French Words Used in English: How French Terms Enrich Our Everyday Language

Spending your time with your fiancé at a café or enjoying a crème brûlée? You might not realize it, but you already know some French terms! Many English words are borrowed from French. We often talk about déjà vu and wish each other bon voyage. That gives you a slight advantage when learning French.

In this article, you'll find crème de la crème information about French words used in English with examples and pronunciation tips. With these insights, you'll be able to recognize those familiar words as you study. They can help you feel more confident on your French learning journey!

Common French Words in English You Might Recognize

Although English is mainly a Germanic language, it shares many words with French. Due to historical events, English has picked up a lot from this Romanian language. Some phrases come straight from French, and others have changed as they have evolved over time. And this blend of Romanian and Germanic vocabulary is pretty fascinating.

You might not pay attention, but we actually use a lot of French terms in our daily conversations. Some of these common French words used in English are as follows:

• Souvenir [su.və.niʁ] – a keepsake or memento.

I picked up a beautiful souvenir from the art market to remind me of my travels.

• À la carte [a la kaʁt] – off the menu.

You can order items à la carte instead of choosing a set meal.

• Rendez-vous [ʁɑ̃.de.vu] – meeting/appointment.

Let's schedule a rendez-vous for next week to discuss the project in detail.

• Chic [ʃik] – stylish/elegant.

She wore a chic black dress that turned heads at the gala.

In addition to this collection, there are also terms that have French roots but have changed due to the influence of English. These are delegate (from the Old French word delegat), detour (from the French word détour, from détourner), elite (from the Old French word elit meaning "chosen"), energy (from the Middle French word énergie), and others. You just need to dig deep into the etymology of French vocabulary, and you'll trace those similarities with modern English.

Exploring the Impact of French on the English Language

English words from French often differ a lot in pronunciation. Basically, English speakers adapt unfamiliar sounds to fit their phonetic patterns. Take "genre," for instance. In French, it's pronounced [ʒɑ̃ʁ], with a nasal vowel and a soft [g]. But in English, they say it as [ˈʒɑːn.rə], which sounds quite different. These phonological changes make it easier for English speakers to pronounce.

Another good example is "rendez-vous." In French, you say it like [ʁɑ̃.de.vu]. The nasal vowels and the rolled [r] really stand out. On the contrary, in English, it becomes [ˈrɒn.deɪ.vu], losing that French flair but becoming more comfortable for English speakers.

How would you say "faux pas" in English? The French pronunciation is [fo pa]. It has nice, pure vowel sounds. Its pronunciation has an additional diphthong to the vowel and changes to this variant in English: [foʊ pɑː].

French vs English: The Historical Ties Between the Languages

You may be surprised to learn that English, as a Germanic language, has many French borrowings. Why is it so? The answer lies in history.

Let's rewind in time back to 1066. This date is famous because of the legendary Norman Conquest. After that, the Normans ruled England. Their influence significantly changed the language. French became the language of the court and law. Over time, the French lexicon entered English daily speech during this time.

These words often serve as synonyms. However, they carry different vibes. For example, some sound more formal, while others feel more casual. "Drink" comes from Germanic, whereas "beverage" is French. Similarly, "brotherly" is Germanic, and "fraternal" is French. It's an excellent reminder for us of how history has shaped the languages we speak.

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Everyday French Phrases Used in English

It's not uncommon to hear French words in English conversations today, as well as certain phrases that have firmly established their place in our daily speech. These French phrases add a fun twist to everyday English.

"Bon appétit" [bɔ̃ ap.e.ti] is more than a fancy phrase. The translation of French into English will be "Enjoy your meal." But it's deeper than that. This expression captures the French love for sharing food. Using "bon appétit" adds a unique touch to any meal. It makes an ordinary dining experience feel special. No wonder this phrase is so popular!

Then we have "déjà vu." This term perfectly describes that odd feeling of having experienced something before. Of course, don't forget about "faux pas." This term highlights social blunders we all make. It's a French reminder that everyone messes up sometimes, showing how cultural norms differ.

French Culinary Terms Commonly Used in English

Culinary English vocabulary relies heavily on French. One interesting example is "mise en place" [miːz ɑ̃ plɑs]. This phrase translates to "everything in its place," which reflects the importance of preparing and organizing ingredients before cooking in France. It shows what professional kitchens are all about. Staying organized is super important there.

Who can resist dessert? Crème brûlée [kʁɛm bʁy.le] isn't just food anymore. Borrowed from French, it's used to add a little class. This dessert itself is fancy. It's creamy with a crunchy, caramelized top. And that's the vibe the phrase gives off. People also use it when they want to describe something as extra special.

French Fashion and Style Words in the English Language

French English words that belong to fashion vocabulary add a touch of elegance. For instance, "couture" [ku.tyʁ]. It screams high fashion. You might think of a "baguette" [ba.ɡɛt] as just bread, but it's also a trendy handbag. And what about "je ne sais quoi" [ʒə nə sɛ kwa]? That phrase captures a special charm that's hard to describe. Lastly, "à la mode" [a la mɔd] is often used to say that something is in fashion and an "ensemble" [ɑ̃.sɑ̃.bl], which refers to a coordinated outfit.

Promova: Bon Voyage on Your French Learning Path

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Choose the free version or upgrade to a Premium subscription. Our blog is packed with valuable articles about the French alphabet and popular phrases for daily use. So, you can always find something new to explore about French.

Conclusion

French has greatly influenced everyday English, and it's pretty cool. Such a blend of Romanian and Germanic languages makes English speech rich and more lively. Furthermore, when you learn French, you'll discover you already know many useful words from these borrowings. It's a fun reminder of how interconnected our languages are!