Bien sûr, of course, there are many more than ten, but I’ll start there. One of my favorite things when I’m in France is listening to the French speak French. I love the lilting quality of the language, the uvular trill of the r’s, and the hand expressions that invariably accompany any conversation. Indeed, the French language is one of my favorite French things. Hence, I’ve gathered a short list of ten of my favorite expressions, heard on the subway, read in a book, or actually spoken to me by someone French (my favorite way to collect a new expression). Hope you enjoy this dive dans un terrier de lapin with me.

Dans un terrier de lapin - literally, in a rabbit’s hole, or more commonly, down a rabbit hole.
Avoir des fourmis dans les jambes - literally, have ants in one’s legs, or to be on pins and needles.
Ça va être la corrida! - literally, there’s going to be a bullfight! Or, more usefully, all hell is going to break loose.

4. Partager le gâteau - literally, share the cake (oui, merci!), or go halves, split the check.

5. Change le disque! - literally, change the record! Or, what to say when you want someone to give it a rest.

6. Elle a le coeur sensible - literally, she has a soft heart, or she’s tenderhearted, compassionate.

7. La moutarde me monta au nez - literally, the mustard went up my nose (yikes!), or I lost my cool.

8. Macédoine de fruits - literally, fruit salad, or a medley, hodgepodge.

9. Se rince la dalle - literally, rinse the paving stone, or, more helpfully, to have a drink or whet one’s whistle.

10. Couleur de rose - literally, rose-colored, or the bright side of things.

I hope you’ve found these expressions fun and helpful! Next time you’re in a restaurant with your bonne amie, ask her if she’d like to partager le gâteau. Perhaps you’ll split the check after you share a piece of cake!

Do you have a favorite French expression? Leave a comment below to share it. :)

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