FluenDay Blog – Learn languages

Learning French can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with all the new vocabulary to memorize. But here’s some good news for English speakers: you already know more French than you think! Over time, French has borrowed several English words, making it easier to pick up certain terms.

In this article, we’ll explore 20 common English words used in French that you’ll likely recognize. But first, let’s start with a quick look at the background behind this language influence.

Why are English Words Borrowed in French?

A big reason is practicality. Some English words are simply shorter, catchier, or have no direct equivalent in French. For example, “weekend” is much quicker to say than “fin de semaine,” right? 

Also, English is the dominant language in global business, technology, and entertainment, which has led to terms like “le marketing” and “un email” becoming everyday French vocabulary.

20 Common English Words in French

Now, let’s get into the right topic! Here’s a list of 20 English words that you’ll hear in French, along with how they’re used in everyday conversation.

This is the standard way to refer to Saturday and Sunday in French, much more common than “fin de semaine.”
Example: Qu’est-ce que tu fais ce weekend ? (What are you doing this weekend?)

Widely used to mean a parking lot, instead of the more formal “stationnement.”
Example: Il y a un parking près du centre commercial. (There’s a parking lot near the mall.)

Used frequently in place of the official French term “courriel,” especially in casual contexts..
Example: Je t’enverrai un email demain. (I’ll send you an email tomorrow.)

Commonly used for hamburger or cheeseburger, popular in casual dining.
Example: On va manger un burger ce soir. (We’re going to have a burger tonight.)

The same as in English, and used just as often in French for a quick meal.
Example: Je prends un sandwich pour le déjeuner. (I’m having a sandwich for lunch.)

A standard term in business and advertising, particularly digital marketing.
Example: Elle travaille dans le marketing digital. (She works in digital marketing.)

Frequently refers to part-time or casual work. It’s used more informally than the French word “emploi.”
Example: J’ai trouvé un job pour l’été. (I found a job for the summer.)

Widely used to describe anxiety or pressure, similar to the English meaning.
Example: Je suis sous beaucoup de stress au travail. (I’m under a lot of stress at work.)

Refers mostly to clothes shopping or spending time at a mall.
Example: On va faire du shopping cet après-midi. (We’re going shopping this afternoon.)

A direct borrowing from English, popular with the rise of smartphones.
Example: On fait un selfie devant la tour Eiffel ? (Shall we take a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower?)

The most common term for a mobile phone, used in place of the older “téléphone portable.”
Example: Je dois charger mon smartphone. (I need to charge my smartphone.)

This is the go-to term for a new, innovative business, especially in tech sectors.
Example: Il a créé une start-up l’année dernière. (He started a startup last year.)

Common in the art, fashion, and architecture world, with no direct French equivalent.
Example: J’adore le design de cette maison. (I love the design of this house.)

Often used in professional or political contexts, though “chef” is still used for hierarchical leaders.
Example: C’est un leader respecté dans l’entreprise. (He’s a respected leader in the company.)

Used in workplaces or creative settings for idea generation.
Example: On fait un brainstorming pour le nouveau projet. (We’re brainstorming for the new project.)

Used for discussing good or bad timing, just like in English.
Example: Le timing est parfait pour cette opportunité. (The timing is perfect for this opportunity.)

A common term for workplace reviews or suggestions, though “retour” can be used as well.
Example: Peux-tu me donner ton feedback sur ce rapport ? (Can you give me your feedback on this report?)

This one is tricky as it doesn’t match the English word “footing” but instead refers to jogging.
Example: Je vais faire du footing demain matin. (I’m going for a jog tomorrow morning.)

Frequently used in entrepreneurial and start-up contexts, though “entreprise” is more formal.
Example: Il a lancé son propre business en ligne. (He started his own online business.)

Used mostly in the context of movie trailers or promotional content.
Example: Le teaser du nouveau film est déjà en ligne. (The teaser for the new movie is already online.)

As you can see, learning French isn’t just about memorizing completely new words! There are many familiar terms that English speakers can easily recognize and use in everyday French conversations. However, be careful on the pronunciation, some of them sound differently in French! 

If you want to get more comfortable with French pronunciation, check out the FluenDay app! With clips curated from over 3,000 movies and shows, you’ll be fully immersed in authentic French. This way, you can pick up useful expressions while hearing native pronunciation. Interested? Download the app for free, and get fluent today!

Do you know any other English words used in French? Comment below to let us know!