Me, My Family and Friends - Key Vocabulary and Concepts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary, phrases, and concepts related to family and friendships in French, with special attention to grammar, spelling, and idiomatic expressions.

Familial Composition

The makeup of a family, including members such as parents, siblings, and extended relatives.

PACS

A civil partnership in France, an alternative to marriage.

Imperfect Tense

A French past tense used to describe habitual actions in the past.

Key Phrase: j'ai un frère / une sœur qui…

Translation: I have a brother/sister who…

Key Phrase: nous nous entendons

Translation: we get on.

Idiomatic Expression: avoir le cœur sur la main

Translation: to be very generous.

Adjectives: compréhensif / compréhensive

Meaning: understanding.

False Friends

Words in one language that look the same as words in another language but have different meanings.

Key Verb: être

To be; present tense forms include je suis, il est, elle est, nous sommes.

Key Verb: avoir

To have; present tense forms include j'ai, il a, elle a, nous avons.

Tricky Spelling: la famille

Spelling detail: note the double 'l'.

Key Question: Tu t’entends bien avec ta famille ?

Translation: Do you get on with your family?

Adjective Position Importance

In French, the position of an adjective can change its meaning; for example, 'un ancien ami' means 'a former friend', whereas 'un bâtiment ancien' means 'an old building'.

Tricky Question: Quelle est ton opinion sur le pacs ?

Translation: What’s your opinion on civil partnerships?

Tricky Spelling: connaître

Infinitive meaning: to know; pay attention to spelling.