French Words and Phrases in English

The Normans conquered England in 1066 CE led by William I, the Duke of Normandy. Consequently, an Anglo-Norman French began to influence the language, law, and culture in England. This was the beginning of using French words and phrases in English. The similarities between the two languages are a big advantage and also a disadvantage for English speakers learning French. However, nearly 10,000 English words originated from French. Not just French, there are many other languages noticed in English like Dutch, Spanish, etc.

Guess how both languages are similar?

There are plenty of French words in English which have the same word and same meaning (cognate), and also the same word with a different meaning (false cognate). There are nearly 17,00 French cognates similar to English.

Are French words used in English?

A. Yes
B. No

Let us see some examples to understand them quickly. The ten French words used in English which make it easy for you to learn French are

Cognate words

Words that end with ion, al, able, ible, ance, ct, ence, ent, ant are the same in English and French.

Champion – champion
Vertical – vertical
Durable – durable
Horrible – horrible
Assurance – assurance
Respect – respect
Independence – indépendance
Amendment – amendement
Elephant – éléphant
Transparent – transparent

Many words that end with “ary -aire”, “ical-ique”, “ist-iste”, “ly-ment” from English to French

Extraordinary – extraordinaire
Symmetrical – symetrique
Dentist – dentiste
Immediately – immédiatement

False Cognate words

French words that look similar to English but differ in meaning

Adept (English) and adepte (French): adept in English means highly skilled person and adepte in French means devotee
Blanket (English) and blanquette (French): blanket meaning in English is to cover someone or something and blanquette in French means stew
Chair (English) and chair (French): a chair in English means a seat and a chair in French means flesh.

French Phrases In English

In everyday life, we are regularly using English words from old French, the same way we even use some French phrases too. It’s quite interesting and funny recognizing them, follow me to have a closer look at them!

- Bonjour! – Good Morning, Hello
- Bienvenue – Welcome
- Pardon, excusez-moi – Pardon, Excuse me
- Madame/Monsieur/Mademoiselle – Mrs. /Mr. /Miss
- Parlez-vous anglais? – Do you speak English?
- Je ne parle pas français – I do not speak French
- À tout à l’heure! – See you later!
- Merci/Merci beaucoup. (Thank you/Thank you very much.) – Thank you/Thank you very much

Au revoir! – Goodbye

De rien. (You’re welcome. – You’re welcome

Leia Smith

Leia is a fitness expert and a post-graduate in health and nutrition. She educates people through her articles based on research. Her works encourage readers to be aware of what makes food nutritious, the latest medical updates, weight loss, psychology, and a balanced diet. She believes in the well-known philosophy of all time, ‘precaution is better than cure.’ Explore Leia's other posts for more information and advice on a health-conscious active lifestyle.