? might be the first thing you hear when you land in Geneva.
Depending on where you are, getting your meal times right can become a challenge:
So, when someone invites you to dîner in Quebec… don’t show up late thinking it’s dinner—it’s lunch!
Heading to the beach? In France, bring your maillot de bain.
In Quebec or Switzerland, don’t forget your costume de bain.
Same thing, different name. Just don’t forget sunscreen!
Taking photos? You’ll need the right verb too!
What would vacations be without pictures to immortalize your memories.
In Switzerland and Belgium, counting is (finally!) logical:
A welcome break from the French soixante-dix (60+10), right?
In Congolese French, if someone says “je vais le manger”, don’t panic. It doesn’t mean they’re planning cannibalism! It means they’re going to dominate or beat someone, usually in a competition, sport, or debate.
“Ce joueur est trop fort, il mange tout le monde !” → This player is too good! He crushes everyone!
Every French-speaking region adds its own rhythm, flavor, and energy to the language. These expressions are more than just words; they’re
windows into a culture. So, wherever your summer may take you, let the language lead the way and curiosity do the rest.
With Alliance Française Vancouver’s adult courses, learn at your own pace, develop your languages skills, and build your the confidence to speak French everywhere.