15 things French people say in English that are accidentally adorable
"I am very excited to see your performance" is technically correct but...
French people speaking English is one of life's small pleasures. Not because they're bad at it — many speak excellent English — but because the French-to-English interference creates accidentally charming expressions that native speakers find delightful.
Here are 15 things French people say in English that are technically wrong but undeniably adorable.
« I have 25 years. »
Instead of "I am 25 years old." Because in French, you "have" your age (j'ai 25 ans). It sounds like you're claiming ownership of a quarter century, which is honestly a power move.
« I will profit from the weekend. »
Instead of "I'll enjoy/take advantage of the weekend." Profiter = to enjoy in French. In English, "profit" is strictly financial. It sounds like you're planning some kind of weekend heist.
« I am very excited! »
This one IS correct in English. But the French speaker is blushing while saying it because "excité" in French has strong sexual connotations. They're fighting their own language to get the words out.
« Ze weather is very beautiful today. »
The "th" → "z" is the most recognizable French accent marker. And honestly? "Ze" sounds more elegant than "the." The French improved it.
« I am agree with you. »
Instead of "I agree with you." Because in French it's "Je suis d'accord" (I AM in agreement). It sounds more emphatic, like they're really, truly committed to agreeing.
« I assist to the meeting. »
Instead of "I attend the meeting." Assister = to attend in French. It sounds like you're there in a supportive role, which is oddly wholesome.
« Actually, I work in Paris. »
Meaning "currently." But in English, "actually" means "in fact" — so it sounds like a surprising confession. "Actually... I work in Paris" (plot twist!).
« I take a coffee. »
Instead of "I'll have a coffee." In French, "prendre un café" = to have a coffee. But "take" in English implies physically grabbing it and leaving. Which, to be fair, is also what happens at Starbucks.
Pronouncing every letter in « clothes »
"Clo-THEZZ" instead of "KLOHZ." French is a language where every letter matters. English is a language where half the letters are decorative. This clash is inevitable.
« It's not possible! »
Said with the full French dramatic flair, hands raised. This IS correct English, but French people say it with such conviction and theatrical energy that it becomes a performance. "It's not pos-SEE-bluh!"
« I will explain you. »
Instead of "I'll explain TO you" or "I'll explain it to you." The missing "to" is classic, and it sounds oddly intimate — like you're about to receive a personal revelation.
« Since 3 years. »
Instead of "for 3 years." Because "depuis 3 ans" in French covers both. Every French speaker has been corrected on this. Every French speaker continues to say it.
« It depends of the situation. »
Instead of "It depends ON the situation." Because in French it's "dépend DE." The preposition swap is universal among French English speakers.
The way they say « focus »
If pronounced with French phonetics (fo-KUSS), it can sound like a very different English word. French speakers who've been warned about this tend to over-correct and say "FOH-kuss" with extreme caution, which is also endearing.
The accent itself
Let's be honest — the French accent in English is consistently voted one of the most attractive accents in the world. French people trying to lose their accent are fighting against one of their biggest natural advantages. Keep the accent. It's working for you.
The truth
None of these are reasons to be embarrassed. They're signs of bilingual bravery — of someone stepping out of their linguistic comfort zone and communicating across cultures. Every "mistake" is proof that you're trying. And that's always more admirable than staying silent.
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