What Words Should I Learn First in French?

Learning French is both exciting and challenging due to its grammar rules, pronunciation intricacies, and exceptions. While many think mastering French takes years, with focused effort, you can reach conversational fluency in a few months. Start by familiarizing yourself with French sounds, accents, and pronunciation rules, as they differ from English. Practice speaking from day one and consider finding a tutor or language exchange partner to guide your progress.

Additionally, prioritize vocabulary and verb conjugation, paying special attention to the most frequently used verbs like être (to be), avoir (to have), and aller (to go). These are foundational for constructing sentences. Learn the basic grammar rules of gender, articles, and verb tenses early on to solidify your understanding of how French works.

The Pitfall of Descriptive Vocabulary in Language Learning

When starting to learn French, many beginners focus on descriptive nouns like la table (the table), le pain (the bread), or la maison (the house). These words are important for building a foundation, but they only describe objects, which limits your ability to engage in real conversations.

Consider common beginner phrases like:

• “Le chat est sous la table” (The cat is under the table)
• “L’oiseau est dans l’arbre” (The bird is in the tree)
• “La voiture est rouge” (The car is red)
• “La maison est grande” (The house is big)

These sentences help practice grammar, but they don’t convey meaningful interaction or communication with native speakers. Conversations in real life are built around actions, thoughts, and intentions, not just descriptions of objects. Learning nouns without verbs keeps your sentences static and one-dimensional.

Descriptive vs. Dynamic Phrases

While nouns can tell you what an object is, verbs let you describe what’s happening, which is essential for conversation. Compare the following:

• Static sentence: “Le chien est mignon” (The dog is cute)
  This describes the dog but offers no context or interaction.
• Dynamic sentence: “Je veux jouer avec le chien” (I want to play with the dog)
  Here, you express not just a description but an intention.

In addition to expressing desires or actions, verbs can help you ask questions or express opinions, which is a key part of engaging with others in meaningful conversations. By relying too heavily on descriptive vocabulary, you miss out on these important aspects of language interaction.

Why Descriptive Phrases Aren’t Enough

Although descriptive sentences like “Le chat est sous la table” (The cat is under the table) help learners grasp basic sentence structure and vocabulary, they fall short when applied to real-life communication. Here’s why:

1. Lack of Practicality: Descriptive phrases only tell you about static things. For example:
   • “La maison est rouge” (The house is red) describes an object but doesn’t lead to meaningful interaction.
2. No Interaction: In real-world scenarios, you need to express needs, intentions, and emotions. For instance:
   • “Je veux un café, s’il vous plaît” (I want a coffee, please) is far more practical at a café than simply describing a table or a cat.
3. Limiting Conversations: Descriptive phrases only provide facts without engaging others. Imagine you’re traveling and only say:
   • “La maison est belle” (The house is beautiful). This does not open up a dialogue.
   • Compare this with, “Pouvez-vous m’aider ?” (Can you help me?), which engages the other person.
4. Missing Key Components of Communication: Real conversations involve emotions, requests, opinions, and actions. Phrases like:
   • “Je pense que c’est une bonne idée” (I think that’s a good idea) express opinions and engage listeners, while descriptive phrases don’t convey anything beyond basic facts.

Actions vs. Descriptions

Descriptive phrases serve a purpose but only to a limited extent. They are foundational for grammar and vocabulary, but here’s how action-based phrases are more useful:

• Expressing Emotions: Instead of just describing a scene, say “Je suis content” (I’m happy) or “Je suis fatigué” (I’m tired), which gives others insight into your feelings.
• Making Requests: Use verbs to ask for things, like “Je voudrais une baguette, s’il vous plaît” (I’d like a baguette, please), which leads to direct interaction.
• Giving Directions: Instead of pointing out something’s location like “Le parc est là-bas” (The park is over there), try asking for help: “Où est la gare ?” (Where is the train station?), which opens up an opportunity for conversation.

In essence, while descriptive phrases provide basic observations, action-oriented phrases are the key to real interaction and functional communication. The shift from description to action is what transforms a passive learner into an active communicator.

Asking Questions: The Key to Learning

An excellent way to quickly learn new vocabulary is by asking questions in French. Native French speakers are generally willing to help, and asking “Comment dit-on… en français ?” (How do you say… in French?) while pointing at or describing an object can be highly effective. For example, if you’re at a market and see an unfamiliar fruit, you can point at it and ask, “Comment dit-on ceci en français ?” This method facilitates immediate learning and practical communication.

While it’s easy to point at an object and ask for its name, this approach becomes much more difficult with verbs. It’s far easier to point to a loaf of bread and ask for its French name than to describe an action like to reflect or to imagine without knowing the word. This highlights why learning verbs early on is so critical.

Why Verbs Matter More Than Nouns

Verbs are the backbone of communication. They are what allow you to express what’s happening, what you’re doing, and what you plan to do. Without verbs, you’re left with static descriptions of objects or people, which limits your ability to engage in real conversation. Consider the following:

• Noun-based statement: “La voiture est rouge” (The car is red).
  While this sentence is grammatically correct, it’s not very dynamic.
• Verb-based statement: “Je conduis la voiture rouge” (I’m driving the red car).
  This sentence expresses an action and provides context, making the communication more meaningful.

Verbs give your sentences life. They allow you to describe actions, express thoughts, share intentions, and engage in dialogue. Imagine trying to navigate a conversation with only nouns—it would be like trying to build a house without any tools. You might be able to describe the materials, but you wouldn’t be able to do anything with them.

Practical Examples: Describing Verbs

Describing a noun like la table (the table) is straightforward—you can point to a table and learn the word immediately. But how do you describe more abstract concepts like penser (to think), croire (to believe), or réfléchir (to reflect)? These verbs represent thoughts and actions that cannot be pointed to. To communicate these ideas, you need to know the verb.

For example, without knowing the verb réfléchir, how would you express the idea of thinking something over? You might end up in a long, convoluted explanation, wasting valuable time and possibly confusing your listener. On the other hand, if you know the verb, you can simply say: “Je dois réfléchir” (I need to think it over). Mastering these verbs early on helps you express complex ideas efficiently.

Focus on Verbs You Use Constantly in English

One of the best ways to approach learning French verbs is by starting with the verbs you use constantly in your native language. These are the verbs you rely on every day to communicate basic actions, thoughts, and desires. For most people, these include:

• Être (to be)
  Example: Je suis fatigué (I am tired).
• Avoir (to have)
  Example: J’ai une question (I have a question).
• Aller (to go)
  Example: Je vais au magasin (I’m going to the store).
• Vouloir (to want)
  Example: Je veux du chocolat (I want some chocolate).
• Pouvoir (to be able to/can)
  Example: Je peux parler français (I can speak French).

These verbs allow you to navigate everyday situations with ease. Imagine trying to communicate without knowing how to say “to want” or “to go”—your conversations would become very limited. By focusing on these high-frequency verbs, you equip yourself with the tools to engage in practical dialogue from the very beginning.

Building Sentences with Verbs

Once you have a handful of essential verbs, you can start building full sentences. Here are a few examples of how verbs change a sentence from descriptive to dynamic:

• Descriptive: “Le chien est mignon” (The dog is cute).
  While this sentence describes an object (the dog), it doesn’t offer much beyond the basic observation.
• Dynamic: “Je veux jouer avec le chien” (I want to play with the dog).
  Now, the sentence communicates both an action and an intention, making it far more useful in conversation.
• Descriptive: “La maison est grande” (The house is big).
  Again, this provides a simple description but doesn’t add much to a conversation.
• Dynamic: “Nous allons acheter cette grande maison” (We are going to buy this big house).
  This sentence gives context, expressing future plans and making the dialogue more engaging.

Learning Verbs for Real Communication

When learning French, try to identify the verbs you use most often in your native language. By mastering these verbs first, you’ll quickly find that you can communicate much more effectively. Rather than focusing on descriptions of things around you, like la table (the table) or le pain (the bread), verbs allow you to express what you’re doing or planning to do.

For example, verbs allow you to:

• Express intentions: “Je vais acheter du pain” (I’m going to buy bread).
• Share preferences: “Je préfère cette maison” (I prefer this house).
• Describe actions: “Nous jouons au football” (We are playing soccer).

Verbs give you the ability to communicate actively, rather than just passively describing the world around you.

Building Conversational Skills

1. Master Pronunciation and Sounds: French sounds may be unfamiliar, especially with accents like é, è, or ç. Focus on the basics of French pronunciation by studying how vowels and consonants interact. The language contains 23 consonants and 16 vowels, and it’s important to practice the sounds daily. Since French is syllable-timed, unlike English, you’ll need to learn how to stress syllables correctly.
2. Use of Liaisons: In French, liaisons occur when a consonant at the end of a word connects to a vowel at the start of the next word, like in deux amis (two friends). This makes spoken French flow smoothly but can be tricky for beginners. Practice listening and repeating these patterns with native recordings.

Daily Practice

Begin speaking early on, even if it feels uncomfortable. Practicing out loud builds your confidence. Whether through language apps, tutors, or immersive experiences like watching French media, speaking is essential. Native speakers often help with pronunciation, vocabulary usage, and grammar, helping you avoid bad habits early on.

Expanding Your Vocabulary

Start with lists of essential words like pronouns (je, tu, nous) and verbs like faire (to do) or vouloir (to want). Categorizing vocabulary by topic—such as shopping, travel, or food—can make learning feel more manageable. Incorporating numbers into your vocabulary early on will also be useful, especially in daily conversations or traveling scenarios.

Improving Reading and Listening Skills in French

To enhance your comprehension in French, it’s essential to work on both reading and listening skills. These two areas go hand-in-hand, helping to solidify your understanding of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Below are more detailed approaches to improving both:

1. Reading for Comprehension

Reading regularly is crucial for building a strong foundation in sentence structure and grammar. Here are a few effective strategies:

• Start with Simple Literature: Books like Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry or Le Petit Nicolas by René Goscinny are perfect for beginners. These stories are engaging but simple enough to follow, with vocabulary that will challenge you without overwhelming you.
• Gradually Increase Difficulty: Once you’re comfortable with beginner books, try reading short stories, magazines, or blogs. For example:
  • “Le Petit Prince”: Offers poetic language and simple philosophical ideas, great for beginners.
  • “Le Petit Nicolas”: A series of humorous short stories, ideal for those starting to work on more conversational vocabulary.
• Read News Articles: Subscribe to French news websites like Le Monde or Le Figaro to read short, digestible articles on current events. This helps you stay engaged with modern French vocabulary.
  • Use newsletters like Journal en français facile that offer daily news in simpler French, helping you transition from basic to more advanced texts.
• Try Parallel Texts: For more advanced learners, parallel texts—books that provide both French and English translations side-by-side—are great tools. They let you compare translations and learn new words in context.
• Take Notes: As you read, highlight new words and write down their meanings. Try creating a vocabulary list to review later. This will reinforce your learning and help you remember unfamiliar words.

2. Listening Practice

Listening comprehension is crucial for improving pronunciation, rhythm, and understanding native speech. Start with simple content and work your way up to more complex materials.

• French Podcasts: Podcasts are an excellent tool for listening practice. For beginners, start with shorter videos which are designed for non-native speakers.
• Audiobooks: Listening to audiobooks in French can help you follow along with both spoken and written language. Many books like Harry Potter à l’école des sorciers or Les Misérables come in audiobook format.
  • Pro Tip: Try listening to the audiobook while reading along with the written version of the text.
• French Music: French songs are a fun way to improve listening skills. Start with classic French artists like Edith Piaf or Jacques Brel for clear, slower pronunciations, or listen to modern artists like Stromae and Angèle for contemporary vocabulary.
  • Create a playlist on Spotify or YouTube with a mix of slow and fast songs. Listen repeatedly to understand lyrics and pick up new words.
• YouTube Channels: There are many French YouTube channels that offer listening practice with both formal and informal language. For example:
  • Piece of French: Aimed at beginner to intermediate learners, focusing on everyday vocabulary and conversations.
  • innerFrench: Offers content for intermediate to advanced learners with slow, clear explanations of various topics.
• French TV Shows and Movies: Watching French movies and TV shows is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the language. Start with French subtitles to read along, then switch to no subtitles to challenge your understanding. Some good options include:
  • Call My Agent! (Dix Pour Cent): A fun, conversational show that offers real-life language use.
  • Pro Tip: Start with familiar English movies dubbed in French so you can focus on listening and picking up vocabulary without getting lost in the plot.

3. Active Listening Techniques

To really improve your listening comprehension, don’t just passively listen—actively engage with the material:

• Repetition: Listen to the same podcast episode, song, or movie clip several times. Each time, try to pick out new words or phrases that you didn’t catch before.
• Shadowing: After listening to a segment, repeat the sentences out loud, mimicking the pronunciation and intonation of the native speakers. This helps build your speaking fluency as well.
• Break it Down: If you’re watching a French video or movie, pause frequently to check your understanding. Write down any new vocabulary and re-listen to complex sections.

4. Use French Subtitles Wisely

French subtitles are a great bridge between reading and listening comprehension:

• Watch with French Subtitles: Instead of watching with English subtitles, switch to French subtitles. This reinforces both your reading and listening skills at the same time. You’ll become more familiar with the written form of the words you’re hearing.
• Without Subtitles: Once you’re comfortable, challenge yourself by watching TV shows or movies without any subtitles. This forces you to rely entirely on your listening skills, just like in real-life conversations.

5. Create a Balanced Study Routine

It’s important to balance your reading and listening practice to strengthen both skills at the same time. Here’s a sample weekly routine to help you improve:

• Monday: Read 2-3 chapters of Le Petit Prince and note any new vocabulary. Spend 10 minutes reviewing these words with flashcards.
• Tuesday: Listen to a 10-minute episode of French video (e.g. recipes, podcast) on Youtube. Replay it once, pausing to take notes and repeat the sentences out loud.
• Wednesday: Read a short article on Le Monde or Le Figaro, then write a few sentences summarizing it in French.
• Thursday: Watch 20 minutes of a French movie with French subtitles. Focus on identifying key vocabulary.
• Friday: Listen to 2 French songs from your playlist and try to transcribe the lyrics. Then, compare your transcription with the actual lyrics.
• Weekend: Practice shadowing by repeating sentences from a podcast or movie clip. Try to mimic the speaker’s accent and intonation.

Short Summary: The Importance of Balanced Comprehension

By integrating reading and listening into your French-learning routine, you’ll strengthen your comprehension across all areas—vocabulary, sentence structure, pronunciation, and real-world usage. Whether you prefer podcasts, audiobooks, news articles, or music, make sure to diversify your practice to improve fluency holistically.

Use of Grammar and Sentence Construction

French grammar can seem overwhelming, but learning the basics will allow you to structure your sentences properly. Key points include:

• Gender: Nouns are either masculine or feminine. For example, le livre (the book) is masculine, while la pomme (the apple) is feminine. The gender of a noun affects articles, adjectives, and sometimes verbs.
• Articles: French uses le, la, and les for definite articles (the), and un, une, des for indefinite ones (a, an).
• Verb Conjugations: Focus on regular and irregular verb conjugations for the most common verbs like être, avoir, and aller. French has 12 actively used tenses, but beginners should focus on the present, simple past, and future to start.

Practice Speaking and Writing

Start writing in French to solidify grammar and vocabulary. Whether you write a diary, blog posts, or simple sentences about your day, the act of forming thoughts in French is crucial. Platforms like Lang-8 allow you to have native speakers correct your writing, which helps reinforce correct usage and new vocabulary.

Speaking regularly is essential for retaining what you learn. Engage with native speakers or tutors who can guide you in real-time and correct mistakes. Additionally, practicing with language exchange partners is free, giving you a chance to practice speaking without pressure.

Immersing Yourself in French

To reinforce learning, immerse yourself in French as much as possible. Changing the language settings on your devices to French, reading French recipes, or following French tutorials on YouTube are easy ways to make the language part of your everyday life. If possible, engage in French cultural activities like visiting a French restaurant or joining a French club.

Over time, this immersion will help you internalize the language, making it a part of your thought process. You’ll notice that your ability to think and communicate in French improves as it becomes second nature.

Surround Yourself with French Content

Engaging with French media is one of the best ways to boost your listening comprehension. Watching French TV shows or movies stimulates your brain to think in French, enhancing vocabulary retention and cultural understanding. Movies with subtitles are particularly useful for beginners, but as your skills improve, try turning them off to practice comprehension without relying on translations.

Pro tip: Consider watching English-language movies you are familiar with that have been dubbed in French. This way, you can focus on learning new vocabulary and grammar without getting lost in the plot.

Conclusion: Master French Faster with Consistent Practice

By focusing on pronunciation, vocabulary, and sentence structure early on, you’ll set a strong foundation for mastering French. Incorporating speaking, reading, and listening activities into your routine will help make French second nature. Remember, there are no shortcuts, but consistency, dedication, and immersive experiences will rapidly improve your proficiency. Whether you’re learning for travel, work, or personal satisfaction, regular practice with native speakers and real-world applications will ensure success in your language journey.

Mastering French verbs is the key to unlocking real communication and meaningful conversations. Descriptive nouns are important, but verbs allow you to express thoughts, actions, and intentions. If you’re serious about learning French and want to speak confidently, it’s essential to focus on verbs from the start. At RealFrench, we provide personalized lessons that focus on building your practical language skills, especially around verbs and real-life interactions. Our expert tutors will guide you through this process, ensuring that you speak naturally and confidently. Join us today and take your French to the next level!