Access your flashcards to know when to use the H muet and H aspiré at elevatefrench.com/episode4

Learning these 21 words is a quick way to level up your French pronunciation.

Certain words that start with H in French are categorized as “H aspiré” and require that we put the whole article (le or la) in front of them, instead of the l’.

You’ll also learn where this rule comes from and how it affects our liaison, and whether your should be saying “les haricots verts” with or without the Z sound (liaison)! 

To follow along with the French transcript for this lesson and access your flashcards to master these 21 words with H aspiré, head to elevatefrench.com/episode4

Studies show that it takes at least 7 times of repeating a new word to learn when and how to use it (and how to pronounce it, in this case!).

Make sure to download this episode so you can listen and repeat to learn the 21 most common French words with H aspiré. 

For weekly French lessons straight to your inbox, sign up here.

Access your 8-Step EN Workbook and this episode’s transcript at elevatefrench.com/episode3

Today we talk about EN, a small word in French that makes a big difference in your fluidity at the intermediate French level. 

With an 8-step approach, we’ll talk about when to use it, how to use it, and how to get comfortable with using EN in your everyday French. 

You’ll learn some vocabulary to help you understand this B1/B2 French lesson and you’ll listen to the lesson in French. 

To follow along with the transcript and access your 8-Step Practical EN Workbook, head to elevatefrench.com/episode3

Love this episode? Tap “Follow” to add Let’s Speak French! to your podcast favourites.

For more bite-sized French lessons for intermediate learners, follow Natalie on Instagram or Facebook @elevatefrench 

Access your French verlan quiz and this episode’s transcript at elevatefrench.com/episode2

Have you ever wondered why French people sometimes switch up the order of syllables? In this episode, you’ll learn about a specific type of French slang: le verlan. 

What is verlan? When do you use verlan? And when shouldn’t you use verlan? 

As an intermediate French learner, you’ll need to understand verlan so that you can consume more French media, such as Lupin on Netflix, as well as other French series, films, and music. 

As always, you’ll learn some vocabulary to talk about slang en français and you’ll listen to the lesson in French. To follow along with the transcript and access your French verlan quiz, head to elevatefrench.com/episode2 

Love this episode? Leave a review so that this podcast will help more intermediate learners like you!

Improve your intermediate French today!

Access the French transcript and download your customizable study plan to overcome the intermediate plateau: elevatefrench.com/episode1

Bienvenue - welcome to the inaugural episode of Let's Speak French with Dr. Natalie Amgott!

Like you’re doing now, I learned French from scratch, but it wasn’t always easy! For years, I sounded like a textbook when I spoke French and I felt so nervous speaking with French speakers.

My mission is to help you overcome your French learning jitters with step-by-step lessons where we break down the structures, vocabulary, and cultural tidbits you’ll need to confidently speak French while traveling or working in France or Québec.

Whether you’re an intermediate adult learner or feeling rusty with your high school French, you’re in the right place mon ami!

All lessons feature an introduction in English followed by a lesson in French for intermediate learners.

Today, we discuss:

• Vocabulary for talking about difficulties in French
• Your motivation for learning French
• Finding a study partner for French
• How to craft a study plan that will get you through the intermediate plateau

Get your customizable template at elevatefrench.com/episode1

"Overcome the Intermediate Plateau: Customizable Study Template"

Follow Dr. Natalie

Elevate French

https://www.instagram.com/elevatefrench/

https://www.facebook.com/elevatefrench

Make sure to tap "Follow" so you're in the loop for next week's episode! Bonne continuation!

When should you use retourner, rendre, rentrer, revenir, and renvoyer in your Intermediate French?

These 5 verbs all mean something similar to “return” in English, but have different meanings and uses in French.

Learn when to use each verb without confusion during today’s lesson!

Your next steps: 

1. Take the Return Verbs Quiz and check out the transcript for this lesson.

2. Make sure to tap the “Follow” button where you’re listening to this podcast so that you’ll never miss a lesson! 

Want more bite-sized French lessons? Subscribe to Dr. Nat’s weekly newsletter lessons or follow her on Instagram or Facebook!

Four simple mindset shifts to learn more French. 

In this episode, you’ll learn what to do if you’re feeling unmotivated, isolated, or scared of making mistakes in French. 

Access the French transcript for this episode and the French Fluency Roadmap at elevatefrench.com/episode6

To get to the bottom of your FAQs, I spoke with mindfulness teacher and intuitive growth coach Louise Fitzgerald.

In this episode, I’ve translated her takeaways into four mindset shifts for you to learn more French and become a learner who’s more focused on the present and less concerned about others. 

Your action steps after this lesson:

1. Download the French Fluency Roadmap.

2. Fill out the French Fluency Roadmap with your actionable and measurable goals to help you move forward with your intermediate French

For more daily French learning tips, follow Natalie @elevatefrench on Instagram or Facebook!

To gain more clarity and confidence with your French and other life goals, tune in to Louise's podcast or follow her on Instagram.

Got a question about learning French? Drop me a line and I'll turn it into an episode! natalie@elevatefrench.com

Take the French Alphabet Soup Quiz and Access the French lesson transcript at elevatefrench.com/episode5

Ever heard of SMIC? SAMU? CDI? CDD? 

In today’s episode, we’re going to dive into a survival guide for the alphabet soup that is the French language. 

Understanding French acronyms is vital to increasing your listening comprehension and to engaging with the language and culture in France and in Québec. 

You’ll learn everyday French acronyms for the education system, transportation, work, wine, and beyond! 

For more step-by-step French lessons for intermediate learners, make sure to tap the Follow button for this podcast, Let’s Speak French! 

Feeling stumped with a specific intermediate French topic? Feel free to drop me a line and I’ll turn it into an episode! Let me know what you’re struggling with at natalie@elevatefrench.com 

Why is the passé composé vs. the imparfait still hard? 

Today we tackle 3 reasons why your textbook or language learning app is slowing down your understanding of the passé composé vs. imparfait at the intermediate level.

This lesson also coincides with the launch of my brand new workshop: Master the Past in French! 

To simplify the passé composé vs imparfait and finally master them once and for all, head to elevatefrench.com/past. 

I can’t wait to see you at the workshop!  

Access the transcript for this lesson at elevatefrench.com/episode8

Got a question about the workshop? Send it to Natalie at natalie@elevatefrench.com

In this episode of Let’s Speak French!, host Dr. Natalie Amgott shares 10 French expressions to improve your intermediate French. Specifically, you’ll learn French idioms that will help you to read your first French novels. 

Check out the free guide to the passé simple and the transcript for this episode. 

Hungry for more French? Get free weekly French lessons straight to your inbox.

Should you be using à, de, or, en with that verb in French? 

In this Intermediate French lesson, you’ll learn how to use 26 of the most common conversational verbs that require the prepositions à, de, or en. 

Your action step: access your French flashcards to remember which preposition to use with these verbs.

If you learned something from today’s episode, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a rating and review to help me reach more French learners like you!

For more bite-sized French lessons, make sure to follow on Facebook or Instagram @elevatefrench

Prepositions are tricky at the intermediate French level! In this episode, we’re talking about the 7 different meanings of the sneaky preposition “chez.” 

Follow along with the French transcript and take the quiz for this lesson! 

In this lesson, you’ll learn how "chez" isn’t just about someone's home—it's used for artists, doctors, restaurants, and more!

Join the Conversation:

• Instagram & Facebook: Find me @elevatefrench for more tips, quizzes, and updates.

• DM me: Let me know what tricky words or verb conjugations you want to learn about next!

Merci d’écouter! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! And don't forget to share it with a friend who's looking to improve their French.

Your guide to knowing which verb to use with French Si Clauses.

Your action steps:

1️⃣ Listen to the episode and follow along with the French transcript.

2️⃣ Download your free guide: French 'If' Phrases Made Simple

Learn something new in today's episode? I'd be so grateful if you could leave a rating and review!

If you're feeling stumped with a particular aspect of intermediate French grammar, send me an email at natalie@elevatefrench.com and I'd love to turn it into a future episode!

Today we're diving into everyday expressions that you won't typically find in a textbook or language learning app.

The most common French slang expressions you'll hear everyday in France and Québec.

Your action step:

1️⃣ Join the free masterclass - French Slang Made Simple: Speak French Like a Local.

2️⃣ Share the registration link with a friend so that you can learn to speak French more naturally together!

This workshop is your key to sounding more natural and conversation in French whether you're at the beginner, intermediate, or advanced French level.

Your action items to start thinking in French:

1️⃣ Enroll in the Intermediate French Class with Elevate French January-April 2025 cohort for the support and momentum you need with your French.

2️⃣ Let me know on Instagram which technique you're going to try out this week to think in French! I'm just @elevatefrench on Instagram and I can't wait to hear from you

Bonne continuation, mon ami.e!

When should you use ne plus, ne jamais, ne guère, ne rien, personne ne vs. ne personne?

We're breaking down 10 negation structures that go beyond ne...pas and will help you to communicate with more fluency at the B1 and B2 Intermediate levels.

Your action steps:

1️⃣ Take the Negation Quiz

2️⃣ Check out the French transcript for this episode

3️⃣ Tap the "Follow" button where you're listening to make sure you never miss an episode!

Private French lessons are now open! Spaces are limited. Click here to apply.

For more French tips for intermediate learners and rusty beginners, follow along with Dr. Nat @elevatefrench on Instagram and Facebook.

Breaking down the hardest words to pronounce for intermediate learners, including the U vs. OU, U vs EU, and UI sounds.

Your action steps:

1️⃣ Grab the10 Intermediate Tongue Twisters to Improve Your Pronunciation

2️⃣ Tap the "Follow" button where you're listening to be in the loop for your weeklyLet's Speak French! lesson.

3️⃣ Follow Dr. Natalie for more French lessons @elevatefrench on Instagram & Facebook

Boost your intermediate French by reading novels in French. In this episode, I chat with Frédéric Patenaude, founder of French with Frédéric and the podcast Learn Quebec French. We break down the best reading habits and strategies to learn more French.

Follow along with the⁠ transcript of our French conversation and the vocabulary lesson here⁠.

We break down:

• What book should you read in French first?
• How many words should you look up per page?
• What are good strategies for reading in French at the intermediate level?
• The best Québec French novels you should be reading

Ready to read? Grab your curated reading list by level here.

Explore La Chandeleur, the delightful French holiday celebrated on February 2nd. Discover the history behind this tradition, why crêpes are the star of the day, and learn how to bring a little French culture into your kitchen.

What You’ll Learn:

• The origins of La Chandeleur and its connection to light and prosperity.

• The difference between sweet crêpes and savory galettes.
• Essential French vocabulary related to crêpes and the holiday.

Action Items:

1. Try your hand at making crêpes! Download a free, easy crêpe recipe with step-by-step instructions at elevatefrench.com/episode16.
2. Share this episode! Send it to a friend learning French to help them discover this fun tradition.
3. Leave a review! Support the podcast by rating and reviewing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help more learners find us.

Celebrate La Chandeleur and enjoy the fun and flavor of this beloved French holiday. Bon appétit!

How to conjugate the most common irregular verbs in the present, passé composé, imparfait, futur, conditionnel, and subjonctif.

Your action steps:

1. Choose your level

2. Sign up for Beginner French Foundations Reboot

or

Intermediate French

Classes start soon and only open for enrollment twice per year!

Are you really asking if that jam has preservatives, or did you just say something super embarrassing?

Welcome to the word of les faux amis or false friends! In this episode of Let's Speak French!, we break down 21 words that sounds like an English counterpart but meaning something totally different, including le conservateur vs le préservatif and les stores vs les magasins.

Here are your action steps:

1️⃣ Access your False Friends Flashcards to make sure these words stick

2️⃣ Tap "Follow" where you're listening to make sure you never miss an episode

3️⃣ Interested in private lessons? A few spaces have just opened up!

What if the key to speaking French with confidence was… caring less?

Follow along here with the French transcript for today’s episode. 

I’m sitting down with French teacher and entrepreneur Jennie, who shares her top mindset shifts for learning French without stress or perfectionism getting in the way.

🔥 Why overthinking is the #1 thing slowing you down (and how to stop)

🔥 The surprising power of not caring about mistakes (and why it helps you learn faster)

🔥 How immersion works—even if you can’t travel to France or Québec

Your next steps:

👉 Follow Jennie on Instagram: @Jennie.frenchteacher

 👉 Join my FREE weekly French tips. 

Did you love this episode? Let me know! Take a screenshot, share it on Instagram stories, and tag me @elevatefrench so I can cheer you on! 🧡

Is a French word really feminine if it ends in -E? In this episode, we’re busting that myth and breaking down 11 essential rules to help you confidently determine if a French word is masculine or feminine (without just guessing!).

🔹 Learn the most common endings for masculine vs. feminine words

🔹 Discover key exceptions you need to know

🔹 Get a step-by-step strategy to memorize these rules easily

📖 Click to access the free guide and transcript for this lesson.

Want to sound more like a local? French is full of filler words like tsé, genre, quoi, and du coup—small words that don’t change the meaning of a sentence but make your speech flow naturally. 

In this episode, we’ll break down key filler words used in France and Québec so you can sound more fluid and confident when speaking French!

📩 Grab Your French Filler Word Guide - A handy PDF with all the words from the episode, organized by region!

Action Steps:

✅ Pick 3 filler words and start using them in your next conversation or writing practice

✅ Try watching a French show (I recommend Lupin on Netflix) and noting which filler words you hear

✅ Download the free guide to reinforce what you learned

Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review & share with a friend learning French!

French lucky phrases and words of encouragement. From “bonne chance” to “merde” and “je touche du bois,” you’ll learn when and how to use these expressions like a native.

Action Steps:

✅ Follow along with the transcript to reinforce what you learn. ✅ Add these expressions to your French Fluency Roadmap so you can start using them naturally. ✅ Try using at least one of these phrases in a conversation or on social media today!

👉 Love the episode? Share it with a friend who’s learning French! 💙

A chat with Charlie Whitesides from Street French, who learned French from scratch and speaks with an unmistakable Parisian accent. We tackle:

• Are immersion experiences worth it?
• What should you do when you get stuck?
• What should you focus on to make real progress with your French, starting today? 

How long will it take to reach your goal in French? How long before you can do your daily life without too many hesitations in French?

In today's conversation with Alice Crafford, you'll learn:

• The important distinction between fluency and proficiency
• About Alice's Fullbright studies in France
• How to better leverage Duolingo to learn more French
• How to overcome the intermediate plateau

Tes prochaines étapes:

1️⃣ Follow the transcript for this episode here.

2️⃣ Why are you learning French? Share with Dr. Natalie @elevatefrench on Facebook or Instagram.

3️⃣ Leave a rating and review to make sure this podcast reaches more intermediate+ learners like you!

Should you pronounce the S in "PLUS" in French, or not?

In this episode, we break down the four cases where you need to pronounce the S in PLUS and the 3 cases where the final S is silent in PLUS.

You'll also learn what the meaning differences are!

Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your intermediate French, you'll learn something new from this episode!

Tes prochaines étapes:

1️⃣ View the transcript to anchor your learning

2️⃣ Share this episode with a friend learning French!

3️⃣ Take your pronunciation further with these 21 words to improve your intermediate French

Are you learning something from the Let's Speak French! podcast? Make sure to leave a rating and review to help other intermediate learners to find this podcast!

Looking to dive deeper? Apply for private lessons or group coaching. You'll get lessons tailored to you and your goals, including all lesson materials, weekly homework and feedback, a customized lesson path, and access to Dr. Natalie for any questions that pop up between lessons.

You'll use this verb in every day French conversation.

We're breaking down 15 ways to use the verb TENIR to improve your intermediate French, including to talk about what you need and want and to check in on friends.

Your action steps:

1️⃣ Take the TENIR verb quiz.

2️⃣ Tap "Subscribe" to make sure you never miss an episode of Let's Speak French!

Looking for more daily French lessons? Follow Dr. Nat @elevatefrench on Instagram or Facebook!

Can AI tools like ChatGPT actually help you speak better French, or will they just make you sound like a robot?

In this episode, I’m diving into the research to uncover when AI tools do help with pronunciation, confidence, and grammar… and when they totally miss the mark.

You’ll learn:

• 3 ways AI can support your French learning

• 3 times you should not rely on it

• Why you still need real human interaction (even if AI feels easier)

1️⃣ To help you practice more efficiently with AI, grab the
10 ChatGPT Prompts to Practice French Like a Pro.

2️⃣ Have you tried using AI for language learning? I’d love to hear how it’s going!
Email me at natalie@elevatefrench.com or send me a DM on Instagram.

3️⃣ Tap "Follow" where you're listening for more research-backed French lessons!

Intermediate French learner? Chances are you've heard of the subjunctive. And chances are you're avoiding it.

In today's lesson, we break down:

• 3 reasons why you're avoiding the subjunctive (consciously or subconsciously)
• What the subjunctive is & why you need to use it
• How to start using it

Your action steps:

1️⃣ Join the Subjunctive Workshop!

Choose your date: May 12 or May 14

Replay, pre-workshop lesson, workbook, and activities are also included.

2️⃣ Got a question about the subjunctive or the workshop? Drop me a note at natalie@elevatefrench.com

Bonne continuation!

Eva Wilson shares her journey from classroom French to real-life fluency as a TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program in France) participant.

Whether you're dreaming of living in France, curious about the TAPIF program, or just trying to get over your fear of speaking up in French, Eva's story is the perfect mix of relatable, inspiring, and practical.

🎧 In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• Why “good French” in the classroom doesn’t always feel like “enough” in real life

• How Eva handled culture shock and linguistic discomfort as a TAPIF assistant

• A powerful reminder that confidence comes getting out of your comfort zone

• Tips for learners who want to level up their French with immersion

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about TAPIF: Official TAPIF Website

• Access the transcript of this episode

• Tag @elevatefrench on Instagram in your stories and I'll check in to keep you accountable to getting 2% out of your comfort zone!

  
  

  Want more episodes of Let's Speak French? Leaving a rating and a review is a huge help!

Communicate more naturally in French work and travel contexts with these 11 phrases. In this episode, you'll learn what phrases to expect in French work settings, as well as common phrases you'll hear at the hotel.

Learn the phrases from this episode with the transcript here.

Your next step:

✅ Get on the waitlist for the May 2025 workshop: Mastering the Subjunctive in Everyday French! You'll earn to express your opinions and emotions with the subjunctive in everyday conversation.

As-tu appris quelque chose de nouveau aujourd'hui? Please leave a rating and review to help this podcast reach more intermediate learners like you!

Real-life travel mishaps — flat tires, hotel mix-ups, and restaurant snaufs — and the exact French you’ll want in those moments. No fluff, just useful phrases and tips to help you stay calm and communicate clearly en français when things don’t go as planned.

Whether you're heading to Paris, Québec, or anywhere in between, you’ll feel more prepared (and way less panicked) after this one.

🎁 Ready to go deeper?

Sign up for my free class: French for Travel Mishaps

You’ll learn what to say in tough situations before they happen.

👉 Access the on-demand course

Need to send emails in French for professional or personal life, but unsure how to sound polite, natural, and not too formal? 

In this episode, you’ll learn the structure of a typical French email for France and for Québec, must-know phrases to start and end your message, and how to avoid common mistakes. 

Whether you're writing to a coworker, Airbnb host, or someone you just met, you'll walk away with tools to write with confidence and ease.

Your action steps: 

1️⃣ Grab the email template mentioned in the episode here. 

2️⃣ Follow along with the French transcript here. 

Questions? Ideas for an episode? Email them to natalie@elevatefrench.com

Looking for more French content for Intermediate and rusty learners? Follow along @elevatefrench on Instagram and Facebook.

Improve your intermediate listening comprehension with this episode.

You’ll hear a spoiler-free review, key vocabulary, and cultural insight—all at the B1/B2 level, so you can build your comprehension while discovering something new.

Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]

1️⃣ Check your understanding with this short quiz! You’ll get immediate feedback.

2️⃣ Review the transcript of this episode. 

3️⃣ Tap “subscribe” to make sure you never miss an episode!

You've been learning French forever, but they still switch to English on you when you speak to them in French!

If you're tired of servers, coworkers, or friends switching to English, this episode is for you! You'll learn tips for every level (A2, B1, B2, and beyond), plus why they're switching to English in the first place (spoiler alert: it probably isn't personal!).

Tes prochaines étapes: [Your next steps]

1️⃣ Follow along with the transcript here.

2️⃣ Want a weekly dose of French to your inbox, plus recommendations of my favourite books and series to help you learn French? Join the free weekly lessons here!

Think “ça m’est égal” sounds natural? Pas vraiment. 

In this episode, you’ll learn 8 everyday French expressions with EN—including the ones that don’t translate literally.

Spoiler: You’ll learn how to actually use Je m’en fiche (and even Je m’en fous!). 

Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]:

1. Want to master how “EN” works ? Grab your free 8-Step Practical Workbook

2. Follow along with this episode’s transcript to review your favourite expressions with EN. 

3. Tap “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode!

Learn when to use entendre, écouter, comprendre, and their pronominal forms like se comprendre and s’entendre — plus a quiz to test your understanding!

Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]:

1. Take the quiz: Do You Really Know How to Use Entendre, Écouter, Comprendre & Co? 

2. Check out the transcript. 

3. Tap “Subscribe” so you never miss an episode!

Learn how to talk about your weekend using the right past tense, passé composé vs imparfait. We’ll go over useful phrases, sentence starters, and tips to avoid common mistakes. You’ll even get a chance to practice out loud!

🎧 Perfect for intermediate learners who want to sound more natural in conversation.

👉 Grab the transcript here. 

Ready to finally master the past in French? Join the Master the Past live workshop!

Did you miss the 2025 dates? Drop an email to natalie@elevatefrench.com to get on the waitlist for next time!

Is it tout? tous? toute? toutes? And wait… do you pronounce the S or not?! 😵‍💫

If these four little words have ever left you second-guessing in conversation, you're not alone. In this quick episode, you’ll finally learn how to use and pronounce all four forms of TOUT correctly, with simple examples you can actually remember.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between tout, toute, tous, and toutes
  

• When to pronounce the final -s in tous (and when not to)
  

• How to use tout as an adjective, adverb, and in fixed expressions

Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]:

• 📝 The 10-question TOUT Quiz Test what you learned and get instant feedback. Retake it as many times as you need!
  

• 📖 Full episode transcript available at: elevatefrench.com/episode39
  

💬 Let’s Connect

What surprised you the most about tout? Tell me on Instagram @elevatefrench or tag a French-learning friend who needs this episode too!

🧠 Ready to Feel More Confident Speaking French?

The best way to lock in tricky grammar like this is with real-time practice and feedback. You’ll get both in the workshops and courses at ElevateFrench.com.

Have you ever found yourself mid-sentence in French… only to blank on the one word you need?

In this short and actionable episode, you’ll learn:

• The key difference between recognition and recall when learning vocabulary
  

• Why you can recognize words but struggle to use them in conversation
  

• 2 research-backed strategies that will help you actually retain and use new vocabulary over time
  

• A simple 1-month habit to boost your memory and make new French words stick
  

Whether you're commuting, walking the dog, or sipping your coffee, this quick episode is packed with tools you can apply right away.

Tes prochaines étapes [Your next steps]

If you’ve ever wondered why Québec French sounds so different, or if someone’s ever told you it’s not “real” French, this episode is for you.

To celebrate la Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Québec’s national holiday, we’re diving into:

• 2 grammar tips for Québec French

• What’s up with “Moving Day” in Québec on July 1st

• 8 phrases you'll use everyday that are specific to Québec.

Whether you're planning a trip to Québec, have Québécois friends, or are just curious about French in North America, you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for this vibrant variety of the language.

🗣️ C’est pas du mauvais français. C’est du français québécois.

Tes prochaines étapes:

1️⃣ Follow along with the transcript for this episode here.

2️⃣ What variety of French are you learning? Let me know by tagging me in an Instagram story. I'm @elevatefrench

3️⃣ Try out the 10 expressions this week!

Hungry for more French lessons? Subscribe for weekly lessons here.

You already know reflexive verbs like se lever, se laver, and se réveiller, but did you know there’s a whole world of reflexive verbs that have nothing to do with routine?

In this episode, we go beyond brushing your teeth and dive into reflexive verbs you’ve probably seen before… but didn’t realize were reflexive — like se douter de, s’en vouloir, and se débrouiller.

You’ll learn:

• The four categories of non-routine reflexive verbs
  

• How to use tricky verbs like se moquer and s’en vouloir in real-life conversations
  

• How to use them in the passé composé to describe your past actions
  

  Tes prochaines étapes:

1️⃣ Want a printable list of the verbs we talk about in this episode, and more?

👉 Download your free Reflexive Verb Guide + transcript here

2️⃣ Choose one verb from today’s episode and try to use it this week — in a conversation, a journal entry, or a voice memo to yourself!

3️⃣ Know someone else learning French? Send them this episode to help them sound more polished en français

If you enjoyed this episode, could you leave a quick rating or review? It helps other intermediate French learners to find the podcast. Merci beaucoup!

How can you learn all the little phrases that don't translate exactly to English? And should you even be using these phrases?

In this episode, you'll learn:

• 5 idioms that don't translate literally into English
• 6 idioms that are surprisingly similar to English
• Why storytelling and visualization help expressions stick

Tes prochaines étapes (Your next steps):

1️⃣ Review the idioms with the transcript of this lesson.

2️⃣ Use the French Idiom Crossword Puzzle to help these 11 expressions stick in your memory.

3️⃣ Tap "Subscribe" to make sure you never miss an episode.

Looking to dive deeper? Follow Dr. Natalie @elevatefrench on Instagram or Facebook for more daily tips and tricks.

Feeling stuck with French grammar or vocabulary? Let me know and I might turn it into an episode! Send me an email at natalie@elevatefrench.com

Which article should you use and when? And when should you use DE versus DU, DE LA, DES?

Breaking down all the review you need to speak more confidently at the intermediate level in this episode.

Tes prochaines étapes [Your action steps]

1️⃣ Take the quiz to test your understanding!

2️⃣ Check the transcript and listen again to make sure you know exactly when to use the definite and partitive articles.

3️⃣ Tap "Subscribe" or "Follow" where you're listening so that you never miss an episode of Let's Speak French!

Can you actually be a "numbers person" or a "language person?" In this lesson, you'll learn:

• What the science has to say about being a "language person"
• How neuroplasticity research can help you improve your French
• The power of movement for when you get stuck
• How to stop thinking "I'm bad at this" and why it'll be good for your French skills!
• Key takeaways from Caroline Williams' My Plastic Brain that you can apply to your French learning.

Your action steps:

1️⃣ Get your customizable template: Overcoming the Intermediate Plateau.

2️⃣ Review the transcript.

Enjoying Let's Speak French? Leave a review to help other intermediate learners find the podcast!

Learn how to use 3 verbs that confusion intermediate learners - arriver, partir, and s’en aller! Discover what “arriver” really means, when to say “je m’en vais,” and how to sound more natural by using "arriver" to talk about what you can and can't do.

Your action steps:

1️⃣ Take the quiz to test your understanding!

2️⃣ Check your understanding with the transcript

3️⃣ Checkout Part I of this series: How to use retourner, rendre, rentrer, revenir, and renvoyer

Are you overusing the imperative? Turns out French speakers avoid using the imperative with four other grammar structures to sound more natural and polite.

Your action steps:

1️⃣ Follow along with the transcript and review the content here.

2️⃣ Practice using the imperative! Create a story on Instagram where you tell your friends what they should do by avoiding the imperative. Use the subjunctive, infinitive, futur simple, or "Veuillez + infinitif" to tell them what to do. Remember to tag @elevatefrench to get feedback from Dr. Natalie!

3️⃣ Learn something new in today's lesson? Veuillez laisser un avis! Please leave a rating and review to help more intermediate learners to find this podcast.

Get a conversation going with your French coworkers, family, or Francophone friends! Your intermediate starter pack to starting more conversations in French.

Voici tes prochaines étapes:

1️⃣ Get your Past Tense Cheat Sheet so you can easily talk about what you've seen and read with the passé composé and imparfait.

2️⃣ Review the transcript for this lesson.

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Tu me manques or Je te manque? Clarify how to use the verb Manquer to talk about what you miss, what you don't have, and what opportunities you have missed out on.

Vos prochaines étapes:

1️⃣ Take the MANQUER quiz!

2️⃣ Check out the transcript to check your understanding