Pff, bah, bof : 6 tricks to sound so French that locals think you’re one of them

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2 years ago

Learning French for your next vacation

Speak like a local : our 6 best tips

6 tricks to sound so French the locals think you’re one of them

Speaking French while in France

If you’re planning a trip to Saint Tropez, you might want to brush up on your French to impress the locals. But it’s not just about mastering the grammar and vocabulary; it’s also about sounding like a true French person. Here are 6 tricks to help you sound so French that locals will think you’re one of them

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How to sound French while on holidays in Saint Tropez ?

France is a country with a rich culture and history, and its language is no exception. French is a beautiful language, and speaking it can make you feel elegant and sophisticated.

Use filler words like “Pff,” “Bah,” and “Bof”

French people love to use filler words to express their emotions. “Pff” is used to show annoyance or exasperation, “Bah” is used to show indifference, and “Bof” is used to show uncertainty or lack of interest. By using these words in your conversations during your next vacation in Saint Tropez, you’ll sound more natural and authentic.

However, it’s important to use them in the right context, or you might come across as insincere or disrespectful.

Master the French R

The French R is one of the most distinctive sounds in the language. It’s a guttural sound that comes from the back of the throat, and it can be tricky to master. Practice making the sound by saying words like “rouge” (red) or “rester” (to stay). Once you get the hang of it, you’ll sound more like a native speaker.

However, don’t worry if you can’t get it right away. Many French people speak with different accents, and not all of them pronounce the French R in the same way.

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Use contractions to sound like a local

French people love to use contractions in their speech, and it’s a great way to sound more natural. For example, instead of saying “je ne sais pas” (I don’t know), you can say “j’sais pas.” Use “Ya” instead of “il y a” (there is). Skip the negation “ne” when speaking : je ne veux pas, je ne pense pas, je ne crois pas …

Other common contractions include “j’t’aime” (I love you) and “c’est pas grave” (it’s not a big deal). However, be careful not to overuse contractions, or you might sound too informal or unprofessional.

Pay attention to intonation : the melody of French language

Hear the music

French intonation is very different from English intonation. French speakers tend to use a rising intonation at the end of statements, which can make them sound like they’re asking a question. Practice using this intonation in your own speech, and you’ll sound more like a native speaker.

Additionally, pay attention to the rhythm of French speech. French speakers tend to use a lot of pauses and breaks, which can make their speech sound more musical and flowing.

Learn French slang

French slang is a great way to sound more like a local. Some common French slang words and phrases include “trop cool” (too cool), “grave” (totally), and “aller” (let’s go).

Use various words to say “yes” : bien-sur, d’accord, ok, avec plaisir, volontiers …

It includes words like “laid” (ugly) and “couillon” (dumbass), but also common slang words like “chouette!” (great!) or “à fond la caisse!” (hell yeah!).

You can also speak in short sentences that are easy to understand and make sense to native speakers. Next time that you’re seating at Senequier on Saint Tropez’s harbour, instead of saying “Donnez-moi une bière”, try “Je prendrais bien une bière s’il vous plait”.

Learning these words and phrases will not only help you sound more like a French person, but it will also help you understand the language better. However, be careful not to use slang in formal or professional settings, as it might be seen as unprofessional or disrespectful.

Be polite, the French way

In France, politeness is very important. To sound more like a local, make sure to use polite expressions like “s’il vous plaît” (please), “merci” (thank you), and “excusez-moi” (excuse me). When asking someone to do something for you, use “S’il te plaît” instead of just saying “Hey!”. When French people want you out of their way, they say “pardon” or “s’il vous plaît,” and not “excuse me.” The latter means something very different in France: it’s an apology.

So the next time someone bumps into you on the streets of Saint Tropez, don’t say “excusez-moi.” Instead, be sure to use a phrase like “pardon” You’ll look more polished and self-assured than if you used one of those other phrases (or worse yet—the English term!).

Additionally, when greeting someone, use the appropriate greeting for the time of day. In the morning, say “bonjour” (good morning), in the afternoon, say “bon après-midi” (good afternoon), and in the evening, say “bonsoir” (good evening).

In conclusion, sounding like a French person takes practice, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to sounding like a local. Whether you’re ordering a coffee at a café or chatting with locals, using filler words, mastering the French R, using contractions, paying attention to intonation, and learning French slang will help you sound more natural and authentic. So go ahead and impress the locals with your French skills, but remember to be respectful and humble in your interactions. With time and practice, you might just become one of them.