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What are some advanced French phrases that can help me sound more fluent visualisation

What are some advanced French phrases that can help me sound more fluent

Comprehensive Guide to C1-Level French Vocabulary: What are some advanced French phrases that can help me sound more fluent
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To sound more fluent in French, incorporating advanced phrases and idioms into your conversations can make a significant difference. Here are some advanced French expressions categorized by themes to help you elevate your language skills:

Idiomatic Expressions

  • Se creuser la tête: To rack your brain (e.g., Je me suis creusé la tête pour résoudre ce problème – I racked my brain to solve this problem) 1.
  • Tirer des plans sur la comète: To make unrealistic plans (literally, “to draw plans on the comet”) 1.
  • Avoir un polichinelle dans le tiroir: To be pregnant (literally, “to have a Punch doll in the drawer”) 1.
  • Ne pas y aller de main morte: To go all out (e.g., Il n’y va pas de main morte quand il s’agit de travailler – He goes all out when it comes to work) 3.

Expressions with Common Verbs

  • Prendre la poudre d’escampette: To run away or escape (literally, “to take the escape powder”) 1.
  • Poser un lapin: To stand someone up (e.g., Elle m’a posé un lapin hier soir – She stood me up last night) 7.
  • Connaître sur le bout des doigts: To know something inside out (literally, “to know on the tip of one’s fingers”) 7.

Descriptive Phrases

  • Avoir les yeux plus gros que le ventre: To take on more than you can handle (literally, “to have eyes bigger than your stomach”) 3.
  • La goutte d’eau qui fait déborder le vase: The last straw (literally, “the drop of water that makes the vase overflow”) 3.
  • Quelque chose qui cloche: Something is wrong or amiss 7.

Advanced Vocabulary

  • Éphémère: Ephemeral or short-lived, often used to describe fleeting beauty or moments (e.g., La beauté de ce coucher de soleil est éphémère – The beauty of this sunset is fleeting) 6.
  • Onirique: Dreamlike or surreal (e.g., Une expérience onirique – A dreamlike experience) 6.

Colloquial Phrases

  • Ça me soule: That annoys me or drives me crazy (informal) 5.
  • Bof: Meh or so-so, a casual way to express indifference 8.
  • Laisse tomber: Never mind or let it go (e.g., Laisse tomber, ce n’est pas important – Never mind, it’s not important) 2.

Conversational Starters

  • Engager la conversation: To start a conversation (e.g., J’ai engagé la conversation pour casser le silence – I started talking to break the silence) 1.
  • On s’appelle ?: Shall we keep in touch? (a casual phrase for staying connected) 2.

Proverbs and Sayings

  • Ne pas faire d’omelette sans casser des œufs: No pain, no gain (literally, “you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs”) 3.
  • S’occuper de ses oignons: Mind your own business (literally, “take care of your onions”) 3.

Incorporating these phrases into your speech will not only make you sound more fluent but also help you connect better with native speakers by using authentic expressions.

References

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