FAVOURITE FRENCH SAYINGS

Ooh la la : you are travelling to Paris!

What better way to impress the French locals upon your arrival than by teaching your children a few native sayings? Your little ones will be sure to make Parisians’ hearts melt! 

Get ready for your family adventure in the capital by learning ten of our favourite typical French idioms! A fun and joyful manner to create excitement for your upcoming trip.

“C’est simple comme bonjour” 

This literally translates as “It is as simple as a hello” and means it is extremely easy. The British equivalent would probably be “Easy peasy”.

“Tout ce qui est petit est mignon”

This literally translates as “All that is small is cute”. The British equivalent may be that “Big things come in small packages”.

“En faire tout un fromage”

This literally translates as to “To make a whole cheese out of it” and means to make a big deal about something.

“Jamais deux sans trois”

This literally translates as “Never two without three” and means that things tend to come in threes. It is a belief that if the same thing happens twice, it is likely to occur a third time!

“Se tenir à carreaux”

This literally translates as “To stand in checks” and is often used with children. It means “to be well behaved, on one’s best behavior”

“Avoir un coup de foudre” 

This literally translates as “To have a thunderstruck” and means to fall in love at first sight.

“Voir la vie en rose” 

This literally translates as “To see life in pink” and means to be optimistic.

“Être fleur bleue” 

This literally translates as to “To be blue flower” and means to be sentimental and romantic.

“La nuit porte conseil”

This literally translates as “The night brings wisdom”. The British equivalent would be “Sleep on it!”

“Impossible n’est pas français” 

This literally translates as “Impossible is not French”. It is believed that this was said by Napoléon who refused defeat. The English equivalent would be “there is no such thing as can’t.”

To prepare for your trip to Paris we encourage you to read our Paris with Kids blog.

You can also discover more sweet French lessons for children through our Charlotte and Burlington family club.

If you have a little princess in your world, be sure to visit our authentic children’s boutique L’Ile aux Fées 66 rue Notre Dame des Champs 75006 famous for its smocked dresses.