Embarrassing Mistakes to Avoid in French (Learnt the Hard Way!)

Rather than mean “I am excited”, this actually means “I am horny” in French – so definitely one to know and remember! If you want to say you are looking forward to something, use “J’ai hate de…”+ the verb instead.

Similarly, to say I am hot, in French we say, “avoir chaud”; we do not use the verb “to be” otherwise the meaning changes significantly. “J’ai chaud” means I am hot as in ‘hot and sweaty’ hot. Je suis chaud means I am horny! So again, try not to muddle the two!

Don’t worry too much if you make these mistakes – locals understand that this is a common mistake that English speakers make, and if nothing else, it will give everyone something to giggle about!

A trip to Gamme Verte – a well-known garden centre chain in France which also has a small artisanal foods section became quite bewildering! I hadn’t been in France long and I was looking for some really lovely jam. Now I did know that jam was “confiture” in French but for some unknown reason, the word ‘preservatives’ popped into my head instead when I was caught like a rabbit in the headlights by the shop assistant asking me if I needed help. She responded in fits of giggles.

It took several weeks for the penny to drop. “Preservatifs” are actually condoms in French!!! Oops!

One of my failed attempts at school gate small-talk still raises a smile with the other mums. The conversation was about tiredness and joking about how having children can age you. I wanted to say, “I know, look at all my wrinkles!” So, I said – “Je suis d’accord, regarde mes rideaux!” Which actually means, “I agree – look at my curtains!”

The word I needed was ‘rides’ meaning wrinkles!!! They thought it was hilarious, but were very kind to me at the same time. The important thing for me is to give it a whirl. People generally understand that you are trying to join in and to learn, and your effort is usually really appreciated!

Whether you’re a second-home owner or an expat living in France, learning French is an essential part of integrating into local life. FrenchEntrée is here to help with our handy verb and vocabulary lists, essential French phrases, and top tips and advice for learning French.