Month: August 2023

Uncategorized

Words in a French Life: Lessons in Love and Language from the South of France

Some self-published books from when I began the blog. Words in a French Life was then published by Simon & Schuster If you are new to my blog, the following books and stories will help you get to know the characters in this ongoing memoir that began in 2002. You’ll also learn hundreds of useful and fun French words as you catch up on the … Continue reading Words in a French Life: Lessons in Love and Language from the South of France

Kristin Espinasse3 Comments
Dad and Marsha, Family Life, Heidi, Jackie

Faute de Frappe: Funny Surprise After My Dad Hits the Wrong Button

By the time the leaves turn gold in Lyon, we'll be meeting up with part of my American family. Read about our virtual meetup in today's story, and pick up a host of new French words. TODAY’S WORD: UNE FAUTE DE FRAPPE     : typing error,     : error made when hitting the wrong button A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi … Continue reading Faute de Frappe: Funny Surprise After My Dad Hits the Wrong Button

Kristin Espinasse16 Comments
Escapade, French Destinations, Jackie

Soyons fous! A Mother-Daughter Trip to La Côte d’Azur

Villefranche-sur-Mer, where Jackie and I spent three days last week. TODAY'S EXPRESSION: SOYONS FOUS   let's be crazy" or "let's be wild".  Soyons fous is a playful and light-hearted expression that encapsulates the idea of taking risks, having fun, and embracing the unexpected. It's a reminder that life is short and should be lived with enthusiasm and a willingness to explore new horizons. A DAY … Continue reading Soyons fous! A Mother-Daughter Trip to La Côte d’Azur

Kristin Espinasse52 Comments
Village Dogs

A Funny Nickname for “Dog” in French

In French, the term "patate” is sometimes used to describe an animal that is very cute and has a very endearing character. Dogs and cats are known for their sweetness and affectionate side, and that is why they are often nicknamed "potato." (French translation below) TODAY'S WORD: “la patate”    : potato  Enfin, le terme « patate » est parfois utilisé pour décrire un animal … Continue reading A Funny Nickname for “Dog” in French

Kristin Espinasse22 Comments
countryside

Renverser: Treasure at the bottom of Tante G’s Well

A basket of "boules" beside the door of this old stone cabanon. On most family get-togethers, a game of pétanque follows the meal.  TODAY’S WORD: RENVERSER   : to knock over, to spill A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse “Down The Hatch: A Vintage Bottle of Champagne + A Deep Well = A Lost Treasure” On Friday we left the seaside and … Continue reading Renverser: Treasure at the bottom of Tante G’s Well

Kristin Espinasse19 Comments
Shopping

France’s Equivalent of Craigslist + Cool expression for negotiating the price

There are no cookers for sale in this friperie, but I know where you can find a smokin' deal on a secondhand barbecue. Read on and learn a lot of new French words. TODAY'S WORD: "marchander"     : to haggle, bargain, and negotiate the price A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse Remember our cool outdoor cooker–the "brasero"–I told you about in … Continue reading France’s Equivalent of Craigslist + Cool expression for negotiating the price

Kristin Espinasse19 Comments