How to Sound Like a Native: 10 French Phrases You Won’t Learn in School
Introduction: Why Native-Sounding French Matters More Than You Think
If you’ve ever wandered the charming side streets of Paris, waited in line at a bakery in Bordeaux, or sipped wine at a small café in Lyon, you’ve probably heard French that doesn’t sound quite like what you learned in school. That’s because textbook French is just one part of the story. The real magic happens when you learn the kind of slang, idioms, and expressions that real Parisians use every day—phrases that make you sound less like a tourist and more like someone who belongs.
For many language learners in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Napa, and Walnut Creek, mastering French means more than memorizing verb charts or acing a grammar quiz. It’s about connection. It's about ordering a croissant in Montmartre and getting a knowing smile from the barista. It's about having a laugh with locals at a Parisian jazz bar. It’s about understanding what your French coworkers really mean when they say “C’est chaud” during a stressful Zoom call. If you’ve been learning French and want to take it to the next level—where people actually respond to you like a native—then learning real, everyday expressions is essential.
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we hear this all the time: “I can write well and read French, but when I talk to natives, they respond too fast—and I miss all the slang!” That’s because classroom French, while helpful, often leaves out the juicy, fun, expressive parts of the language that locals use constantly. You won’t hear many Parisians saying Je suis fatigué when they’re wiped out. You’ll hear J’suis crevé(e). And when something is totally nuts? Forget saying C’est fou. You’ll hear C’est ouf—and if you don’t know what that means, you’re left in the dust.
But don’t worry—this isn’t about throwing away everything you’ve learned. It’s about adding another layer: one that gives your French color, life, and authenticity. Whether you’re preparing for a trip to France, connecting with French-speaking clients in the Bay Area, or just dreaming of fluency from your home in Napa or Walnut Creek, learning how French people really speak is a game-changer.
In this article, we’re diving into 10 real French phrases—used daily by Parisians and Francophones across the country—that you won’t find in your average textbook. These are the expressions that make people say, “Whoa, your French is really good!” They’re the key to fitting in, making friends, and sounding like someone who lives the language—not just studies it.
And if you’re serious about taking your French further, whether online or in person, check out the programs we offer at Polyglottist Language Academy. From casual conversation groups to advanced classes, we’ll help you bridge the gap between textbook French and real-life fluency—right here in the Bay Area.
Ready to sound like a native? Let’s go.
1. “Ça marche !” — That works! / Sounds good!
Literally “That walks!”, this phrase actually means “Okay!” or “Sounds good!” in modern usage. It’s a quick, casual way to agree to a plan or proposal.
Example:
On se retrouve à 19h ?
—Ça marche !
It’s widely used by French speakers of all ages and immediately makes you sound easygoing and in the know.
2. “C’est pas terrible” — It’s not great
Despite the literal translation (“It’s not terrible”), this actually means something was underwhelming or disappointing. It’s a perfect way to politely express dislike or indifference.
Example:
Alors, le resto ?
—Bof… c’était pas terrible.
Say it with a shrug, and you’re already halfway to sounding Parisian.
3. “J’en peux plus !” — I can’t take it anymore!
Whether you’re mentally, emotionally, or physically done, this phrase expresses total exhaustion or frustration.
Example:
Après huit heures de réunion, j’en peux plus !
Use it when you’re truly at your limit. It’s common and very expressive.
4. “Grave” — Totally / Seriously
This single word packs a punch. It can mean “seriously,” “definitely,” or just enthusiastic agreement. It’s especially popular among younger French speakers.
Example:
—Ce concert était ouf, non ?
—Grave !
It can also be used sarcastically, depending on tone.
5. “T’inquiète” — Don’t worry about it
Short for “Ne t’inquiète pas,” this is a friendly, casual way of telling someone to relax.
Example:
—Désolé, je suis en retard !
—T’inquiète, c’est cool.
It’s warm, reassuring, and very frequently used.
6. “Avoir la flemme” — To not feel like it
There’s no exact equivalent in English, but this phrase nails the feeling of laziness or apathy.
Example:
—Tu viens courir avec nous ?
—Non, j’ai la flemme.
If you ever feel unmotivated in San Jose traffic or post-brunch in Berkeley, this one’s for you.
7. “C’est chaud” — That’s intense / tricky
“Hot” in a literal sense becomes “difficult” or “risky” in this expression.
Example:
—Tu vas négocier ton salaire aujourd’hui ?
—Ouais… c’est chaud.
Think of it as the French equivalent of “This is going to be rough.”
8. “Ça me saoule !” — That annoys me!
Originally from the verb saouler (to get drunk), this evolved slang phrase means “I’m fed up” or “This drives me nuts.”
Example:
—Ils ont encore changé les horaires !
—Pfff… ça me saoule !
Perfect for venting like a local.
9. “Laisse tomber” — Forget it / Drop it
It means “Let it fall,” but in conversation, it’s “Forget about it,” or “Never mind.”
Example:
—T’as trouvé la pièce que tu cherchais ?
—Laisse tomber, c’est introuvable.
It’s polite, but final.
10. “Il y a du monde” — It’s crowded
This literally means “There are people,” but it’s used to say a place is packed or bustling.
Example:
—Tu veux aller au marché ce matin ?
—Pas trop, il y a toujours du monde le samedi.
Useful for farmers’ markets from Napa to Nice.
Bonus Phrases Real Parisians Use
Want to take it even further? Here are a few extra expressions to sprinkle into your French:
“C’est ouf !” — That’s crazy! (“Ouf” is “fou” in backslang)
“T’es relou” — You’re being annoying
“J’suis crevé(e)” — I’m wiped out
“Il me prend la tête” — He’s getting on my nerves
“Je kiffe ça” — I really love that (slangy and joyful)
These aren't just “extra vocabulary.” They’re windows into French humor, mood, and rhythm.
Why This Matters for Bay Area French Learners
If you're studying French in San Francisco, chatting with international clients in Oakland, planning a vineyard getaway in Napa, or looking to boost your résumé in San Jose, this kind of French helps you connect with people, not just pass a test.
Sounding native isn’t about perfect grammar. It’s about sounding human, relaxed, and real. It’s about showing you understand the culture—not just the language.
And right here in the Bay Area, you have access to high-quality language education that prioritizes that goal.
Study with Locals, Sound Like One Too — at Polyglottist Language Academy
At Polyglottist Language Academy, our French courses go beyond what the textbooks teach. We focus on building your confidence in real conversations—so you don’t freeze when someone says T’inquiète, on y va bientôt ! or Grave, c’était ouf hier !
Whether you're just getting started or want to move from intermediate to fluent, our experienced instructors will help you learn the kind of French people actually speak in cafés, offices, and homes across France.
We offer flexible in-person and online classes for learners in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Napa, and Walnut Creek.
👉 Click here to enroll in our French classes
More Articles You’ll Love
Want to go deeper into French language and culture? Explore more from our blog:
👉 In-Person French Classes In Berkeley – Small Groups, Expert Instructors
👉 French False Friends: Common Grammar Mistakes & How To Avoid Them
👉 How To Experience The Magic Of Paris Beyond The Tourist Checklist
Final Word: Don’t just study French—live it. Learn the rhythm, the humor, the slang, and the soul of the language. It’s how you move from speaking like a student to speaking like a native.
And if you’re in the Bay Area, we’re here to help you do exactly that.
À très bientôt ! 🇫🇷