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Mastering Essential French Vocabulary at B1 Level visualisation

Mastering Essential French Vocabulary at B1 Level

Key French terms for intermediate learners.

To achieve B1 proficiency in French, it is essential to focus on a broad range of vocabulary that covers practical, descriptive, and conversational topics. Below is a categorized list of key words and phrases that are vital at this level:

Common Nouns

  • Le travail (work)
  • Le temps (time/weather)
  • L’argent (money)
  • La santé (health)
  • La nourriture (food)
  • Le voyage (travel)
  • L’amitié (friendship)

Daily Activities

  • Se réveiller (to wake up)
  • S’habiller (to get dressed)
  • Prendre une douche (to take a shower)
  • Faire les courses (to do the shopping)
  • Se détendre (to relax)
  • Dîner (to have dinner)

Family and Relationships

  • La famille (the family)
  • Les parents (the parents)
  • Le frère/La sœur (brother/sister)
  • L’ami(e) (friend)
  • Le collègue (colleague)

Descriptive Vocabulary

Physical Descriptions:

  • Grand(e) (tall), Petit(e) (short), Beau/Belle (beautiful), Jeune (young), Vieux/Vieille (old)

Adjectives for Opinions:

  • Intéressant(e) (interesting), Ennuyeux/Ennuyeuse (boring), Indispensable (essential)

Places

  • Common locations:
    • La maison (house),
    • L’école (school),
    • Le supermarché (supermarket),
    • Le parc (park),
    • La bibliothèque (library)

Expressing Opinions and Preferences

  • Likes/Dislikes:
    • J’aime, Je n’aime pas,
    • J’adore,
    • Je déteste,
    • Je préfère

Useful Phrases

  • Asking for help:
    • “Je ne comprends pas” (I don’t understand),
    • “Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît?” (Can you repeat, please?)
  • Politeness:
    • “Merci beaucoup” (Thank you very much),
    • “Je suis désolé(e)” (I am sorry)

Prepositions

Essential for describing locations or relationships:

  • Examples:
    • à (to/at),
    • de (of/from),
    • avec (with),
    • entre (between)

Advanced Vocabulary for B1

For more nuanced conversations, include terms like:

  • Professions: e.g., écrivain (writer), commissaire (commissioner)
  • Nature: e.g., forêt (forest), montagne (mountain)
  • Abstract concepts: e.g., défi (challenge), vigueur (vigor)

Mastering these words and phrases will help you navigate everyday situations, express opinions, and engage in more complex conversations in French.

References

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