Most people learning French spend years memorising rules, yet still freeze when native speakers talk naturally. The problem isn’t effort, it’s exposure.
This edition explores how real French shows up in films, music, everyday expressions, and even the small linguistic choices that shape how people think and speak.
From learning through series without hiding behind subtitles, to words that capture entire cultures, this is about moving closer to real, usable French, the kind people actually speak
How to Learn French with Films and Series (Without Just Reading Subtitles)
Most people watch French films. Very few actually decide to learn French with films, even though it can be an effective method.
They put on a series, turn on English subtitles, and tell themselves it counts as practice. Two hours later, they’ve followed the plot… and learned almost nothing. Sound familiar?
Here’s the good news: films and series can be one of the fastest, most enjoyable ways to improve your French.
The trick isn’t watching more. It’s watching differently.
Everyday Expressions
Finnish: “Sisu”
Meaning: A word that describes grit, resilience, and quiet perseverance, continuing even when things are tough.
Why it’s fascinating:
There’s no direct English equivalent. Sisu isn’t just determination, it’s deep sustained courage in the face of hardship.
Example:
“Meillä oli vaikea polku, mutta sisu auttoi meitä jatkamaan.”
“We had a difficult path, but sisu helped us keep going.”
Why people love it:
It captures an entire cultural mindset in one word, one that Finnish speakers often bring into daily life, not just extraordinary feats.
Logic Behind Linguistics
Why Some Languages Drop Subjects
In many languages, you don’t need to say “I,” “you,” or “we” if the verb already tells you who is acting.
Examples:
Spanish:
Hablo español. = “I speak Spanish.”
No need for “yo” = the verb form already marks “I.”Italian:
Parli inglese? = “Do you speak English?”
Parli already implies “you.”Arabic:
Verb patterns signal person, number, and sometimes gender, making subjects optional.
Why this happens:
Languages economise where possible. If the verb already encodes who’s involved, the subject can be dropped, keeping sentences efficient without losing meaning.
Books We Recommend
Learn French Fast for Adult Beginners by Speak Abroad Academy
A practical, approachable guide designed to help adult learners build basic French quickly and confidently, without overwhelm.
Why it’s worth reading:
Breaks French down into digestible chunks
Focuses on conversational readiness
Uses real-life phrases rather than textbook lists
Ideal for learners who want progress they can feel
Music Without Borders
Song Spotlight: “Love Story” by Indila
“Love Story” by Indila blends contemporary pop with rich French lyricism and emotional storytelling.
Unlike simple phrases, this song uses imagery, repetition, and melody to reinforce meaning, making it perfect for learners who want feeling before analysis.
Why it’s great for learners:
Emotion amplifies memorisation
Everyday vocabulary appears in poetic contexts
Melody helps your brain internalise sound patterns
Fun Facts Worth Sharing
In French, the word “chez” has no direct equivalent in English.
It means “at the home/business of” someone and is used constantly in everyday speech.
Examples:
chez moi → at my place
chez le médecin → at the doctor’s
chez Starbucks → at Starbucks
Why it’s interesting:
French doesn’t always specify a physical location, it centres the place around people. Language here reflects a social way of seeing space: locations are defined by who belongs there.
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