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French Imparfait: Uses, Conjugations, and Examples

Imparfait is the French imperfect tense, and you’ll hear it often in daily life. It’s used for ongoing actions in the past, similar to the English past continuous tense, such as “I was doing,” “I was going,” and “I was studying.” But that’s not it — it can also mean “to be used to” depending on the context, and can express repeated actions.

As a French graduate, I have some tips on how to study, conjugate, and recognize the imparfait. In this article, we’ll start by understanding what imparfait is, and then move on to conjugating verbs in this tense. All with examples and tables!

function runSplitTest(){var randomNumber = Math.floor(Math.random() * 2) + 1console.log(randomNumber)var copy = "";if (randomNumber == 3){ copy = '<i>A note from the Fluent in 3 Months team before we get started: You can chat away in French for at least 15 minutes with the "Fluent in 3 Months" method. All it takes is 90 days. <b><a href="https://fluentin3months.com/challenge... this link to find out more.</b></a></i>'} else { copy = '<i>Editor's note: Before we get started, if you’re looking for an online French course, here’s the course we recommend: <a href="https://www.fluentin3months.com/olly-... Uncovered - Learn French Through the Power of Story</b></a>, a course with a fascinating new method by Olly Richards. You can try it for free for 7 days!</i>'}console.log(copy)var copyToChange = document.querySelector("p.copyText").innerHTML = copy;}runSplitTest();Table of contentsWhen Do You Use the  Imparfait ?Ongoing Actions in the PastRepeated Actions and Past HabitsDescriptions in the PastPolite RequestsHow to Conjugate French Verbs in  ImparfaitRegular Verb Conjugations in French  ImparfaitIrregular Verb Conjugations in French  ImparfaitVerbs With Spelling ChangesImparfait vs. Passé ComposéExample Sentences and Dialogues with ImparfaitUse  Imparfait  As Much As Possible to Master it!When Do You Use the Imparfait?

You’ll hear imparfait when people talk about actions, states of being, and situations in the past. These actions are often ongoing, repeated, or habitual. Don’t worry if this all sounds a little too vague — we’ll look at some examples to make them clearer!

Ongoing Actions in the Past

Similar to the English past continuous tense, we use imparfait for ongoing actions in the past. For example, if someone says “I was eating” instead of “I ate,” we feel like the action of eating was longer and went on for a while.

It’s similar in French — je mangeais is “I was eating,” conjugated as the French imparfait. Here are other examples:

Je lisais un livre quand tu es arrivé. “I was reading a book when you arrived.” (Here, lisais (“was reading” is in imparfait and es arrivé (“arrived”) is in passé composé (another past tense). “Reading” is the ongoing action, and “arrived” is the action that interrupted it.)Il pleuvait quand elle est sortie. “It was raining when she went out.”Repeated Actions and Past Habits

In English, we say “used to” to talk about past habits, childhood memories, and things we did regularly in the past.

French expresses similar concepts with the imparfait.

Quand j’étais petit, je jouais au tennis tous les jours. “When I was little, I used to play tennis every day.”On allait chez mes grands-parents chaque été. “We used to go to my grandparents’ house every summer.”Elle prenait toujours le bus pour aller au travail. “She always used to take the bus to go to work.”Descriptions in the Past

“The house was beautiful.”

“The weather was bad.”

“She was very happy.”

All these sentences describe something in the past, whether that’s a place, a person, or the weather. In French, you’d use imparfait to make such descriptions. Let’s look at the following sentences:

La maison était grande et belle. “The house was big and beautiful.”Il faisait froid hier. “It was cold yesterday.”Le professeur était gentil et patient avec nous. “The teacher was kind and patient with us.”Polite Requests

Imparfait is often used in polite settings that are not necessarily related to the past. This is similar to the English phrase “I wanted to ask you a favor.” Here, “wanted” is conjugated in the past tense for extra politeness.

In French, you’ll see this especially with verbs like vouloir (“to want”), souhaiter (“to wish”), and aimer (“to like”).

Je voulais vous demander un service. “I wanted to ask you a favor.”Nous souhaitions réserver une table pour ce soir. “We wish to reserve a table for this evening.”How to Conjugate French Verbs in Imparfait

Good news: imparfait conjugations are quite regular. But there are some common irregular verbs you need to pay attention to.
Let’s start with regular verbs:

Regular Verb Conjugations in French Imparfait

When conjugating French verbs, we have three main groups based on their infinitive endings:

Regular first group verbs ending with -erRegular second group verbs ending with -irIrregular third group verbs ending with -re, -oir, -ir, and -er

The imparfait conjugations for all three groups follow the same pattern:

1. Look the nous form of the verb in the present tense (for example, the nous form of parler is parlons.)
2. Remove the -ons ending to find the stem (when we remove the -ons from parlons, we’re left with parl. This is our stem.)
3. Add the imparfait endings to the stem:

-ais for je-ais for tu-ait for il/elle/on-ions for nous-iez for vous-aient for ils/elles

Let’s conjugate the verb parler (“to speak”) in imparfait for all the persons:
1. Present tense nous form: nous parlons
2. Remove -ons to find the stem: parl-
3. Add imparfait endings:
je parlaistu parlaisil/elle/on parlaitnous parlionsvous parliezils/elles parlaient

Many other verbs follow this pattern in imparfait. You can see how similar the imparfait conjugation is for parler, (“to speak”) finir (“to finish”), and vendre (“to sell”), although they all have different endings.ParlerAudioFinirAudioVendreAudioje parlais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎je finissais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎je vendais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎tu parlais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎tu finissais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎tu vendais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎il/elle/on parlait▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎il/elle/on finissait▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎il/elle/on vendait▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎nous parlions▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎nous finissions▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎nous vendions▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎vous parliez▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎vous finissiez▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎vous vendiez▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎ils/elles parlaient▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎ils/elles finissaient▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎ils/elles vendaient▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Irregular Verb Conjugations in French Imparfait

It’s possible to find the stems of many irregular verbs by looking at their present tense nous forms. Then, you can add the imparfait endings to conjugate the verbs.

Here are some examples:

avoir (“to have”) → nous avons → av- → j’avais, tu avais, il/elle/on avait, nous avions, vous aviez, ils/elles avaientfaire (“to make”) → nous faisons → fais- → je faisais, tu faisais, il/elle/on faisait, nous faisions, vous faisiez, ils/elles faisaientaller (“to go”) → nous allons → al- → j’allais, tu allais, il/elle/on allait, nous allions, vous alliez, ils/elles allaientvouloir (“to want”) → nous voulons → voul- → je voulais, tu voulais, il/elle/on voulait, nous voulions, vous vouliez, ils/elles voulaientpouvoir (“to be able to”) → nous pouvons → pouv- → je pouvais, tu pouvais, il/elle/on pouvait, nous pouvions, vous pouviez, ils/elles pouvaientsavoir (“to know”) → nous savons → sav- → je savais, tu savais, il/elle/on savait, nous savions, vous saviez, ils/elles savaientvenir (“to come”) → nous venons → ven- → je venais, tu venais, il/elle/on venait, nous venions, vous veniez, ils/elles venaientvoir (“to see”) → nous voyons → voy- *je voyais, tu voyais, il/elle/on voyait, nous voyions, vous voyiez, ils/elles voyaientprendre (“to take”) → nous prenons → pren- → je prenais, tu prenais, il/elle/on prenait, nous prenions, vous preniez, ils/elles prenaient

That said, there’s one verb you should pay special attention to, and it’s être (“to be”). In imparfait, it’s stem is ét- which isn’t the case in its present tense nous form.
Here is how it’s conjugated in imparfait:Être in imparfaitAudioj'étais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎tu étais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎il/elle/on était▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎nous étions▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎vous étiez▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎ils/elles étaient▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Verbs With Spelling Changes

Finally, there are some verbs that follow the regular imparfait conjugations but have small spelling changes to maintain proper pronunciation.
This mainly applies to:

-ger verbs like manger (“to eat”). In imparfait, it would be je mangeais instead of je mangais* for pronunciation purposes. If we wrote je mangais, the g would sound like the “g” in “green,” which is incorrect.-cer verbs like *commencer (“to start”). Similarly, you would write the imparfait as je commençais instead of commencais.
That said, they still use the same endings as the other verbs:
Manger in ImparfaitAudioCommencer in ImparfaitAudioje mangeais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎je commençais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎tu mangeais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎tu commençais▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎il/elle mangeait▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎il/elle/on commençait▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎nous mangions▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎nous commencions▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎vous mangiez▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎vous commenciez▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎ils/elles mangeait▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎ils/elles commençaient▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Imparfait vs. Passé Composé

Learners often confuse imparfait and passé composé. Here are their key differences:

Imparfait is for ongoing, repeated, or habitual actions in the past. Passé composé is for distinct, completed events. Sometimes, you’ll see both of them in the same sentence, especially when passé composé interrupts a long action described by imparfait.

Mon frère mangeait (imparfait) quand le téléphone a sonné (passé composé). “My brother was eating when the phone rang.”
In other contexts, you’ll see imparfait describing how things were, what the scene looked like, or someone’s emotions, while passé composé will be used for completed actions.Il faisait (imparfait) très chaud, du coup on est allés (passé composé) à la plage. ‘It was very hot, so we went to the beach”Example Sentences and Dialogues with Imparfait

Now that we know what imparfait is, let’s take a look at some example sentences. In each example, you’ll see the verbs conjugated in imparfait in bold.

Once you’ve studied these examples, use them as an inspiration to form your own sentences. This way, you’ll practice the imparfait conjugation, and have a better understanding of when it’s used.

EnglishFrenchAudio“When I was a child, I always slept at 8 pm.”Quand j'étais petit, je dormais toujours à 20h.▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“At school, we had English classes.”À l'école, on avait des cours d’anglais tous les mardis.▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“My grandmother often prepared crepes for dinner.”Ma grand-mère préparait souvent des crêpes pour le dîner.▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Before, he used to work in a small bakery at the corner of the street.”Avant, il travaillait dans une petite boulangerie au coin de la rue.▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“When she lived in Paris, she used to take the metro everyday.”Quand elle vivait à Paris, elle prenait le métro tous les jours▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“You were reading a book when the children were playing in the garden.”Vous lisiez un livre pendant que les enfants jouaient dans le jardin.▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“They were talking about their plans when I arrived.”Ils discutaient de leurs projets quand je suis arrivée.▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Use Imparfait As Much As Possible to Master it!

The best way to learn the imparfait’s uses and conjugations is to practice! While you continue studying French, look for imparfait in films, songs, and books, or make up your own sentences. With time, you’ll become a natural at recognizing when to use imparfait and finding the right conjugations for each verb.

The post French Imparfait: Uses, Conjugations, and Examples appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

How to Say Friend in French

The most common word for “friend” in French is ami. As with every other French noun, ami also has masculine and feminine forms — un ami is a male friend and une amie is a female friend.

Similar to how “buddy,” “pal,” or “mate” also mean friend in English, French also has other words for friend. For example, for your male friends, you can say copain, and for your female friends, you can use copine. These are more informal words, used with people you often hang out with. Depending on context, copain and copine may also mean boyfriend or girlfriend. If you want to increase the level of slang, use the word pote — it’s similar to “pal” or “mate” in English.

Having lived in France and Belgium, I’ve made many amis, copains, and potes while speaking French. Now I’m ready to help you do the same! Let’s start with a handy vocabulary list:

EnglishFrenchAudio“Friend” (male)Ami▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Friend” (female)Amie▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“My best friend” (male)Mon meilleur ami▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“My best friend” (female)Ma meilleure amie▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Friend” or “boyfriend”Copain▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Friend” or “girlfriend”Copine▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Buddy/pal” (slang for both male and female friends)Pote▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎

function runSplitTest(){var randomNumber = Math.floor(Math.random() * 2) + 1console.log(randomNumber)var copy = "";if (randomNumber == 3){ copy = '<i>A note from the Fluent in 3 Months team before we get started: You can chat away in French for at least 15 minutes with the "Fluent in 3 Months" method. All it takes is 90 days. <b><a href="https://fluentin3months.com/challenge... this link to find out more.</b></a></i>'} else { copy = '<i>Editor's note: Before we get started, if you’re looking for an online French course, here’s the course we recommend: <a href="https://www.fluentin3months.com/olly-... Uncovered - Learn French Through the Power of Story</b></a>, a course with a fascinating new method by Olly Richards. You can try it for free for 7 days!</i>'}console.log(copy)var copyToChange = document.querySelector("p.copyText").innerHTML = copy;}runSplitTest();Table of contentsAmi  and  Amie:  Friend in FrenchAmis  and  Amies:  Plural of Friend in FrenchCopain  and  Copine:  Friend and Boyfriend/Girlfriend in FrenchPote:  The Slang Word for Friend in FrenchOther Ways of Calling Your Friends in FrenchFriendship Phrases in FrenchExpressions and Useful Phrases with Friend in FrenchMaking Friends in France while Speaking FrenchUse the “Formal You,” then Switch to the “Informal You”Familiarize Yourself with the French CultureMake Every Effort to Speak FrenchAttend Language Exchange Events or Join ClubsPractice Your French With Your New  AmisAmi and Amie: Friend in French

Ami is the most common word for friend in French. Its feminine form is amie. You can use it in all sorts of contexts, both formal and informal. Here are some examples:

Mon ami Paul vient dîner ce soir. – “My friend Paul is coming over for dinner tonight.”Elle est plus qu’une amie, elle est comme une sœur pour moi. – “She’s more than a friend, she’s like a sister to me.”Amis and Amies: Plural of Friend in French

To make ami and amie plural, you’d need to add an “-s” to the end. Amis is a group of male friends, or a group of male and female friends. Amies is a group of female friends.

Je vais sortir avec mes amis, Patricia, Victor, et Karen ce soir. – “I’ll go out with my friends Patricia, Victor, and Karen tonight.” (Here, we used amis as the group has two women and a man.)Mes amis Victor et Paul aiment bien cuisiner. – “My friends Victor and Paul like cooking.” (Here, we used amis as we’re talking about two men.)Elle a invité toutes ses amies à sa fête d’anniversaire. – “She invited all her (girl)friends to her birthday.” (Here, we used amies as the group has only women.)Copain and Copine: Friend and Boyfriend/Girlfriend in French

Copain and copine also mean friend. They’re more informal than ami and amies — you can use them to describe the friends you usually hang out with.

Depending on context, copain means “boyfriend” and copine “girlfriend.” Let’s take a look at these example sentences — pay attention to the English translations to see where copain and copine mean “boyfriend” and “girlfriend.”

Mon copain s’appelle Antoine. – “My boyfriend’s name is Antoine.”Il vit avec sa copine. – “He lives with his girlfriend.”C’est qui ? C’est un copain de Tom ? – “Who is that? Is it one of Tom’s friends?”Mes copines viennent me voir demain. – “My friends are coming to see me tomorrow.”Pote: The Slang Word for Friend in French

Pote is a popular slang term to say “friend” in French, used in informal and casual contexts, especially among younger people. Think of it as “pal,” “mate,” or “buddy” in English.

Salut, mon pote! Ça va ? – “Hey buddy! How are you?”C’est qui ton meilleur pote ? – “Who’s your best friend?”Nous faisons une sortie avec les potes ce weekend. – “We’re going out with friends tonight.”Other Ways of Calling Your Friends in French

You can call your super close friends frère (“brother”) and sœur (“sister”), or get creative with endearment terms. For example, two French guys may call each other beau gosse which means “handsome” but translates to “beautiful kid.” Saying mec (“dude”) or meuf (“girl”) are also popular ways of referring to your friends.

EnglishFrenchAudio“Brother”Frère▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Sister”Sœur▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Dude” (literal translation: guy)Mec▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Girl” Meuf▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Sweetie” (for men)Loulou▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Sweetie” (for women)Louloutte▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Handsome” (literal translation: beautiful boy)Beau gosse▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“My beauty”Ma belle▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Friendship Phrases in French

“How long have you known each other?”

“Let me introduce you to my friend.”

“Want to hang out with my friends tonight?”

These phrases often come up when you meet someone. Here is a useful list you can refer to when talking about your friends, introducing others, and meeting new people.

EnglishFrenchAudio“We've been friends since…”On est amis depuis…▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“We've known each other since…”On se connaît depuis…▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“We get along well.”On s’entend bien.▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Let me introduce you to my friend…”Je te présente mon ami(e)…▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“We should hang out more often.”Il faut qu’on se voit plus souvent.▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Want to do something tonight?”Tu veux faire quelque chose ce soir?▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“I’ll go out with my friends tomorrow”Je vais sortir avec mes amis demain.▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“I'll always be there for you.”Je serai toujours là pour toi.▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“You’re my best friend”Tu es mon meilleur(e) ami(e).▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Expressions and Useful Phrases with Friend in French

Let’s move on to describe some of the activities you’d typically do with your friends:

EnglishFrenchAudio“To make friends”Se faire des amis▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“To go out with friends”Sortir avec des amis▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“To have a drink with friends”Prendre un verre avec des amis▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“To chat with friends”Discuter avec des amis▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“To get along well with someone”S'entendre bien avec quelqu'un▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“To build a strong friendship”Construire une amitié solide▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“To spend time with friends”Passer du temps avec des amis▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“To stay in touch with friends”Rester en contact avec des amis▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“To be best friends”Être meilleurs amis▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“To be friends for life”Être amis à la vie▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Making Friends in France while Speaking French

Enrolling in a French language course, moving to France, or simply traveling in the Hexagon? Now that you know the words for “friend” in French, it’s time to learn about etiquette.

Use the “Formal You,” then Switch to the “Informal You”

French has two pronouns for “you:” tu (“informal you”) and vous (“formal you”). You usually start addressing someone with vous when you first meet, especially in a professional or unfamiliar setting. As you get to know the person better, you can switch to the informal tu.

Of course, this depends on context. When you’re not sure, it’s better to start with vous and wait for the person to ask on peut se tutoyer? (“can we call each other tu?)

Familiarize Yourself with the French Culture

Learn about French culture to act more naturally around your French friends. For example, in France, it’s normal to do la bise, kissing each other on the cheek when you greet someone.

Make Every Effort to Speak French

Your French friends will appreciate your efforts in speaking the language. They’ll also be happy to teach you new words, such as local slang or unique idioms. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re a natural part of the learning process and can even be a source of humor and bonding.

Attend Language Exchange Events or Join Clubs

Attend language exchanges or cultural events to connect with people who share your interests. A sports team, a book club, or a cooking class all mean tons of potential new friends, as well as new vocabulary!

Practice Your French With Your New Amis

While words like ami and copain are essential, friendship goes beyond vocabulary — and your new French-speaking friends will appreciate you speaking the language and getting to know the culture. Continue practicing French with different resources to improve your vocabulary and find new topics with your amis, copains, and potes!

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Cool Greek Names and Their Meanings

The Greek language is not short of cool names. You’ve probably heard of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty; or Zeus, the god of the sky. These names only scratch the surface — since Greek is one of the oldest languages in the world, its ancient mythology, epic tales, and modern history are full of well-known names used in Greece and beyond.

Whether you’re looking for a name for your baby or are simply curious about Greek names, we’ve got you covered. As a writer from Cyprus, where Greek is one of the official languages, I’m familiar with a lot of names. And fun fact: Cyprus is the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, one of the many cool Greek names listed in this article!

Popular Greek Names

In Greek, you’ll often find male names ending with -os, -as, or -is, and female names with -a or i. You’ll also notice the same name often has a male and a female version.

Let’s start our list of cool Greek names by covering some most popular ones. In the table below, you’ll find the female name in the first column, the male name in the second column, and the meaning of the name in the third column.

Female NameMale NameMeaningΑλεξάνδρα (Alexandra)Αλέξανδρος (Alexandros)Defender of humankindΆννα (Anna)Άννας (Annas)Grace, favorΒασιλική (Vasiliki)Βασίλειος (Vasileios)Royal, kinglyΕιρήνη (Irini)Ειρηναίος (Irenaios)PeaceΕλένη (Eleni)Ελευθέριος (Eleftherios)Bright, shining light, freeΓεωργία (Georgia)Γεώργιος (Georgios)Farmer, earthworkerΚατερίνα (Katerina)Κωνσταντίνος (Konstantinos)Constant, loyalΜαρία (Maria)Μάριος (Marios)Related to the Virgin Mary, the mother of JesusΝικολέτα (Nikoleta)
Νικόλαος (Nikolaos)Victory of the peopleΣοφία (Sofia)Σοφοκλής (Sofoklis)WisdomΧριστίνα (Christina)Χριστόφορος (Christoforos)Follower of Christ; Bearing ChristΘεοδώρα (Theodora)Θεόδωρος (Theodoros)Gift of GodΙωάννα (Ioanna)Ιωάννης (Ioannis)God is graciousΠαναγιώτα (Panagiota)Παναγιώτης (Panagiotis)All-holyΑνδριάνα (Andriana)Ανδρέας (Andreas)Manly, masculineΔήμητρα (Dimitra)Δημήτριος (Dimitrios)Follower of Demeter, goddess of harvestΧρυσάνθη (Chrysanthi)Χρήστος (Christos)Anointed oneΗλιάνα (Eliana)Ηλίας (Elias)SunΜιχαέλα (Michaela)Μιχαήλ (Michail)Who is like God?Στεφανία (Stefania)Στέφανος (Stefanos)CrownGreek Names for Girls

Many Greek names for girls have religious connotations, such as Maria and Michaela. It’s also possible to find names with historical and mythological origins, as well as names with important character traits, such as Sofia which means “wisdom.”

Here are 10 of these Greek girl names and their meanings:
Αλεξάνδρα (Alexandra): Derived from the ancient Greek words alexo (“to defend”) and aner (“man”), the meaning of Alexandra translates into “defender of mankind.” It can be shortened to Alex, Sandra, or Lexi.

Αθηνά (Athena): In Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts. She was known for her intelligence, strategic thinking, and bravery.

Ελένη (Eleni): Eleni means “bright” or “shining light.” Its Latin version is Helena, which you may recognize from the English name Helen or the famous Helen of Troy.

Ζωή (Zoe): Zoe means “life” in Greek. It’s a short and simple, yet beautiful name.

Κατερίνα (Katerina): Katerina is a variant of the Greek name Aikaterine, which means “pure.” It symbolizes innocence, virtue, and clarity of spirit.

Μαρία (Maria): Maria is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Mary, which has various interpretations. Its most famous one would be its religious significance in Christianity, as it was the name of the mother of Jesus. Other sources say it means “bitter,” “wished-for child,” or “rebellious.”

Σοφία (Sofia): Sofia means “wisdom” in Greek. It has a sophisticated and cultured feel, symbolizing intelligence, knowledge, and understanding.

Δάφνη (Daphni): Daphne means “laurel tree.” Its origins lie in Greek mythology, as Daphne was a nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree because of her love for Apollo.

Λυδία (Lydia): The name Lydia comes from the Asian region of Lydia. It’s also thought to derive from the region’s legendary king, Λυδός (Lidos).

Greek Names for Boys

Greek names for boys often have strong, masculine qualities. Similar to girls’ names, they also often carry religious significance and desirable character traits.
Αλέξανδρος (Alexandros): Like its feminine version Alexandra, Alexandros means “defender of mankind.” A famous Greek with this name is Alexander the Great, one of history’s most renowned conquerors and military strategists.

Δημήτριος (Demetrios): Demetrios means “follower of Demeter,” the Greek goddess of agriculture, harvest, and fertility. It’s a popular name that is thought to convey a sense of devotion and loyalty.

Γεώργιος (Georgios): Georgios means “farmer” or “earthworker.” King George III of England was nicknamed “Farmer George” for his interest in agriculture. Coincidence?

Ιωάννης (Ioannis): Ioannis is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yochanan, which means “God is gracious.”

Κωνσταντίνος (Konstantinos): Konstantinos means “constant” or “steadfast.” Roman emperor Constantine the Great, who made it illegal to persecute Christians, had this name. He also founded the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul). Constantinople is the combination of two words: Constantine and πόλη (poli), the Greek word for city.

Ελευθέριος (Eleftherios): Eleftherios means “liberator” or “the free one.” It comes from the Greek word for “free,” ελεύθερο (elefthero), and can even be found in Greece’s motto: Eleftheria i Thanatos (“Freedom or Death”).

Βασίλειος (Vasileios): Vasileios means “kingly” or “royal” in Greek. Fun fact: Santa Claus in Greek is not Saint Nicholas as you would expect — it’s Άγιος Βασίλης (Saint Vasilis).

Νικόλαος (Nicholas): Nicholas means “victory of the people” in Greek. It’s a very popular name, and you’ll hear its other derivatives, such as Nikos.

Λέων (Leon): Leon means “lion” in Greek, symbolizing strength, courage, and leadership. Besides Leon, you may also hear Λεωνίδας (Leonidas), which means “son of lion.” The most famous Leonidas is probably the King Leonidas I of Sparta, or should I say “This is Sparta!”

Mythological Greek Names

From the captivating stories of gods, goddesses and heroes to inspiring tales, Greek mythology is full of historic and unique names.

Here are some of the most famous ones and their meanings:

Αφροδίτη (Aphrodite): Aphrodite was the goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure. Her Roman equivalent is Venus, which inspired many artworks, namely The Birth of Venus by Botticelli.

According to a myth, Aphrodite was born from seafoam in Paphos, Cyprus. If you’re ever in Cyprus, you can see this mythical site yourself — it’s called Petra tou Romiou. Although not so popular in other languages, you can come across women named Aphrodite in Greek-speaking countries.

Άρης (Ares): Ares was the god of war. He was known for his fierce, impulsive nature and his love of battle.Άρτεμις (Artemis): Artemis was the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. Known for her independence and athleticism, her name conveys freedom, adventure, and strength. The Roman equivalent of Artemis is a popular girl’s name, Diana.Ήρα (Hera): Hera was the queen of the gods and the goddess of family. She was known for her loyalty, devotion, and powerful presence.Αθηνά (Athena): Goddess of wisdom and courage, Athena is still a popular name for girls in Greece.Πηνελόπη (Penelope): Penelope’s origins can be traced back to Homer’s Odyssey, one of the oldest pieces of literature. The name itself means “weaver.”Φοίβη (Phoebe): Phoebe was a Titan associated with the moon and intellect. It means “bright” or “pure,” and is still a popular girl’s name in Greek and other languages.Άτλας (Atlas): Atlas was a Titan condemned to hold up heaven for eternity. It can be used as a boy’s name conveying strength and endurance.Greek Names Are Everywhere!

Alexander, Sophia, Phoebe, and more. Many Greek names became popular not only in Greece but also around the world, which makes them so cool!

Names are only one part of learning about the Greek culture — make sure to check our other articles on Greek from essential Greek words to the wonders of the Greek alphabet to get some learning inspiration!

The post appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

Bastille Day: What You Need to Know About France’s National Day

Bastille Day, or la fête nationale (“the National Day”) as it’s known in France, takes place on July 14th. It marks the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a key moment in the French Revolution. National days like this are packed with history, culture, and useful vocabulary — which are always interesting for learners.
As a French graduate and a fluent speaker, I’ll give a brief history of France’s national day, followed by some traditions and cultural information surrounding it. As always, we’ll finish by covering some useful vocabulary around celebrations and national days.

Table of contentsBrief History of Bastille DayBastille Day Traditions and CelebrationsBastille Day in Paris and Other French CitiesBastille Day Vocabulary in FrenchVive la France!

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Fed up with monarchy and the “Ancien Régime” (the Old Regime), the people of Paris took action. They poured into the streets and stormed the Bastille, an ancient fortress used as a prison by the French kings.

This historic moment took place on July 14, 1789 at the Bastille, which sparked the French Revolution. When the people seized the prison and released the prisoners, they secured their first victory against the monarchy. This was a significant moment, which later became France’s national day. Besides the Revolution, the storming of the Bastille was also the birth of a new era of liberté, égalité, fraternité (“liberty, equality, fraternity”), which is France’s slogan even today.
In the years that followed, July 14th became a national day of celebration and remembrance for the French people. It’s celebrated in Metropolitan France, as well as its 13 overseas departments territories such as French Guiana, Guadelupe, Martinique, and La Reunion.

Bastille Day Traditions and Celebrations

Bastille Day is a national holiday in France, which means that most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. Celebrations are held in major streets of cities and town squares, with the most famous one being the défilé militaire du 14 juillet (“Bastille Day military parade”) in Paris.
Families and friends gather to watch the parade on TV, or simply enjoy the national day off. Throughout France, you can find fireworks, free entry to museums, concerts, and the traditional Bal des Pompiers (“Firemen’s Ball”).
Here is more information about the different Bastille Day celebrations:
Fireworks displays: From the grand spectacle in Paris to smaller shows in towns and villages, fireworks, or feu d’artifice are everywhere on Bastille Day.
Bal des Pompiers: Many fire stations throughout France open their doors to the public on the evening of July 13th for the traditional Firemen’s Ball. These lively events feature music, dancing, and food, as well as the chance to meet France’s brave firefighters.
Tricolore decorations: The French national flag is known as the Tricolore, which translates into “three colors.” As Bastille Day is France’s national day, this is a good opportunity for the country to display its flag. You’ll see it on buildings, streets, and public spaces.
La Marseillaise: By now, you know what you’ll see on Bastille Day, but what about what you’ll hear? The answer is the French national anthem, La Marseillaise. The national anthem starts like this: Allons enfant de la patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivé! (“Let’s go, children of the Fatherland, our day of glory has arrived!”)

Bastille Day in Paris and Other French Cities

As the capital of France, Paris hosts the country’s biggest défilé militaire (“military parade”) on Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This impressive display features thousands of soldiers, tanks, and armored vehicles marching down the famous avenue, accompanied by marching bands and flyovers by military aircraft. The French President, government officials, and foreign ambassadors always attend the event.
In addition to the military parade, Paris also hosts other events and activities throughout the day. Some museums, including the Louvre, offer free admission, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich history and art scene. It’s important to note that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, so if Bastille Day falls on a Tuesday, the museum will be closed.
As night falls, the celebrations in Paris continue with a spectacular fireworks display centered around the Eiffel Tower. Thousands of people gather on the Champ de Mars, the park surrounding the tower, to witness the stunning pyrotechnics and light show. There’s a special show to see each year — in 2000, there was the Millenium, 2009 was the 120th anniversary of the Tower, and in 2024, Eiffel had a special edition for the Olympics, as they took place in Paris a couple of weeks after Bastille Day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O41AY0uZ5hU

Bastille Day Vocabulary in French

Now that you know what Bastille Day is about, it’s time to translate what we just talked about into French!
Here is a table covering Bastille Day vocabulary, along with some other festive words and phrases in

EnglishFrenchAudio“National day”La fête nationale▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Happy National Day!”Bonne fête nationale !▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Long live France!”Vive la France !▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“July 14th”Le quatorze juillet▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“The Bastille” (prison)La Bastille▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“The French revolution”La Révolution française▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Liberty, equality, fraternity”Liberté, égalité, fraternité▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Military parade”Le défilé militaire▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“To watch the parade”Regarder le défilé▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Fireworks”Les feux d'artifice▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“To enjoy the fireworks”Profiter des feux d'artifice▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Firemen's Ball”Le Bal des Pompiers▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“The French flag / Tricolore”Le drapeau tricolore▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“La Marseillaise” (the French national anthem)La Marseillaise▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Public holiday”Jour férié▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Celebration, festival”La fête▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Crowd”La foule▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Event”L'événement▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Ceremony”La cérémonie▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Vive la France!

If your visit to France falls on Bastille Day, look for a Bal de Pompiers, watch the fireworks at the city center, or enjoy a free entry to the Louvre. Learning about its national day is an important part of learning the language, so add it to your list along with tasting the delicious French food and learning the basics of the language.

To take your French to the next level, make sure to check our other French learning resources!

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Water in French: Essential Vocabulary (with Audio)

“Water” in French is Eau (pronounced /o/).

Eau often goes with a definite or an indefinite article, so you’ll mostly see it as de l’eau, d’eau, or l’eau.

It’s a useful word in many situations — whether you’re traveling in France, eating at a French restaurant, or renting a house from a French-speaking person!

As a French graduate, here is my handy vocabulary list to say water in French and use the word in different situations.

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You can drink tap water in France. But if you prefer bottled water, be it still or sparkling, you’ll need to know how to order it in a restaurant or what to look for in supermarkets.

Here is a useful vocabulary list:

EnglishFrenchAudio“Still water”L'eau plate▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Sparkling water”L'eau gazeuse▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Sparkling water”L'eau pétillante▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Mineral water”L'eau minérale▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Tap water”L'eau du robinet▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎How to Order Water in French Restaurants

Une bouteille d’eau is “a bottle of water,” while un verre d’eau is “a glass of water.” So if you’re eating alone, you might want to ask for un verre d’eau, by saying Puis-je avoir un verre d’eau, s’il vous plaît? (“Can I have a glass of water, please?”) If you’re with a group of friends, you can order une bouteille d’eau, so you can share. In this case, say Peut-on avoir une bouteille d’eau, s’il vous plaît? (“Can we have a bottle of water, please?”)

Alternatively, you can also ask for une carafe d’eau, which is “a pitcher of water.” This is usually free tap water, served with complimentary bread. Got to love French restaurants!

Here is a vocabulary list for ordering water in French, including what the waiter might say when asking if you’d like some water.

EnglishFrenchAudio“A bottle of water”Une bouteille d'eau▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“A glass of water”Un verre d'eau▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“A pitcher of water”Une carafe d’eau▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“May I offer you some water?”Puis-je vous offrir de l'eau?▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Do you prefer still or sparkling water?”Vous préférez l'eau plate ou gazeuse?▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Still water, please.”L’eau plate, s’il vous plaît▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“A glass of still water, please.”Un verre d’eau plate, s’il vous plaît▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Sparkling water, please.”L’eau gazeuse, s’il vous plaît▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“I’d like a glass of water.”Je voudrais un verre d’eau▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“A bottle of sparkling water, please.”Une bouteille d’eau gazeuse, s’il vous plaît▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Can I have a pitcher of water, please?”Puis-je avoir une carafe d’eau s’il vous plaît?▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Water Brands in French

Looking for a specific water brand? France has many mineral and sparkling water brands, with the most common ones being:

EvianPerrierVittelContrexBadoit

If the restaurant has one of these brands and you’d like to order it, you can replace the word eau with the brand name.

Une bouteille d’Evian, s’il vous plaît. “A bottle of Evian, please.”Puis-je avoir une bouteille de Vittel? “Can I have a bottle of Vittel?”Hot Water and Cold Water in French

Imagine you’re an exchange student in France, you moved into a new apartment, and there’s no hot water. You need to call the landlord, but there’s an important phrase you should know: hot water!

Hot water is l’eau chaude in French. Notice how chaude (“hot”) comes after l’eau (“water”). This goes for all the other adjectives we use with water — be it hot, cold, warm, or boiling. And it’s l’eau chaude, not l’eau chaud. The extra -e is there because water is a feminine word in French.

EnglishFrenchAudio“Hot water”L’eau chaude▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Cold water”L’eau froide▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Lukewarm water”L’eau tiède▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Boiling waterL’eau bouillante▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎Idioms with Water in French

Water is a huge part of our everyday life — so it’s only natural that many languages have expressions with “water.” French is one of them. Here are a few fun idioms to try out:

Être comme l’eau et le feu literally translates to “to be like water and fire,” but it means two people are complete opposites, like oil and water.

If you want to emphasize how similar two people are, that’s also a water-related expression in French. Se ressembler comme deux gouttes d’eau is the idiom you’re looking for — it means “to resemble each other like two drops of water,” or “to be two peas in a pod.”

Last but not least, similar to “the straw that broke the camel’s back,” describing how a small action causes a much larger reaction, is la goutte d’eau qui fait déborder le vase. It means “the drop of water that makes the vase overflow.”

Now You Know the Basics of Water in French

Whether you’re asking for water, complaining about a hot water situation, or looking for fun expressions, you’ll use the word l’eau all the time! Take a look at our list of core French words to see if you’re missing any other important French vocab.

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Italian Culture: Language, Cuisine, and Heritage

What comes to mind when you think about Italian culture? The food? Renaissance? Artists, writers, and thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo? Fashion designers like Armani, Versace, and Prada? Or the beautiful Italian language?

With over 60 million Italians living in Italy and over 5 million living abroad, learning about the Italian language and culture will help you speak to millions of people, study or work abroad in Italy, or connect with family members. And learning about its culture will help you speak the language better, while understanding its nuances.

As a language nerd who’s studied Italian for years, I’m happy to put together this guide on Italian culture, covering language basics, food, culture, and lifestyle!

function runSplitTest(){var randomNumber = Math.floor(Math.random() * 2) + 1console.log(randomNumber)var copy = "";if (randomNumber == 3){ copy = '<i>A note from the Fluent in 3 Months team before we get started: You can chat away in Italian for at least 15 minutes with the "Fluent in 3 Months" method. All it takes is 90 days. <b><a href="https://fluentin3months.com/challenge... this link to find out more.</b></a></i>'} else { copy = '<i>Before we get started, if you’re looking for an online Italian course, here’s the course I recommend: <a href="https://www.fluentin3months.com/olly-... Uncovered - Learn Italian Through the Power of Story</b></a>, a course with a fascinating new method by my friend Olly. You can try it for free for 7 days!</i>'}console.log(copy)var copyToChange = document.querySelector("p.copyText").innerHTML = copy;}runSplitTest();Table of contentsThe Italian Way of Life: Family Comes FirstItalian Cuisine and Wine: Importance of Fresh FoodItalian Art and Architecture: From Romanesque to Art-NouveauItalian Music and CinemaItalian Fashion and Style: “Looking Good Effortlessly”Italian Language and GesturesRegional Differences and TraditionsImmerse Yourself in Italian Culture to Improve Your Language SkillsThe Italian Way of Life: Family Comes First

At the heart of Italian culture lies a way of life that prioritizes family, community, and the simple pleasures of good food, good wine, and good company.

Extended, multi-generational families often live together or in close proximity. Sunday lunches with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are a cherished ritual. You might have come across Italian social media creators talking about their family relations, especially how their grandparents spoil them!

@jimmybigmuscles Sunday’s at Nonna’s #nonnarita #nonna #mangia #calabrese #Italian #italianfood #nonni #delicious #italy #sundaydinners #italianfamily #famiglia #traditions #italiantraditions #foryoupage #worldcup2022 #fyp ♬ ITALIAN RESTAURANT 1 – Cavendish

Community life revolves around the piazza, or town square, where people of all ages gather to socialize, drink coffee, and catch up. In the evenings, the piazzas come alive as people take their daily passeggiata, or leisurely stroll.

August in Italy is ferragosto, meaning Feast (Fest) of Agustus, the Roman Emperor. This is when many small businesses shut down, as locals take vacation days and often travel to a seaside town.

Meals in Italian are meant to be enjoyed and shared — it’s normal for them to include several courses and last over two hours. When cooking, fresh food is very important, especially because Italian cuisine relies heavily on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Food in winter and in summer also tend to be different.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZIJnn5wnU

Aperitivo, the Italian happy hour is a nice time to socialize, as friends gather for pre-dinner drinks and snacks.

Festivals and holidays are an integral part of Italian life, and each region has its own celebrations. Some famous examples across regions include Venice’s Carnevale, with its elaborate masks and costumes, and the Palio di Siena, a high-stakes horse race dating back to the Middle Ages.

Region is the key word here — Italian lifestyle can change depending on the region. Northern Italy is known for its fast-paced, more industrious culture and Southern Italy for its relaxed, slower tempo. Yet despite these differences, the emphasis on family, community, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures remains similar.

Italian Cuisine and Wine: Importance of Fresh Food

Italian cuisine is more than pizza and pasta. There are lots of regional varieties, culinary traditions, and family recipes.

Meals often showcase what’s known as cucina povera, which translates to “poor cooking.” It emphasizes simple preparation methods highlighting a few ingredients. Some of the most iconic Italian dishes, like pasta al pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce) or Caprese salad (mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil), rely on just a few key components.

@our_cookingjourney Eggs in purgatory, the classic example of cucina povera!🍳🍅 Delicious poached eggs in a simple tomato sauce and accompanied with some toasted bread and nothing else brings me back straight back to my childhood. When my mum wasn't at home and when dad used to be the one cooking for us, me and my sisters we knew what dad was going to make. He knew how to play it safe. This is definitely an easy dish but it’s rich and comforting and the perfect way to satisfy anyone! I still love to make this dish on a lazy day and when I want a treat! 😊 Ingredients for 3-4 portions 400g of canned plum tomatoes (I have used sweet plum tomatoes here but during tomato season you can use nice and ripe fresh tomatoes for this recipe) 1 brown onion 4 large fresh eggs 2 small fresh chillies 2 cloves of garlic (I have infused the chilli and garlic whole with the oil and then removed them before adding in the tomatoes) A few basil leaves Olive oil Salt and pepper #uovainpurgatorio #shakshuka #cucinapovera #peasantfood #italianrecipe #italiancuisine #egg #tomato #recipeshare #meatfree #comfortfood #soulfood #italianfood ♬ original sound – Francesco Mattana

In the north, risotto, polenta, and hearty meat dishes are common, while the south is known for its fresh seafood, citrus fruits, and vegetables. Cured meats like prosciutto and salami, as well as cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and mozzarella, are also key ingredients.

Italy is one of the world’s largest wine producers, with over hundreds of official wine varieties. Some of the most famous Italian wines include Chianti, Barolo, and Prosecco. You’ll often see them paired up with dishes — it’s meant to enhance the flavors of the dish.

A typical Italian dinner might start with an aperitivo and stuzzichini (pre-dinner drink and snacks). Then comes the antipasti (starters), followed by the primi (pasta or rice course) or secondi (main course, usually meat or fish), and contorni (side dishes). After that, you have dolci (desserts), but the meal doesn’t end here. People often enjoy having an espresso or a digestivo (after-dinner liqueur). And of course, one of the reasons why meals last so long is the fun conversations you have while eating!

We covered a lot of vocabulary here, so let’s end this section with a vocabulary table of the meal names we’ve learned, along with some other useful food vocabulary in Italian!

English Italian Audio “Poor cooking” or “cooking simple dishes with basic ingredients” Cucina povera “Pasta with tomato sauce” Pasta al pomodoro “Dry-cured ham” Prosciutto “Cured sausage” Salami “Parmesan cheese” Parmigiano-Reggiano “Pre-dinner drink” Aperitivo “Appetizers” Antipasti “First course” (often pasta or rice) Primi “Second course” (often meat or fish) Secondi “Side dishes” Contorni “Desserts” Dolci “After dinner liqueur” Digestivo “Breakfast” Colazione “Lunch” Pranzo “Dinner” Cena Italian Art and Architecture: From Romanesque to Art-Nouveau

Many iconic buildings of Italian architecture date back to the Roman Empire — think the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. That said, this is not the only architectural style Italy has. You’ll also find examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Rococo, and Art-Nouveau architectures in the country.

Here are some of the world-famous architectural masterpieces in the country:

The Colosseum, Rome: An amphitheater that was used for gladiatorial contests and spectaclesPantheon, Rome: A former Roman temple turned church, renowned for its massive domeCathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence: A Gothic cathedral with a distinctive red-tiled domeDoge’s Palace, Venice: Formerly the residence of the Doge (Venetian Dukes) and the seat of government, now a museumDuomo di Milano, Milan: A Gothic cathedral known for its intricate spires, statues, and gargoylesGalleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan: A grand 19th-century shopping arcade hosting luxury brands and historic cafesLeaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa: A 60-meter tall tower known for its tilted shape

As for art, the Italian city of Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Europe’s cultural revolution that took place in the 14th-century. Marking the end of the Middle Ages, this was the period when masters like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael created some of the world’s most famous artworks, including Mona Lisa, David, and the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel.

Later on, the 17th-century Baroque period brought more dramatic, turbulent art and buildings, and the 18th-century Rococo style emphasized elegance and refinement. Then came futurism and avant-garde movements, along with surreal art.

Visit Italy and you’ll experience an open-air museum, with art and architecture all around!

Italian Music and Cinema

Italian music and cinema are very broad topics — there are 18th and 19th-century composers like Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini who wrote some of the most famous operas, as well as 20th-century tenors like Enrico Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti who have gathered a global audience.

You can find different types of folk music and dance traditions in different Italian regions. For example, southern Italy has tarantella, a lively dance characterized by its swift movements.

@federicagreco872 💜#perte #neiperte #folk #tarantella #sicilia #bagheria #folkmusic #danzapopolare #danza #dance #musicasiciliana #abitofolk #tradizione #tradizionale #folkdance #tarantellasiciliana🥰 ♬ suono originale – Federica Greco

As for cinema, Italy is known for various genres, such as art cinema, Neorealism, Giallo thrillers, Spaghetti Westerns, and contemporary films. The country is home to famous directors like Federico Fellini, Roberto Rossellini, and Bernardo Bertolucci; and actors like Marcello Mastroianni, Sophia Loren, and Monica Belluci.

If you’d like to practice your Italian or learn more about the culture through movies, here are some you can check out:

La Dolce Vita (1960): Drama, Comedy, FantasyLife Is Beautiful (1997): Comedy, Drama, WarSmetto Quando Voglio (2014): Comedy, CrimePerfect Strangers (2016): Comedy, DramaThe Hand of God (2021): DramaItalian Fashion and Style: “Looking Good Effortlessly”

Starting from the 50s, Italian designers like Emilio Pucci and Salvatore Ferragamo established their brands. Italian fashion made waves on the international level especially in the 60s and 70s, with Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace, and others.

Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, is home to the country’s most iconic fashion houses, such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Fendi. Twice a year, the city hosts Milan Fashion Week, one of the industry’s most prestigious events. One of Milan’s most beloved attractions is a shopping center — Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Italians are known for dressing well and having style, which we can see in trends like “dress like an Italian” or “European girl summer.”

@ciaoamberc #stitch with @itslindsayrose #italy #italiansummer #clothes #fashion ♬ original sound – Ciao AmberC

Since style is a part of life, the Italian language has various words and phrases related to fashion and looking good. Here are some examples:

Alta moda: “High fashion”La bella figura: Literally translating to “the beautiful figure,” la bella figura is an important cultural concept in Italian society. It’s about presenting oneself well, be it with appearance or manners.Spezzatura: Although not used so much in daily life, this word means “looking good without trying too hard.”Sartoriale: “Sartorial,” related to tailored clothing, often referring to high-quality, well-fitted itemsStilista: “Fashion designer”Fatto a mano: “Hand-made”

Italian style and luxury items are everywhere, not only in the fashion industry. From furniture to cars, Italian designers are known all over the world.

Italian Language and Gestures

Standard Italian, based on the Tuscan dialect, is the official language in Italy, but not the only one. The country has more than 30 regional languages, some of which are mutually unintelligible. That said, everyone speaks standard Italian. For example, someone from Sicily would most likely speak Sicilian with their family, but standard Italian with another Italian coming from Veneto.

When you start learning Italian, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some core words. Here are 10 words to begin with:

English Italian Audio “Hello” Ciao “Thank you” Grazie “Yes” Sì “No” No “Excuse me” (formal) Scusi “Excuse me” (informal) Scusa “You’re welcome” Prego “How are you?” (formal) Come sta? “How are you?” (informal) Come stai? “Good morning” Buongiorno

Italians are also known for their hand gestures, which look like a language on their own! These gestures express emotions and sometimes replace words all together! One of the most common ones is che vuoi (“what do you want?”), which you may recognize from the pinched hand emoji. 🤌

@antonio_benina This is next level fluent 🥹🤌🏼🫶 #italy #italian #language ♬ Che La Luna – Louis Prima

Once you’re familiar with the basic Italian words and gestures, you can move on to more complex Italian expressions and sayings. Some of them have become well-known in other languages, such as la vita è bella” (“life is beautiful”), la dolce vita (“sweet life”), and il dolce far niente (“the sweetness of doing nothing”).

Regional Differences and Traditions

The divide between Northern and Southern Italy is particularly well-known. Northern Italy, which includes regions like Lombardy, Veneto, and Piedmont, is known for its big cities, economy, and more reserved culture. Milan, Venice, Turin, and Bologna are some of its major cities.

Southern Italy includes regions like Campania, Calabria, and Sicily, and is associated with a more relaxed, expressive lifestyle, and close-knit communities. The capital, Rome, is considered central Italy, but the country’s economic capital is no other than the Northern city of Milan.

Depending on where you go in Italy, you’ll find different types of food, wine, art, and architecture. Tuscan cuisine, for example, is known for dishes like ribollita (bread soup) and bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), while Sicilian cuisine features influences from other countries, with dishes like arancini (rice balls) and caponata (an eggplant dish).

Each region also has its own festivals and traditions. Some notable examples include:

Carnevale: Pre-Lent celebration with masquerades and parades, most famously in VenicePalio di Siena: Historic horse race held twice a year in Siena’s central piazzaFesta di San Gennaro: Feast day of Naples’ patron saint, celebrated with processions and street fairsFerrara Buskers Festival: International art and music festival in FerraraLa Notte della Taranta: Music festival celebrating the traditional “pizzica” dance, held in SalentoImmerse Yourself in Italian Culture to Improve Your Language Skills

Learning about Italian culture will certainly help you to express yourself better when practicing the language!

You’ve made a great start with this article — now it’s time to check out more Italian learning resources such as courses, books, and apps!

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How to Say Please in French (with Audio)

The most common ways to say please in French are s’il vous plaît and s’il te plaît.

You use them when you’re requesting something, ordering food, or asking permission, similar to English. Using these words makes a big difference in how you are perceived, so s’il vous plaît and s’il te plaît are often among the first phrases beginners learn in French.

function runSplitTest(){var randomNumber = Math.floor(Math.random() * 2) + 1console.log(randomNumber)var copy = "";if (randomNumber == 3){ copy = '<i>A note from the Fluent in 3 Months team before we get started: You can chat away in French for at least 15 minutes with the "Fluent in 3 Months" method. All it takes is 90 days. <b><a href="https://fluentin3months.com/challenge... this link to find out more.</b></a></i>'} else { copy = '<i>Editor's note: Before we get started, if you’re looking for an online French course, here’s the course we recommend: <a href="https://www.fluentin3months.com/olly-... Uncovered - Learn French Through the Power of Story</b></a>, a course with a fascinating new method by Olly Richards. You can try it for free for 7 days!</i>'}console.log(copy)var copyToChange = document.querySelector("p.copyText").innerHTML = copy;}runSplitTest();Table of contentsS’il Vous Plaît  and  S’il Te Plaît:  “Please” in FrenchSi Cela ne Vous Dérange Pas  and  Si Ça Te Dérange Pas : “If It Doesn’t Bother You”Avec Plaisir:  “With Pleasure”Pourrais-tu…  or  Pourriez-vous…  “Could you…”Merci de  + infinitive verb: “Please + verb”Serait-il possible de…  “Would it be Possible to…”Veuillez:  The Formal PleaseOther Polite Words and Phrases in FrenchA Lot of Ways to Say Please in French!

If your French goes beyond the beginner level, you’re probably already familiar with s’il vous plaît and s’il te plaît. But with the French language, learning never ends! Check the vocabulary list below to see if you know all the words for please in French:
ople you don’t know, such as a waiter, store clerk, or an acquaintance. Here are some examples:

Un café, s’il vous plaît. “A coffee, please.”Pourriez-vous m’aider, s’il vous plaît ? “Could you help me, please?”Pourriez-vous m’envoyer les documents s’il vous plaît ? “Could you please send me the documents?”

With friends, family, and children, you can use s’il te plaît. This is a more casual, informal way

EnglishFrenchAudio“Please” (formal)S’il vous plaît▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Please” (informal)S’il te plaît▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“If it doesn’t bother you” (formal)Si cela ne vous dérange pas▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“If you don’t mind” (informal)Si ça te dérange pas▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“With pleasure”Avec plaisir▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Could you…?” (formal)Pourriez-vous…?▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Could you…?” (informal)Pourrais-tu…?▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Thanks for…”Merci de…▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Would it be possible to…?”Serait-il possible de…?▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Please” (very formal)Veuillez▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎

Now let’s cover them in detail:

S’il Vous Plaît and S’il Te Plaît: “Please” in French

Literally translating to “if it pleases you,” s’il vous plaît and s’il te plaît mean “please” in French. The difference between them is the formality level. You would use s’il vous plaît in formal situations, with people you address with the formal vous pronoun. This includes peof saying “please.”

Passe-moi le sel, s’il te plaît. “Pass me the salt, please.”Tu peux m’aider s’il te plaît? “Can you help me please?”Attends-moi, s’il te plaît. “Wait for me, please.”

In everyday speech, you’ll often hear shortened versions of s’il te plaît, which will sound more like s’te plaît. Although common, this shortened version is quite informal, so use them only with people you know well.

Maman, s’te plaît, on peut aller au parc ? “Mom, please, can we go to the park?”Attends, s’te plaît, j’arrive ! “Wait, please, I’m coming!”

Similarly, when texting, French people often write stp instead of s’il te plaît.

Si Cela ne Vous Dérange Pas and Si Ça Te Dérange Pas: “If It Doesn’t Bother You”

For bigger requests that might cause an inconvenience, you can use the expression si cela ne vous dérange pas, which means “if it’s not too much trouble” or “if it doesn’t bother you.” We can say that it’s an extra polite, indirect way of saying please. As the vous in si cela ne vous dérange pas hints, this is a formal phrase, used with authority figures or people you don’t know well. For example:

Si cela ne vous dérange pas, pourriez-vous répondre au client concernant cette question? “If it’s not too much trouble, could you respond to the client regarding this issue?”Si cela ne vous dérange pas, pourriez-vous me donner votre avis sur ce document? “If it doesn’t bother you, could you give me your feedback on this document?”

The more informal version of si cela ne vous dérange pas would be si ça te dérange pas, translating to “if you don’t mind” or “if it doesn’t bother you.”

Si ça te dérange pas, j’aimerais bien emprunter ton vélo pour la journée. “I’d like to borrow your bike for the day if you don’t mind.”Si ça te dérange pas, tu pourrais garder mon chat ce weekend? “If you don’t mind, could you look after my cat this weekend?”Avec Plaisir: “With Pleasure”

Avec plaisir means “with pleasure,” often used when accepting offers. For example, when someone offers you something nice, like a drink, food, or help with something, you can respond with oui, avec plaisir. This means “Yes, with pleasure,” “yes please,” or “I’d be happy to.”

Let’s take a look at the dialogue below, between Sophie and Marc:

Sophie: Est-ce que tu voudrais venir dîner chez moi ce samedi ? Je vais cuisiner du bœuf bourguignon. (Would you like to come over for dinner this Saturday? I’ll cook Burgundy beef.)
Marc: *Oui, avec plaisir ! C’est mon repas français préféré ! * (“Yes, with pleasure ! It’s my favorite French meal!”)

In the example above, it turns out that Sophie is cooking Marc’s favorite French meal. He accepted the offer by saying avec plaisir, as it’s a more enthusiastic way of saying “yes please” or “thank you.”

Pourrais-tu… or Pourriez-vous… “Could you…”

A nice way to ask for something is to use the verb pouvoir (“can/to be able to”) in the conditional tense. Say Pourrais-tu to family and friends, and Pourriez-vous in more formal situations. These are already polite ways of making requests, but add s’il te/vous plaît to the end to be even more polite.

Here are some examples:

Pourrais-tu me prêter ton stylo s’il te plaît ? “Could you lend me your pen, please?”Pourriez-vous me dire quelle heure il est ? “Could you tell me what time it is?”Pourriez-vous parler un peu plus lentement, s’il vous plaît ? “Could you speak a bit more slowly, please?”Merci de + infinitive verb: “Please + verb”

Another way to politely ask for something is with the expression merci de followed by an infinitive verb. It translates to thanks for, and implies you’re thanking the person in advance for doing what you’re about to ask.

For example, merci de patienter means “thanks for waiting,” usually said before you start waiting. We can also say patientez s’il vous plaît (“wait, please”) but merci de patienter sounds more formal and professional. This is why you would often see it in customer service contexts.

Here are some common French verbs you’d often see with merci de.

Merci de patienter “Thanks for waiting”Merci de me rappeler “Thanks for calling me back”Merci de faire attention “Thanks for being careful/paying attention”Merci de me tenir au courant “Thanks for keeping me informed”Serait-il possible de… “Would it be Possible to…”

Serait-il possible de… (“Would it be possible to…”) is a useful phrase when you want to soften your request. If you want to make it even more polite, you can add a s’il vous plaît or a s’il te plaît to the end.

Some examples:

Serait-il possible de réserver une table pour ce soir ? “Would it be possible to reserve a table for tonight?”Serait-il possible de reporter notre rendez-vous à demain, s’il vous plaît ? “Would it be possible to reschedule our appointment to tomorrow?”Veuillez: The Formal Please

Veuillez is a formal French verb form that translates closely to please in English, but with a more formal and imperative tone. It comes from the verb vouloir, which means “to want.”

You’ll see veuillez in the beginning of sentences, usually in written communications and formal speeches. It’s a formal way to command or request someone to do something, in a polite yet direct way. Here are some examples:

Veuillez patienter un moment, s’il vous plaît. “Please wait a moment.”Veuillez m’envoyer les informations dès que possible. “Please send me the information as soon as possible.”Veuillez entrer votre code secret. “Please enter your PIN.”Other Polite Words and Phrases in French

There are several other polite words and phrases that might come up in the same conversation as “please” in French. Here are the most common ones:

EnglishFrenchAudio“Please” (formal)S’il vous plaît▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Please” (informal)S’il te plaît▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Sorry” (formal)Excusez-moi▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Sorry” (formal and informal)Pardon▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Thanks”Merci ▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“Thank you very much”Merci beaucoup▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“You’re welcome” (formal)Je vous en prie▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“You’re welcome” (informal)De rien▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎“With pleasure”Avec plaisir▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎A Lot of Ways to Say Please in French!

As you can see, the word for “please” in French often depends on the formality level and context.

While s’il vous plaît and s’il te plaît will be the words you use the most, the other words for “please” in French will be important in your daily life.

Combine please with other polite words, such as thank you and sorry — you’re halfway there for everyday conversations!

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The Spanish Question Mark: ¿How Do You Use it?

The inverted Spanish question mark (¿) is undoubtedly one of the most unique aspects of the Spanish language. In fact, Spanish is the only major language that uses the upside-down question mark!

So why is it used? I wondered just this when I began learning Spanish, but now I have grown to love it! Let me tell you why.

Here’s me in Spain, ready to ask questions!

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You’ll often notice that Spanish question sentences or question clauses are surrounded by two question marks (¿ ? – one upside-down and one right-side-up, by English standards).

First, if you haven’t already, check out our article about Spanish questions for some basics on how to form questions in Spanish.

Now that we know how to form basic questions, we know that there are two ways to make a question in Spanish:

By using a question word (ex. dónde, “where?”).

In fact, unlike English, you don’t need to change anything about the structure of the sentence or the grammar to make a statement into a question. Here’s what I mean:

Statement: Quiere comer pan. (“He/she wants to eat bread.”)
Question: ¿Quiere comer pan? (“Does he/she want to eat bread?”)

The only real difference between reading these two sentences aloud is that the second one will have rising intonation at the end. Otherwise, notice how nothing is different, in terms of the words. Luckily, we have the inverted question mark at the beginning signaling to us that the sentence is a question and we need rising intonation!

Here’s a bonus Spanish question tip: Spanish likes to omit subjects when they’re understood through context, but in this question, it is possible to add the subject for clarification or emphasis. So it’s possible to say things like ¿Quiere ella comer pan? or ¿Ella quiere comer pan? (“Does she want to eat bread?”). The former would be more likely for clarification (since quiere could also refer to él [“he”] or usted [formal “you”]. The latter is more like “She [of all people!] wants to eat bread?”

By the way, remember how I said that it’s not always the full sentence surrounded by the question marks? When you have a longer sentence, it’s just the question clause that’s surrounded.

Here’s an example of what I mean: Sé tu edad, pero ¿cuántos años tiene él? (“I know your age, but how old is he?”)

If you’re eager for even more Spanish question phrases, check out our article about Spanish conversation starters and questions!

How to Type the Spanish Question Mark

So now you may be wondering how to type the Spanish question mark. If you’re using a keyboard in a Spanish-speaking country, odds are it’s on there directly. But don’t fret if not! You can type it even if you don’t have a special Spanish keyboard.

Now, things may change depending on what model of computer and settings you have, but by and large, here’s how you do it:

If you’re using a Windows computer, press Alt + 168 or Alt + 0191.
If you’re using a Mac computer, press Option + Shift + /.

You can type them on your smartphone, too!

If you’re using an Android, press the !#1 button, then the 1/2 button, and it’ll show up.
If you’re using an iPhone, hold down on the normal ? and the option to type the ¿ will appear.

Now, speaking of texting, keep in mind that when chatting casually online, Spanish speakers often omit the inverted question mark. So don’t be confused when you see a Spanish text ending in a single question mark!

Fun Facts about the Spanish Question Mark

Now, before we wrap up, I want to tell you some more interesting things about the Spanish question mark.

I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that Spanish also uses an inverted exclamation point (¡), which follows similar rules as the inverted question marl. One way to get more playful with your Spanish is combining any mixture of one or both of these when you’re expressing a question of surprise or exclamation.

For example, these are all possible ways to punctuate the fighting words “And who do you think you are?!”:

¡Y tú quién te crees?¿Y tú quién te crees!¿¡Y tú quién te crees!?¡¿Y tú quién te crees?!

Also, the inverted question mark in Spanish is a fairly recent invention. Despite a long history of the Spanish language, it was only developed in the 1700s. While it’s taken a stronghold now, internet users are not the only ones flaunting its use. The Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda refused to use it in his writing!

Interesting, right?

Ready to Ask Questions?

Honestly, the Spanish question marks are so useful and fun, and now I hope you see why. They’ll really help you communicate better! So keep asking questions and keep going on your path to Spanish mastery. ¡Hasta luego! (“Bye for now!”)

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15 Korean Proverbs: Wisdom Through Words [with Audio]

If you want to spice up your Korean, learning some Korean proverbs will do the trick!

In every culture, proverbs play a significant role in conveying age-old wisdom, encapsulating life lessons, and reflecting the collective experiences of the people. Korean proverbs, or 속담 (sokdam), are no exception; they offer us a window into Korean thought, ethics, and traditions.

Korean proverbs often reflect the communal values, resilience, respect towards elders and nature, and the philosophical outlook that has guided life in Korea through the centuries.

In this article, I’m going to introduce you to 15 Korean proverbs you should know, along with some cultural insights for each. I am a Korean learner myself and work with Koreans from both North and South Korea, and it’s fascinating seeing how this wisdom comes out in diverse Korean cultures!

Here’s me visiting Korea back in 2016!

By the way, if you’re short on time, here’s a table to help you quickly learn the phrases:

Korean Proberbs with AudioKoreanRomanizationIPAEnglish EquivalentAudio제 눈에 안경이다Je nune angyeongida[t͡ɕe nun.e an.gjʌŋ.i.da]Beauty is in the eye of the beholder▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎꿩 먹고 알 먹는다Kkwong meokgo al meokneunda[k͈wʌŋ mʌk̚.ko al mʌk̚.nɯn.da]Kill two birds with one stone▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎눈에서 멀어지면, 마음에서도 멀어진다Nuneseo meoreojimyeon, maeumeseodo meoreojinda[nu.nɛ.sʌ mʌɭ.ʌ.ʥi.mjʌn ma.ɯm.e.sʌ.do mʌɭ.ʌ.ʥin.da]Out of sight, out of mind▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎고생 끝에 낙이 온다Gosaeng kkeute nagi onda[go.sɛŋ k͈ɯ.t͡ɕʰe na.ɡi on.da]No pain, no gain▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎바늘 도둑이 소 도둑 된다Baneul dodugi so doduk doenda[ba.nɯl do.du.ɡi so do.duk̚ twen.da]Give someone an inch and they'll take a mile▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎백지장도 맞들면 낫다Baekjijangdo matdeulmyeon natda[pɛk̚.t͡ɕi.ʥaŋ.do mad.dɯl.mjʌn nat̚.ta]Many hands make light work▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎가재는 게 편이라Gajaeneun ge pyeonira[ka.d͡ʑe.nɯn ɡe pjʌ.ni.ɾa]Birds of a feather flock together▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎엎질러진 물이다Eopjilleojin murida[ʌp.d͡ʑil.lʌ.d͡ʑin mu.ɾi.da]There's no use crying over spilled milk▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎장님이 코끼리 만지는 격이다Jangnimi kokkiri manjineun gyeogida[d͡ʑaŋ.ni.mi kʰo.k͈i.ɾi man.d͡ʑi.nɯn ɡjʌ.ɡi.da]The blind men and the elephant▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎다 된 밥에 재 뿌리지 마라Da doen babe jae ppuriji mara[ta dwen papʰe d͡ʑe p͈u.ɾi.d͡ʑi ma.ɾa]Don't ruin a completed task▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎김치국부터 마시지 말라Kimchigukbuteo masiji malla[kʰim.t͡ɕʰi.ɡuk̚.pu.tʰʌ ma.ɕi.d͡ʑi mal.la]Don't count your chickens before they hatch▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다Wonsungido namueseo tteoreojinda[wʌn.su.ŋi.do na.mu.e.sʌ t͈ʰʌ.ɾʌ.d͡ʑin.da]Even monkeys fall from trees▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎매도 먼저 맞는 게 낫다Maedo meonjeo matneun ge natda[me.do mʌn.d͡ʑʌ mat̚.nɯn ɡe nat̚.ta]Better to get an unpleasant thing over with▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎옷이 날개다Osi nalgaeda[o.ɕi nal.ɡɛ.da]Clothes make the man▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎공자 앞에서 문자 쓴다Gongja apeseo munja sseunda[ɡoŋ.d͡ʑa a.pʰe.sʌ mun.d͡ʑa s͈ɯn.da]Teaching grandma to suck eggs▶️‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‎

Ready to learn more? Let’s get to it!

Table of contents15 Korean Proverbs You Must Know1. 제 눈에 안경이다 ( Je nune angyeongida )2. 꿩 먹고 알 먹는다 ( Kkwong meokgo al meongneunda )3. 눈에서 멀어지면, 마음에서도 멀어진다 ( Nuneseo meoreojimyeon, maeumeseodo meoreojinda )4. 고생 끝에 낙이 온다 ( Gosaeng kkeute nagionda )5. 바늘 도둑이 소 도둑 된다 ( Baneul dodugi so doduk doenda )6. 백지장도 맞들면 낫다 ( Baekjijangdo matdeulmyeon natda )7. 가재는 게 편이라 ( Gajaeneun ge pyeonila )8. 엎질러진 물이다 ( Eopjilleojin murida )9. 장님이 코끼리 만지는 격이다 ( Jangnimi kokkiri manjineun gyeogida )10. 다 된 밥에 재 뿌리지 마라 ( Da doen babe jae ppuriji mara )11. 김치국부터 마시지 말라 ( Kimchigugbuteo masiji malla )12. 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다 ( Wonsungido namueseo tteoleojinda )13. 매도 먼저 맞는 게 낫다 ( Maedo meonjeo matneun ge natda )14. 옷이 날개다 ( Osi nalgaeda )15. 공자 앞에서 문자 쓴다 ( Gongja apeseo munja sseunda )How to Learn Korean ProverbsSpice Up Your Korean with Proverbs

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In this section, I’ll introduce you to 15 Korean proverbs that offer a spectrum of wisdom, humor, and, of course, cultural insights. Some are quite like the English sayings, and some are quite different! Take a look:

1. 제 눈에 안경이다 (Je nune angyeongida)

Literal Translation: Glasses in my eyes.
English Equivalent: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Cultural Insight: This proverb emphasizes personal perspective and subjectivity in perception. It highlights the Korean cultural understanding that personal preferences and tastes differ, promoting a respect for diversity in opinions and tastes.

2. 꿩 먹고 알 먹는다 (Kkwong meokgo al meongneunda)

Literal Translation: Eat the pheasant and the egg.
English Equivalent: Kill two birds with one stone.
Cultural Insight: This proverb is often used in business or personal scenarios to describe situations where one can achieve multiple objectives with a single action, reflecting the Korean value of efficiency and pragmatism.

3. 눈에서 멀어지면, 마음에서도 멀어진다 (Nuneseo meoreojimyeon, maeumeseodo meoreojinda)

Literal Translation: If it becomes distant from your eyes, it also becomes distant from your mind.
English Equivalent: Out of sight, out of mind.
Cultural Insight: In Korea, maintaining strong interpersonal relationships is crucial. This proverb warns against the fading of relationships and emotions due to physical or emotional distance, emphasizing the importance of staying connected.

4. 고생 끝에 낙이 온다 (Gosaeng kkeute nagionda)

Literal Translation: Happiness comes at the end of hardship.
English Equivalent: No pain, no gain.
Cultural Insight: This reflects the Korean ethos of perseverance and hard work believing that enduring difficulties ultimately leads to rewarding outcomes, a reflection of Korea’s tumultuous history and economic rise.

5. 바늘 도둑이 소 도둑 된다 (Baneul dodugi so doduk doenda)

Literal Translation: A needle thief becomes a cow thief.
English Equivalent: Give someone an inch and they’ll take a mile.
Cultural Insight: This proverb underscores the belief in integrity and the dangers of overlooking small misdeeds, which could escalate into larger ethical breaches, reflecting the societal emphasis on morality.

6. 백지장도 맞들면 낫다 (Baekjijangdo matdeulmyeon natda)

Literal Translation: Even a piece of paper is lighter when lifted together.
English Equivalent: Many hands make light work.
Cultural Insight: Highlighting the importance of cooperation and communal effort, this proverb is often used in Korea to encourage teamwork, whether in family, work, or community settings.

7. 가재는 게 편이라 (Gajaeneun ge pyeonila)

Literal Translation: A crayfish sides with the crab.
English Equivalent: Birds of a feather flock together.
Cultural Insight: This proverb is used to explain the natural human tendency to associate with like-minded individuals. It reflects the Korean emphasis on social harmony and the importance of community bonds.

8. 엎질러진 물이다 (Eopjilleojin murida)

Literal Translation: It’s spilled water.
English Equivalent: There’s no use crying over spilled milk.
Cultural Insight: Commonly used to encourage moving past mistakes or misfortunes, this proverb teaches resilience and the importance of focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past.

9. 장님이 코끼리 만지는 격이다 (Jangnimi kokkiri manjineun gyeogida)

Literal Translation: It’s like a blind man touching an elephant.
English Equivalent: The blind men and the elephant.
Cultural Insight: This proverb is used to comment on situations where a full understanding is impossible due to partial information. It cautions against making quick judgments and underscores the value of comprehensive understanding in Korean culture.

10. 다 된 밥에 재 뿌리지 마라 (Da doen babe jae ppuriji mara)

Literal Translation: Don’t sprinkle ashes on cooked rice.
English Equivalent: Don’t ruin a completed task.
Cultural Insight: Often employed to advise against actions that could spoil or undo someone’s efforts, highlighting the respect for other’s achievements and the importance of consideration in interactions.

11. 김치국부터 마시지 말라 (Kimchigugbuteo masiji malla)

Literal Translation: Don’t drink the kimchi soup first.
English Equivalent: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Cultural Insight: This proverb warns against premature assumptions, particularly in matters of success or profit. It reminds Koreans to be patient and ensure that outcomes are secure before celebrating, reflecting the practical and cautious aspects of the Korean mindset.

12. 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다 (Wonsungido namueseo tteoleojinda)

Literal Translation: Even monkeys fall from trees.
English Equivalent: Even experts can make mistakes.
Cultural Insight: Used to express humility and acknowledge that nobody is perfect, this proverb encourages a forgiving attitude towards mistakes, even from the most skilled individuals. It underscores the Korean values of humility and continuous improvement.

13. 매도 먼저 맞는 게 낫다 (Maedo meonjeo matneun ge natda)

Literal Translation: It’s better to get beaten by the whip first.
English Equivalent: Better to get an unpleasant thing over with.
Cultural Insight: This proverb reflects a pragmatic approach to handling inevitable hardships. It suggests that confronting challenges head-on is preferable to delaying, embodying the Korean virtue of resilience and proactive problem-solving.

14. 옷이 날개다 (Osi nalgaeda)

Literal Translation: Clothes are wings.
English Equivalent: Clothes make the man.
Cultural Insight: Highlighting the importance of appearances and first impressions in Korean society, this proverb underpins the belief that how one dresses can greatly influence public perception and personal success. It reinforces the cultural emphasis on propriety and decorum.

15. 공자 앞에서 문자 쓴다 (Gongja apeseo munja sseunda)

Literal Translation: Writing Hanja in front of Confucius.
English Equivalent: Teaching grandma to suck eggs.
Cultural Insight: This proverb is used to describe an act of arrogance or ignorance, particularly when someone tries to explain something to an expert in that field. It cautions against overconfidence and respects the depth of knowledge and expertise, reflecting Confucian principles of respect for elders and wisdom.

How to Learn Korean Proverbs

Korean proverbs hold the power to significantly enrich your command of the Korean language and deepen your understanding of Korean culture. Whether you are a language learner or a cultural enthusiast, knowing when and how to use these proverbs can bridge the gap between basic communication and meaningful interaction.

In Korea, proverbs are used in daily conversations to convey insights and advice succinctly, so you can apply these in your interactions. Whether it’s giving advice or sharing a perspective, using a proverb can express your thoughts in a way that’s both culturally insightful and engaging.

Even in discussions, presentations, or writings, Korean proverbs can be effectively used to summarize key points or to emphasize a lesson or moral.

To start learning proverbs, choose a few that resonate the most with you. Reflect on the values and beliefs each proverb conveys. How do they compare with your own cultural norms and values? This reflection can lead to greater cultural sensitivity and understanding, essential in today’s globalized world.

To take this a step further, see if you can participate in or initiate discussions in study groups focusing on Korean language and culture. Proverbs can serve as great discussion starters for exploring cultural differences and similarities.

By the way, here are my top tips on memorizing and practicing proverbs:

Flashcards: Create flashcards with the proverb on one side and its meaning and usage on the other. Regularly review these to help cement them in your memory.

By integrating Korean proverbs into your language learning and everyday use, you not only enhance your linguistic skills but also gain a profound appreciation and understanding of Korean culture. This holistic approach to learning fosters a greater connection to the language and its speakers, opening doors to a richer interaction and deeper cultural exchange.

Spice Up Your Korean with Proverbs

Have you encountered any Korean proverbs that struck a chord with you? Maybe you’ve used one in a conversation and seen firsthand the cultural connection it can create. So keep at it, and you’ll have these all mastered in no time. Happy learning!

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The post 15 Korean Proverbs: Wisdom Through Words [with Audio] appeared first on Fluent in 3 Months.

How to Tell Time in Japanese: An Easy Guide

Japan is famous for being punctual, so knowing how to tell the time in Japanese is extremely important!

Luckily, if you know your numbers, it’s pretty straightforward!

I’ve spent years learning and teaching Japanese, both in and outside of Japan. So I’ll tell you the most important things you’ll need to know, whether you’re an absolute beginner or trying to take your Japanese to the next level.

When starting with Japanese time, there are a few essential terms you’ll need to become familiar with. Here’s a quick rundown of the most important words introduced in this article:

Japanese Time Words

Japanese Romaji English Audio 時 ji hour(s) 分 fun/pun minute(s) 半 han half past 時間 jikan time/hour (duration)

Now, as I said, of course an article like this is going to make use of a lot of numbers! It’ll be a good idea to read our article about Japanese numbers either before or while you’re going through this article.

Ready now? Let’s go.

Counting Hours in Japanese

How do you tell the time in Japanese? Well, just as in English, we need to start with the hours!

To tell time in Japanese, the suffix 時 (ji) meaning “hour” or “o’clock” is added to the numerical hour.

Below is a table to help you learn the correct pronunciations for each main hour:

Hours in Japanese

Japanese Romaji English Audio １時 ichiji 1 o’clock ２時 niji 2 o’clock ３時 sanji 3 o’clock ４時 yoji 4 o’clock ５時 goji 5 o’clock ６時 rokuji 6 o’clock ７時 shichiji 7 o’clock ８時 hachiji 8 o’clock ９時 kuji 9 o’clock １０時 juuji 10 o’clock １１時 juuichiji 11 o’clock １２時 juuniji 12 o’clock 何時 nanji What hour?

Easy, right? Note that sometimes the numbers will be written in kanji, but sometimes they’ll be written in the same numbers English uses.

Notice the times for 4:00, 7:00, and 9:00. Remember there are a few ways to say 4, 7, and 9, but these pronunciations are constant! They will not change. So you will not say something like yonji or shiji for 4:00. It’s always yoji.

Note I’ve included “What hour” in this table, which might seem weird. But don’t be thrown off! I’ll explain this in more detail in a later section, since we’ll use it to ask what time it is.

Also, these times can be used for both AM and PM. If you want to clarify whether you mean the time in the morning of afternoon/evening, you can use the following core words:

Japanese Time Words

Japanese Romaji English Audio 午前 gozen AM 午後 gogo PM 朝 asa morning 昼 hiru afternoon 夜 yoru night

Keep in mind that these words will go in front of the time expression. So for example, “9:00 AM” is 午前９時 (gozen kuji), and “7:00 PM” is 午後７時 (gogo shichiji).

The 24-Hour Clock in Japanese

Now, if you’re moving to Japan or ready to learn some slightly more advanced ways to tell time, you’ll want to know about the 24-hour clock.

Telling time in Japan can involve both the 12-hour clock (AM/PM system) mentioned earlier and the 24-hour clock, which is often referred to as military time in some other countries, like the US.

Japan is known for its punctual and efficient public transportation systems, which includes trains, buses, and subways. The timetables for these services almost invariably use the 24-hour clock format. This helps avoid confusion, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours.

The 24-hour clock is also commonly used in formal settings such as workplaces, schools, medical institutions, or on official documents like event schedules. Like in the above, this method reduces ambiguity and ensures clarity in communication. For example, a work shift that starts at ‘09:00’ and ends at ‘17:00’ refers to a typical 9 AM to 5 PM workday.

Also, many digital clocks, smartphones, and computers in Japan display time using the 24-hour format by default. So on Japanese smartphones, the default time display might read “14:00” instead of “2:00 PM.”

[IMG: advertisement.jpg]
You’ll notice this advertisement uses a lot of the 24-hour time!

Now, if you’re an American like me who has never been in the military, this might take some getting used to. It might trip you up at first, but it’s a pretty easy system to figure out.

To quickly convert PM times to the 24-hour format, simply add 12 to the PM time. For example, 3 PM becomes 15:00 (3 + 12).

Now, remember that midnight starts at “00:00” and that noon is “12:00.” With this in mind, times from “00:00” to “11:59” belong to the morning hours, while “12:00” to “23:59” cover the afternoon and evening periods.

24-Hour Clock in Japanese

Japanese Romaji English Audio ０時 reiji 12 o’clock (midnight) １時 ichiji 1 o’clock ２時 niji 2 o’clock ３時 sanji 3 o’clock ４時 yoji 4 o’clock ５時 goji 5 o’clock ６時 rokuji 6 o’clock ７時 shichiji 7 o’clock ８時 hachiji 8 o’clock ９時 kuji 9 o’clock １０時 juuji 10 o’clock １１時 juuichiji 11 o’clock １２時 juuniji 12 o’clock １３時 juusanji 13 o’clock (1 pm) １４時 juuyoji 14 o’clock (2 pm) １５時 juugoji 15 o’clock (3 pm) １６時 juurokuji 16 o’clock (4 pm) １７時 juushichiji 17 o’clock (5 pm) １８時 juuhachiji 18 o’clock (6 pm) １９時 juukuji 19 o’clock (7 pm) ２０時 nijuuji 20 o’clock (8 pm) ２１時 nijuuichiji 21 o’clock (9 pm) ２２時 nijuuniji 22 o’clock (10 pm) ２３時 nijuusanji 23 o’clock (11 pm) Minutes in Japanese

Now, Japanese time doesn’t stop with “o’clock”s! For many times in the day, we’ll need to count minutes as well. That goes after the hour, the same as in English.

Note that for minutes, you generally add the number followed by 分 (fun or pun depending on the preceding number). Here’s a table to assist you:

Minutes in Japanese

Japanese Romaji English Audio １分 ippun 1 minute ２分 nifun 2 minutes ３分 sanpun 3 minutes ４分 yonpun 4 minutes ５分 gofun 5 minutes ６分 roppun 6 minutes ７分 nanafun 7 minutes ８分 happun 8 minutes ９分 kyuufun 9 minutes １０分 juppun 10 minutes １１分 juuippun 11 minutes 何分 nanpun How many minutes? 半 han 30 minutes (half past)

Right, so this is a bit more complex than 時 (ji) above since the numbers change a bit more, but don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it in no time.

Plus, once you can count to 11 minutes, you can count to all of them! “22 minutes,” for example, is ２２分 (nijuunifun).

Now here’s a sample sentence putting all this together:
“The train departs at 13:45 [1:45 PM].”
電車は１３時４５分に出発します。 (Densha wa juusanji yonjuugofun ni shuppatsu shimasu.)

You’ll notice one outlier in this table: 半 (han). This is the special word for 30 minutes past the hour. So while it’s possible to say ３０分 (sanjuppun) for 30 minutes, it’s less common. So for example, “3:30,” is most commonly sanji han rather than sanji sanjuppun.

So we have sentences like:
“School starts at 8:30.”
学校は八時半に始まります。 (Gakkou wa hachiji han ni hajimarimasu.)

Here’s a bit of a linguistic insight: As we covered, in Japanese, the word for minute is 分, which can be pronounced as either fun or pun. However, it’s not interchangeable, and there’s a specific rule that governs which pronunciation to use. This linguistic phenomenon is linked to a broader aspect of Japanese pronunciation known as 連濁 (rendaku).

Rendaku is where the first consonant of the second component of a compound word becomes voiced. This means a sound like “t” might change to “d,” “k” changes to “g,” or as in our case, “f” changes to “p.”

The exact reasons behind rendaku are still debated among linguists, but the general consensus is that it makes phrases easier to say and helps maintain a rhythm in speech. Rendaku also adds a layer of cohesion to compound words, making them sound more like a single unit rather than a sequence of separate elements.

How to Ask the Time in Japanese

Okay, so now we know how to say the time in Japanese. But how about asking for it? In the tables above, you had the vocabulary. Here’s how to use them in context.

The most common and polite way to ask for the time in Japanese is 何時ですか？ (Nanji desu ka?)

You’ll notice the word for “what” (何 nan) is just added before the hour, 時. So more literally, this means “What hour is it?” but more broadly can be used to ask for the time in general.

To make this more casual, just remove the formal question ending ですか (desu ka) to make it 何時？ (Nanji?).

Very often, you’ll also hear this phrase starting with 今 (ima), which means “now.” So that will give use 今何時ですか？ (Ima nanji desu ka?) and 今何時？ (Ima nanji?).

Now, if you know the hour, but aren’t sure about the time, you can use 何分 nanpun for asking the minutes. So if you know a show starts at 4:00-something but want to clarify the minute, you can ask ４時何分ですか？ (Yoji nanpun desu ka?) (Just take off the desu ka to be more casual.)

Seconds in Japanese

If you really need to get specific with time in Japanese, you can also ask about the seconds! In Japanese, the word for “second” in the context of time is 秒 (byou).

To count seconds, you simply precede 秒 (びょう, byou) with a number. Luckily, seconds are as straightforward as hours 時 (ji)! Here’s how you count from one second up to sixty seconds:

Seconds in Japanese

Japanese Romaji English Audio １秒 ichibyou 1 second ２秒 nibyou 2 seconds ３秒 sanbyou 3 seconds ４秒 yonbyou 4 seconds ５秒 gobyou 5 seconds ６秒 rokubyou 6 seconds ７秒 nanabyou 7 seconds ８秒 hachibyou 8 seconds ９秒 kyuubyou 9 seconds １０秒 juubyou 10 seconds １１秒 juuichibyou 11 seconds 何秒 nanbyou How many seconds?

Pretty straightforward, right?

To wrap up this section, here are some sample sentences using seconds:

“Can you wait for just 10 seconds?”
１０秒だけ待ってもらえますか？ (Juubyou dake matte moraemasu ka?)

“This microwave heats up food in 30 seconds.”
この電子レンジは食べ物を三十秒で温めます。(Kono denshirenji wa tabemono o sanjuubyou de atatamemasu.)

Saying Time Duration in Japanese

When speaking of time in Japanese, we’ve covered a number plus 時 (ji). But sometimes, you might run into a number plus 時間 (jikan), which also means “hour.” Are they interchangeable? Actually, no! But don’t worry – their distinct uses are pretty easy to separate.

On the one hand, just to quickly recap, 時 (ji) directly translates to “o’clock” or “hour” in English. It is commonly used to specify the hour of the day or to tell time:

何時ですか？ (Nanji desu ka?) – “What time is it?”八時です。 (Hachiji desu.) – “It is eight o’clock.”

時間 (jikan), on the other hand, translates to “time” as a concept or duration. It is used to indicate the length, duration or a period of time rather than a specific time. It can reflect the amount of time something takes or the period someone spent doing something:

映画はどのくらいの時間がかかりますか？(Eiga wa dono kurai no jikan ga kakarimasu ka?) – “How long will the movie take?”昨日、一時間ジョギングしました。 (Kinou, ichi jikan jogingu shimashita.) – “Yesterday, I jogged for an hour.”

So while both ji and jikan relate to ‘time,’ their applications are distinctly different.

To solidify your understanding, here’s a practical comparison:

If you’re telling a friend when to meet for lunch: 一時に会いましょう。 (Ichiji ni aimashou.) – “Let’s meet at one o’clock.”
If you’re discussing how long lunch will be: ランチは一時間です。 (Ranchi wa ichijikan desu.) – “Lunch will be for an hour.”

More Time Vocabulary in Japanese

For our intermediate and advanced learners, there are of course more specific ways to talk about the time in Japanese! Here’s a list of vocabulary to learn to push up your level:

Time Vocabulary in Japanese

Japanese Romaji English Audio 正午 shougo noon 深夜 shin’ya midnight 真夜中 mayonaka middle of the night / early hours 夕方 yuugata evening 日の出 hinode sunrise 日没 nichibotsu sunset 現在 genzai presently 〜頃 goro around (for specific time) 約〜 yaku about (for duration) 〜前 mae before 〜後 go/ato after できるだけ早く Dekiru dake hayaku ASAP 長い間 Nagai aida A long time 今すぐ Ima sugu Right now

Now here are some examples of how to use these Japanese time words in context:

“Let’s have lunch at noon.”
=正午にランチを食べましょう。 (Shougo ni ranchi wo tabemashou.)“I will go for a drive late at night.”
深夜にドライブに行きます。 (Shin’ya ni doraibu ni ikimasu.)“Please do not call at midnight.”
真夜中に電話をしないでください。 (Mayonaka ni denwa wo shinaide kudasai.)“Let’s take a walk in the evening.”
夕方に散歩しましょう。 (Yuugata ni sanpo shimashou.)“I am going to see the sunrise tomorrow.”
明日の日の出を見に行きます。 (Ashita no hinode wo mi ni ikimasu.)“The sea is very beautiful at sunset.”
日没の時に海がとても綺麗です。 (Nichibotsu no toki ni umi ga totemo kirei desu.)“I am currently in a meeting.”
現在、会議中です。 (Genzai, kaigichuu desu.)“I plan to arrive around eight o’clock.”
八時頃に到着する予定です。 (Hachiji goro ni touchaku suru yotei desu.)“I will call you in about thirty minutes.”
約三十分後に電話します。 (Yaku sanjuppun go ni denwa shimasu.)“I sent the email two hours ago.”
二時間前にメールを送りました。 (Nijikan mae ni meeru wo okurimashita.)“I will return immediately after lunch.”
昼食後すぐに戻ります。 (Chuushoku go sugu ni modorimasu.)“Please reply as soon as possible.”
できるだけ早く回答をお願いします。 (Dekiru dake hayaku kaitou wo onegaishimasu.)“I apologize for the long wait.”
長い間お待たせして申し訳ありません。 (Nagai aida omatase shite mōshiwake arimasen.)“Please come here right now.”
今すぐここへ来てください。 (Ima sugu koko e kite kudasai.)Saying Time in Japanese: You’ve Got This!

Now that we’ve covered the essentials of telling time in Japanese, you’re now well-equipped to navigate your daily schedule or plan your trips around Japan with confidence!

If you’re keen to build on this and further strengthen your Japanese language proficiency, consider immersing yourself in related topics or practicing these new phrases in real-world scenarios.

Let’s keep the hands of your language learning clock moving forward!

またね！ (Mata ne—See you again!)

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