How To Start Learning French

First Words and Phrases

Start with these high-frequency words that you'll use every day:

1. "Bonjour" (Hello)

• Used from morning until evening
• Essential for first interactions

2. "Merci" (Thank you)

• Basic politeness
• Used multiple times daily

3. "S'il vous plaît" (Please)

• Shows respect and politeness
• Expected in French culture

Essential Building Blocks

Basic Pronouns

je (I) tu (you - informal) vous (you - formal/plural)

• These form the foundation of your first sentences

Simple Verbs

1. être (to be) "Je suis..." (I am...)

• Forms basic introductions

2. avoir (to have) "J'ai..." (I have...)

• Creates many common expressions

Numbers 1-10

un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf, dix

• Needed for prices, time, dates

First Sentences

Introductions

1. "Je m'appelle..." (My name is...)

• Your first complete sentence
• Used in every new meeting

2. "Je suis de..." (I am from...)

• Tells your origin
• Starts conversations

Basic Questions

1. "Comment allez-vous?" (How are you?)

• Formal version
• Used with strangers

2. "Comment ça va?" (How's it going?)

• Informal version
• Used with friends

Daily Learning Routine

Morning

1. Listen to one French song
2. Read three new words
3. Practice yesterday's phrases

Evening

1. Watch 5 minutes of French content
2. Write one simple sentence
3. Review today's learning

Learning Methods

Active Learning

1. Speak aloud daily

• Even when alone
• Builds confidence

2. Write by hand

• Helps memory
• Improves spelling

Passive Learning

1. Background French radio
2. French music playlists
3. French Netflix shows with subtitles

Cultural Integration

Food and Drinks

Learn words for:

1. café (coffee)
2. pain (bread)
3. eau (water)

• Order these items daily

Basic Etiquette

1. Always greet before asking questions
2. Use "vous" until told otherwise
3. Say "au revoir" when leaving

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pronunciation

1. Silent letters

• Final consonants often silent
• 'h' is always silent

2. Nasal sounds

• Practice 'en', 'an', 'on'
• Different from English

Grammar

1. Gender exists

• Every noun is masculine or feminine
• Articles change accordingly

2. Word order

• Adjectives usually after nouns
• Different from English

First Goals

Week One

1. Learn five greetings
2. Count to ten
3. Say your name and origin

Month One

1. Order a simple meal
2. Introduce yourself fully
3. Understand basic directions

Resources Needed

Free Tools

1. Language learning apps
2. YouTube French channels
3. French radio websites

Basic Materials

1. Small notebook for vocabulary
2. Phone for recording practice
3. Basic grammar guide

Consistency matters more than quantity. Even 15 minutes daily will build strong foundations over time.

Focus on understanding and speaking before perfecting grammar rules.