French Word of the Day

on foot

Nous sommes allés à pied.
We went on foot.

to cancel

Les lignes aériennes devaient annuler leurs vols en raison du nuage volcanique.
The airlines had to cancel their flights due to the volcanic cloud.

TODAY
Our word is about traveling and the disruptions that sometimes come with it.

PACK MORE FRENCH WORDS FOR YOUR TRAVELS
Follow the links below to discover the vocabulary of the airport and air travel:

• Boarding Pass
• Carry-On Baggage
• Check-In Counter
• Connecting Flight
• Customs
• Flight
• Stranded
• Ticket, Round-Trip
• To Board, To Get Off
• To Cancel
• To Collect, Get Back
• To Clear (Snow)
• To Ground (aircraft)
• To Pack a Suitcase
• To Pass Through Security
• To Take Off, To Land
• To Wait in Line

TEST YOUR TRAVEL VOCABULARY WITH OUR QUIZ
Members, take our French Travel Disruption Vocabulary Quiz to find if you can say to cancel in French and more.

to check in to the hotel

Nous arriverons à l’hôtel à 15h.
We’ll check into the hotel at 3 p.m.

stuck, stranded

Des milliers de voyageurs étaient bloqués partout dans le monde.
Thousands of travelers were stuck all over the world.

THIS WEEK
It’s not every week that we witness a volcano eruption having a major impact on European news. With the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano in Iceland disrupting European travel, we thought we’d take a look a some of the French words about the volcanic eruption and its impact on travelers.

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to ground (when used in the context of aviation)

L’éruption volcanique a cloué des milliers d’avions.
The volcanic eruption grounded thousands of planes.

THIS WEEK
With the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull Volcano in Iceland disrupting European travel, we thought we’d take a look a some of the French words about the volcanic eruption and its impact on travelers.

DON’T FORGET TO TAKE THIS WEEK’S QUIZ!
How well did you learn last week’s words? Take our Weekly Quiz to find out!

TODAY’S WORD BROUGHT TO YOU BY YABLA.
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how many days

Pour combien de jours avez-vous besoin de la voiture?
How many days do you need the car?

THIS WEEK
We always enjoy covering vocabulary topics about travel, because they contain essential words and phrases for French language learners who want to visit a French-speaking country. This week, we’ll look at useful French words and phrases for renting a car.

FOR OUR VOILÀ! MEMBERS
Review last week’s words by taking our weekly quiz.
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to clear (as in, snow)

On a déblayé la piste de la neige pour les avions.
They cleared the runway of snow for the planes.

With so many people traveling at this time of year, we thought this would be a great time to look at French airport vocabulary.


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to take off/to land

Notre vol a décollé 15 minutes en retard. Cependant, il a atterri à l’heure.
Our flight took off 15 minute late. However, it landed on time.

This week, we are having a look at vocabulary about the airport. To see more words we’ve posted on this topic, visit us at www.frenchfanatic.com.

GET MORE WORDS ON TWITTER!
Follow us on Twitter for bonus words and thoughts on all things French.

TODAY’S WORD BROUGHT TO YOU BY YABLA.

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to board/to get off

Nous avons embarqué dans l’avion 30 minutes avant de décoller.
We boarded the plane 30 minutes before taking off.

Après avoir atterri, nous avons débarqué de l’avion.
After landing, we got off (disembarked from) the plane.

to pack a suitcase

Il a fait sa valise avant d’aller a l’aéroport.
He packed his bag before going to the airport.

to pass through security

Il faut franchir le contrôle de sûreté avant d’aller à la porte d’embarquement.
You have to pass through security before going to the boarding gate.

This week, we are having a look at vocabulary about the airport.

TODAY’S WORD BROUGHT TO YOU BY YABLA.

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to park

Vous pouvez garer la voiture en arrière de l’hôtel.
You can park the car behind the hotel.

to inflate

Richard a gonflé les pneus de son vélo.
Richard inflated his bicycle’s tires.

THIS WEEK
We always enjoy exploring French verbs that are important to everyday conversation but that, for whatever reason, don’t always make the cut of words commonly learned in traditional French classes. This week, we’ll attempt to uncover some of these common but uncommonly-taught verbs.

NEED HELP WITH REGULAR ER VERBS LIKE TODAY’S WORD?
Don’t forget to check out our Quick Verb Guide for conjugation examples.

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included in the price

Combien de kilomètres sont inclus dans le prix?
How many kilometers are included in the price?

TODAY
We always enjoy covering vocabulary topics about travel, because they contain essential words and phrases for French language learners who want to visit a French-speaking country. This week, we’re looking at useful French words and phrases for renting a car. Click here for more French vocabulary words about travel and getting around.

READY TO HIT THE ROAD EN FRANÇAIS?
Take our French Car Rental Vocabulary Quiz to find out!

n.f., the insurance

Voulez-vous ajouter de l’assurance collision?
Do you want to add collision insurance?

THIS WEEK
We always enjoy covering vocabulary topics about travel, because they contain essential words and phrases for French language learners who want to visit a French-speaking country. This week, we’ll look at useful French words and phrases for renting a car.

FOR OUR VOILÀ! MEMBERS
Review last week’s words by taking our weekly quiz.
SUBSCRIBE TO VOILÀ! Only 3.95 a month, secure via PayPal!

customs

Il faut passer la douane après avoir récupéré vos bagages.
You have to go through customs after picking up your bags.

the front desk

Il nous faut visiter la réception avant de quitter l’hôtel.
We need to visit the front desk before checking out of the hotel.

THIS WEEK
Our vocabulary topic has been the hotel.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for more thoughts on all things French.

TODAY’S WORD BROUGHT TO YOU BY YABLA.

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the reopening

Tous les voyageurs bloqués attendaient la réouverture des aéroports.
All the stranded travelers were waiting for the reopening of the airports.

the platform, track

Le train arrivera sur la voie 4.
The train will arrive on platform 4.

THIS WEEK
One of the easiest and most popular ways to get around France is to take the train, or le train. Let’s learn some vocabulary this week that will get us on our way.

FOR OUR VOILÀ! MEMBERS
Review last week’s words by taking our weekly quiz.
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the check-in counter

Visitez le comptoir d’enregistrement pour obtenir votre carte d’embarquement.
Visit the check-in counter to get your boarding pass.

TODAY
Our word is about the airport. Click here for more words about travel and getting around.

the conductor

Montrez votre billet au conducteur quand il passe.
Show your ticket to the conductor when he comes by.

TODAY
Our word is one of many you might encounter about train travel.
Click here to see more words about travel and getting around.

QUIZ LINK
Test yourself on today’s word and others like it here.

the (pedestrian) crossing signal

We left off yesterday with a question: Quand est-ce qu’on peut traverser la rue?
We’ll use today’s word to help answer it.

Faites attention au feu piéton. Quand vous voyez un feu vert, traversez la rue.
Pay attention to the crossing signal. When you see a green light, cross the street.

THIS WEEK
With spring sprouting, it seems like a good time to go for a walk. We’re covering French words for some of the things you might do and see à pied (on foot).

TRACK YOUR LEARNING WITH OUR QUIZ!
How well did you learn last week’s words? Take our Weekly Quiz to find out!

TODAY’S WORD BROUGHT TO YOU BY YABLA.
Yabla French Video Immersion.
The fun way to learn French



the (ticket) window, counter

Allez au guichet pour acheter vos billets.
Go to the ticket window to buy your tickets.

THIS WEEK
One of the easiest and most popular ways to get around France is to take the train, or le train. Let’s learn some vocabulary this week that will get us on our way.

FOR OUR VOILÀ! MEMBERS
Review last week’s words by taking our weekly quiz.
SUBSCRIBE TO VOILÀ! Only 3.95 a month, secure via PayPal!

the subway

Prenez le métro pour éviter la circulation.
Take the subway to avoid the traffic.

TODAY
Our word is inspired by life in the city, la vie en ville. It’s also a great word to know for travel and getting around.

QUIZ LINK
Test yourself on today’s word and others like it here.

abbreviation for train à grande vitesse
(France’s high-speed train)

On peut prendre le TGV de Paris à Avignon en trois heures.
One can take the train from Paris to Avignon in three hours.

Click here to visit Wikipedia and learn more about the TGV.

carry-on baggage
(literally, hand baggage)

Vous pouvez apporter normalement au moins un bagage à main.
You can normally carry at least one piece of carry-on baggage.

NOTE: Checked baggage is les bagages enregistrés en soute.

GET MORE WORDS ON TWITTER!
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to rent a car

Je voudrais louer une voiture, s’il vous plaît.
I would like to rent a car, please.

THIS WEEK
We always enjoy covering vocabulary topics about travel, because they contain essential words and phrases for French language learners who want to visit a French-speaking country. This week, we’ll look at useful French words and phrases for renting a car.

FOR OUR VOILÀ! MEMBERS
Review last week’s words by taking our weekly quiz.
SUBSCRIBE TO VOILÀ! Only 3.95 a month, secure via PayPal!

to board (a train or bus)

Il faut monter dans le train 10 minutes avant le départ.
We have to board the train 10 minutes before departure.

THIS WEEK
One of the easiest and most popular ways to get around France is to take the train, or le train. Today’s word is among those that will get us on our way.

LEARN MORE ABOUT -ER VERBS LIKE MONTER
Check out our Quick Verb Guide to learn how to conjugate -er verbs like monter.

to depart, to leave

À quelle heure part le train à Paris?
What time does the train to Paris leave?

TODAY
One of the easiest and most popular ways to get around France is to take the train, or le train. Today’s word will help get us on our way.

TEST YOUR TRAIN VOCABULARY
Take our train travel quiz to find out if you’re ready to take to the rails in French.

to return the car

À quelle heure dois-je ramener la voiture?
What time do I have to return the car?

THIS WEEK
We always enjoy covering vocabulary topics about travel, because they contain essential words and phrases for French language learners who want to visit a French-speaking country. This week, we’ve been looking at useful French words and phrases for renting a car.

FOR OUR VOILÀ! MEMBERS
Review last week’s words by taking our weekly quiz.
SUBSCRIBE TO VOILÀ! Only 3.95 a month, secure via PayPal!

to reserve a room

Nous devrions réserver une chambre trois mois à l’avance.
We should reserve a room three months in advance.

to register

J’ai une réservation. Puis-je m’inscrire?
I have a reservation. Can I register?

TODAY
Our word is among essential vocabulary for checking into a hotel. If you’re planning a trip to France or another French-speaking country now or just someday in the future, this is a word you’ll want to pack in your suitcase. Bon voyage!

to go for a walk

Je me suis promené à travers la ville.
I took a walk through the city.

NOTE
As you can see, se promener is a reflexive verb. In a way, it is as if to say you are walking yourself. You also can use promener as a non-reflexive verb to express the act of walking something else — your dog, for instance. You could say: Je promène le chien. (I’m walking the dog.)

ALSO
To express the action of walking when there is no object, use the verb marcher (to walk). For example: Il a marché toute la journée. (He walked all day.)

TODAY
Our word is inspired by activities we can do à pied (on foot).

QUIZ LINK
Test yourself on today’s word and others like it with this quiz.

to cross

Quand est-ce qu’on peut traverser la rue? En savoir demain!
When can we cross the street? Find out tomorrow!

a one-way ticket

Avez-vous besoin d’un billet aller simple ou un billet aller et retour?
Do you need a one-way ticket or a roundtrip ticket?

THIS WEEK
One of the easiest and most popular ways to get around France is to take the train, or le train. Let’s learn some vocabulary this week that will get us on our way.

FOR OUR VOILÀ! MEMBERS
Review last week’s words by taking our weekly quiz.
SUBSCRIBE TO VOILÀ! Only 3.95 a month, secure via PayPal!

roundtrip ticket

an extra driver

Combien coûte-t-il pour ajouter un conducteur supplémentaire?
How much does it cost to add an extra driver?

TODAY
We always enjoy covering vocabulary topics about travel, because they contain essential words and phrases for French language learners who want to visit a French-speaking country. Today, we’re looking at a useful French word for a conversation about renting a car.

a red light, a green light

a tire

Savez-vous changer un pneu crevé?
Do you know how to change a flat tire?

Other expressions:
pneus toutes-saisons = all-season tires
pneu neige = snow tire
gonfler un pneu = to inflate a tire

a wake-up call

Voulez-vous un réveil par téléphone?
Do you want a wake-up call?

TODAY
Our vocabulary topic is the hotel. If you’re planning a trip to France or another French-speaking country now or just someday in the future, words like today’s will help you take care of the very essential task of reserving a room and navigating the hotel once you’re there. Bon voyage!

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for more thoughts on all things French.

a first-class seat

Je voudrais un siège en première class, s’il vous plaît.
I would like a first-class seat, please.

ALSO
un siège de deuxième classe = a second-class seat

THIS WEEK
One of the easiest and most popular ways to get around France is to take the train, or le train. Let’s learn some vocabulary this week that will get us on our way.

FOR OUR VOILÀ! MEMBERS
Review last week’s words by taking our weekly quiz.
SUBSCRIBE TO VOILÀ! Only 3.95 a month, secure via PayPal!

a flight

Le vol quitte Montréal à 20h15 et arrive le lendemain matin à Paris.
The flight leaves Montreal at 8:15 p.m. and arrives the next morning in Paris.

TODAY
Our French vocabulary word is inspired by the airport and air travel.

FILL YOUR BAGS WITH MORE AIR TRAVEL VOCABULARY
Follow these links to words about air travel to learn how to say them in French.

• Boarding Pass
• Carry-On Baggage
• Check-In Counter
• Connecting Flight
• Customs
• Stranded
• Ticket, Round-Trip
• To Board, To Get Off
• To Cancel
• To Collect, Get Back
• To Clear (Snow)
• To Ground (aircraft)
• To Pack a Suitcase
• To Pass Through Security
• To Take Off, To Land
• To Wait in Line

FIND OUT WHAT WE’RE UP TO ON TWITTER!
Follow us on Twitter for links about all things French.

a connecting flight

Si vous devez prendre un vol de correspondance, lisez les panneaux.
If you have to take a connecting flight, read the signs.

GET MORE WORDS ON TWITTER!
Follow us on Twitter for bonus words and thoughts on all things French.

CORRECTION
A translation in yesterday’s post included some extra text that should not have been part of the translation. The correct translation is:
Nous avons embarqué dans l’avion 30 minutes avant de décoller.
We boarded the plane 30 minutes before taking off.

TODAY’S WORD BROUGHT TO YOU BY YABLA.

Yabla French Video Immersion.
The fun way to learn French



a pedestrian

Des voitures doivent s’arrêter pour des piétons.
Cars must stop for pedestrians.

THIS WEEK
With spring sprouting, it seems like a good time to go for a walk. We’ll cover French words for some of the things you might do and see à pied (on foot).

TRACK YOUR LEARNING WITH OUR QUIZ!
How well did you learn last week’s words? Take our Weekly Quiz to find out!

TODAY’S WORD BROUGHT TO YOU BY YABLA.
Yabla French Video Immersion.
The fun way to learn French



an automatic/a manual (car)

Avez-vous une automatique? Je ne peux pas conduire une manuelle.
Do you have an automatic? I can’t drive a manual.

TODAY
We always enjoy covering vocabulary topics about travel, because they contain essential words and phrases for French language learners who want to visit a French-speaking country. Today, we’re looking at useful French words and phrases for renting a car.

RELATED WORDS
After you’ve learned to ask for an automatic or manual in French, follow the links below to discover more French vocabulary words about cars:

• Blinkers, Turn Signal
• Convertible
• Jalopy
• Lane
• Low-Beam Lights
• Red Light, Green Light
• Road Map
• Steering Wheel
• Tire
• To Get in the Car
• To Inflate
• To Park
• To Take the Highway
• To Take a Road
• To Turn
• Trunk/Boot
• Windshield

QUIZ LINK
Test yourself on today’s word and others like it here.

a boarding pass

Il vous faudra une carte d’embarquement pour embarquer dans l’avion.
You’ll need a boarding pass to board the aircraft.

TODAY
Our vocabulary topic is the airport.

FOLLOW THESE LINKS TO LEARN MORE FRENCH AIR TRAVEL VOCABULARY

• Boarding Pass
• Carry-On Baggage
• Check-In Counter
• Connecting Flight
• Customs
• Flight
• Stranded
• Ticket, Round-Trip
• To Board, To Get Off
• To Cancel
• To Collect, Get Back
• To Clear (Snow)
• To Ground (aircraft)
• To Pack a Suitcase
• To Pass Through Security
• To Take Off, To Land
• To Wait in Line

a room for two people

J’ai besoin d’une chambre double.
I need a room for two.

Une chambre à deux lits?
A room with two beds?

Non, une chambre à un lit, s’il vous plaît.
Non, a room with one bed, please.

THIS WEEK
Our vocabulary topic is the hotel. If you’re planning a trip to France or another French-speaking country now or just someday in the future, this week’s words and phrases will help you take care of the very essential task of reserving a room and navigating the hotel once you’re there. Bon voyage!

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter for more thoughts on all things French.

TODAY’S WORD BROUGHT TO YOU BY YABLA.

Yabla French Video Immersion.
The fun way to learn French



a free room

Avez-vous une chambre libre pour demain?
Do you have a free room for tomorrow?

Non, c’est complet.
No, we’re full (booked solid).

THIS WEEK
Our vocabulary topic is the hotel. If you’re planning a trip to France or another French-speaking country now or just someday in the future, this week’s words and phrases will help you take care of the very essential task of reserving a room and navigating the hotel once you’re there. Bon voyage!

TRACK YOUR LEARNING WITH OUR QUIZ!
How well did you learn last week’s words? Take our Weekly Quiz to find out!

TODAY’S WORD BROUGHT TO YOU BY YABLA.

Yabla French Video Immersion.
The fun way to learn French



a strike

Le nombre de trains RER qui circulaient a été réduit à cause d’une grève.
The number of RER trains in circulation was reduced due to a strike.

The RER is a highly traveled train line in the Paris region that carries commuters both within the city and to the outlying suburbs. This weekend, service was reduced due to a strike — a fairly common event in France’s public sector.

We’re currently exploring vocabulary related to events in the news. We’ll resume more holiday-related vocabulary in a few days.

TODAY’S WORD BROUGHT TO YOU BY YABLA.

Yabla French Video Immersion.
The fun way to learn French