How to Build Your French.

Vocabulary Fast:

Learning French vocabulary can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can expand your word bank efficiently and remember words more easily. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to help you learn new French words and use them confidently in conversations. I have been a student of English so I can share with you my learning method hoping it will help you improve your French skills. Here is how to build your French skills ! Good luck in this fantastic this fantastic adventure !

1. Learn Words in Context

Memorizing long vocabulary lists is not always effective. Instead, try to learn new words in sentences or real-life situations.

✅ Example: Instead of just learning the word "pain" (bread), learn it in a phrase: "J’achète du pain à la boulangerie." (I buy bread at the bakery.)

✅ Example: Instead of just learning "vin" (wine), learn it in a phrase: "Je voudrais un verre de vin s'il vous plaît!" (I would like a glass of wine please!)

💡 Tip: Use flashcards with sentences instead of single words.

2. Focus on High-Frequency Words

Not all words are equally useful. Focus on the most common French words first. Learning the top 1 000 words can help you understand the majority of daily conversations.

✅ Start with words related to daily life:

• Greetings (Bonjour, Salut, Merci)

• Food (fromage, viande, légumes)

• Travel (gare, avion, passeport)

• Family (père, mère, fils, enfant)

💡 Tip: Use frequency lists like "The 1000 Most Common French Words" to prioritize your learning.

3. Read and Listen Every Day

Expose yourself to French through reading and listening. The more you see and hear words, the more they will stick in your memory. I usually recommend to my student to listen to "le journal en français facile" from the fantastic radio RFI. You can easily find the app.

✅ What to read & listen to?

• French books for beginners (Lire en français facile is a great publishing house)

• News websites (Le Monde, TV5Monde)

• French podcasts (Coffee Break French, InnerFrench)

💡 Tip: Read books with parallel texts (French + English) to understand new words in context. 💡 Tip: While watching French series or French movies, try to read subtitles in French and not in English. You can do it.

4. Speak and Write Regularly

Using new vocabulary actively helps you remember it better.

✅ How to practice?

• Write a daily journal in French.

• Describe your day to yourself in French.

• Join a language exchange or take online lessons.

💡 Tip: Challenge yourself to use 5 -10 new words every day in sentences or conversations.

7. Make Learning Fun!

Enjoy the process by turning vocabulary learning into a fun activity.

✅ Fun ways to learn:

• Play word games (Scrabble in French, Duolingo Stories).

• Watch French movies or series with subtitles.

• Sing along to French songs (Edith Piaf, Stromae).

💡 Tip: Try "The Language Shadowing Technique"—repeat what native speakers say in real-time to improve pronunciation and vocabulary.

Final Thoughts: Consistency is Key!

How to build your French skills. Building your French vocabulary takes time, but with regular practice, you will see progress. Use these strategies daily, stay curious, and most importantly—enjoy the journey!

Want to improve your vocabulary even faster? Book a lesson with me and let’s practice together! 😊