Notes on learning French

Pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and strategy — written for adults learning French on their own terms.

JUN 02, 2026 Strategy

How long does it actually take to learn French?

A realistic timeline for adults, broken down by how many hours a week you're actually willing to put in — not motivational fluff.

6 min
MAY 26, 2026 Pronunciation

5 French sounds that don't exist in English

The exact mouth position for each one, plus the English sound most learners mistakenly substitute.

5 min
MAY 20, 2026 Vocabulary

The 200 words that make up 80% of spoken French

Why memorising rare words first is the most common mistake beginners make — and what to learn instead.

7 min
MAY 14, 2026 Culture

Bonjour vs salut: when to use which greeting

The unwritten social rules behind French greetings, and how to avoid sounding too formal or too familiar.

4 min
MAY 06, 2026 Grammar

Why your French textbook is teaching you to sound like a robot

The gap between textbook grammar and how French is actually spoken — and how to close it.

8 min
APR 29, 2026 Strategy

Best — and worst — ways to learn French as an adult

What the research on adult language acquisition actually says, beyond app store marketing claims.

6 min

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