Speak French Like a Local: 10 Must-Know Expressions for Intermediate Learners

 Speak French Like a Local: 10 Must-Know Expressions for Intermediate Learners

Learning French at a B1 level opens up a whole new world of language and culture. You’ve already tackled the basics—now it’s time to elevate your conversations by using expressions that French locals actually say. At Passion Language School, we believe that mastering idiomatic phrases is key to truly speaking French like a native. Whether you're preparing for a trip to Paris or tuning into a French podcast, these 10 expressions will make your interactions more authentic and fluent.

Ready to sprinkle your French with real flair? Let's dive in!

🇫🇷 1. Ça marche — “That works” / “OK”

This casual phrase is your go-to for agreement. Someone suggests meeting at 3 p.m.? Just respond, “Ça marche !” and you’re already sounding très français.

 Try it: – On se retrouve à la gare à midi ? – Oui, ça marche !

 2. C’est pas grave — “It’s not a big deal”

A soothing phrase every learner should have in their back pocket. When someone apologizes for a small mistake, this is your kind-hearted reply.

Use it to keep the conversation flowing and drama-free.

 3. Bof — “Meh” / “So-so”

Simple and expressive. Bof says it all when you’re unsure or unimpressed. French speakers use this sound-word all the time—adding it to your vocabulary gives your speech real nuance.

 4. Avoir le cafard — “To feel down” (literally: “to have the cockroach”)

This quirky idiom expresses low spirits or sadness. It's often used with affection and empathy.

 Example: “Tu as l’air triste. Tu as le cafard ?”

 5. Ça me prend la tête — “It’s driving me crazy”

Frustrated with your Wi-Fi again? This is your phrase! It literally means “It’s taking my head,” but it’s used when something gets on your nerves.

Use it for moments when you’re dealing with bureaucracy, traffic, or tricky French grammar!

 6. Faire la fête — “To party / have fun”

Planning a weekend with friends? Say, “On va faire la fête !” and you’ll sound like a natural. This phrase fits casual contexts where joy and celebration are key.

 7. Ça coûte un bras — “It costs an arm”

(No prizes for guessing the meaning!)

Used to complain about high prices—perfect for markets, cafés, or online shopping.

Example: “Ce sac ? Il est joli, mais ça coûte un bras.”

 8. Traîner — “To hang out / to drag”

Context matters here: traîner can mean either lounging with friends (Je traîne au parc) or dragging yourself through the day (Je traîne les pieds au travail).

Adds rich texture to your conversations with just one verb!

 9. Être à l’ouest — “To be out of it / spaced out”

Literally meaning “to be in the West,” this idiom is used when your brain's checked out.

Perfect for Monday mornings or post-lunch energy dips!

 10. Tomber dans les pommes — “To faint”

(Literally: “to fall into the apples”)

A charming French phrase that surprises every learner! While its origins are debated, it’s a fun expression worth mastering.

“Il a tellement chaud qu’il a failli tomber dans les pommes.”

 Why These Expressions Matter

These idioms and colloquialisms give you access to how French is truly spoken in cafés, on the metro, and in daily life—not just in textbooks. They help you:

  • Sound more natural

  • Understand native speakers

  • Build confidence in conversation

  • Avoid awkward textbook phrasing

At Passion Language School, our mission is to help you go beyond the basics and embrace the real rhythm of the French language. We carefully design our lessons so students don’t just learn the rules—they live the language. That’s why students worldwide call us one of the best-online-french-language-courses for intermediate learners.

 Join the Conversation

If you're ready to level up and add authenticity to your French, we invite you to explore our interactive lessons and native-led conversation clubs. Learning idioms is just the beginning—with the right tools and passion, you’ll soon be navigating France like a local.

👉 Enroll today at Passion Language School—the best-online-french-language-courses are just a click away!

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