French: Difference between revisions
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* Using the informal ''tu/toi'' with someone you don't know well. Always use ''vous'', or say ''on peut se tutoyer'' (we can use the informal 'you'). | * Using the informal ''tu/toi'' with someone you don't know well. Always use ''vous'', or say ''on peut se tutoyer'' (we can use the informal 'you'). | ||
* Using ''jouir'' (to enjoy). Depending on context it does not mean 'enjoy' but 'enjoy amorous activities' (is the polite way of putting it). | * Using ''jouir'' (to enjoy). Depending on context it does not mean 'enjoy' but 'enjoy amorous activities' (is the polite way of putting it). | ||
* Using ''putain''. It is generally used to express frustration but depending on context it can be swearing. | * Using ''putain''. It is generally used to express frustration but depending on context it can be translated as swearing. | ||
* Watch out for translating ''to be'' literally from English. For example, ''je suis chaud'' does not mean ''I am hot'' but ''I am horny''. ''J'ai chaud'' is more appropriate (literally ''I have heat''). | * Watch out for translating ''to be'' literally from English. For example, ''je suis chaud'' does not mean ''I am hot'' but ''I am horny''. ''J'ai chaud'' is more appropriate (literally ''I have heat''). | ||
Revision as of 18:11, 30 April 2020
Faux pas
Avoid the following, lest you commit a faux pas:
- Using the informal tu/toi with someone you don't know well. Always use vous, or say on peut se tutoyer (we can use the informal 'you').
- Using jouir (to enjoy). Depending on context it does not mean 'enjoy' but 'enjoy amorous activities' (is the polite way of putting it).
- Using putain. It is generally used to express frustration but depending on context it can be translated as swearing.
- Watch out for translating to be literally from English. For example, je suis chaud does not mean I am hot but I am horny. J'ai chaud is more appropriate (literally I have heat).