apprends-moi le français
To say "teach me french" in French, use apprends-moi le français.
The phrase is a direct request for someone to provide instruction in the French language.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use two object pronouns with an imperative verb in French, such as when saying "teach it to me", the pronouns are joined by hyphens and placed after the verb (e.g., apprends-le-moi).
Did you know?
- The word français comes from the Late Latin word Francus, which referred to the 'Franks'. These people were named after a weapon called the 'francisca', a throwing axe used by the Germanic tribes.
- While apprends-moi le français means 'teach me French', the verb apprendre is a linguistic oddity because it means both 'to learn' and 'to teach' depending on the context.
- While asking to be taught is direct, a more natural way to approach a local in France is to ask tu peux m'aider avec mon français?, which translates to 'can you help me with my French?'
Examples in context
- Apprends-moi le français, s'il te plaît.Please teach me French.This sentence is useful for learning how to add a polite request to the phrase apprends-moi le français.Tatoeba #5829956 by Aiji, translation #2451638 by CK
- Apprends-moi le français.Teach me French.This sentence is a direct way to state the request apprends-moi le français.Tatoeba #9159256 by Julien_PDC, translation #8034204 by CK
- Enseignez-moi le français, s'il vous plaît.Teach me French, please.
- Pourriez-vous m'apprendre le français?Could you teach me French?
- Peux-tu me montrer comment parler français?Can you show me how to speak French?
- J'aimerais apprendre le français. Tu pourrais m'aider?I would like to learn French. Could you help me?
- Apprends-moi le français cet été.Teach me French this summer.
Example conversation
Gabriel asks his friend Manon for language help at a cafe.
- GabrielApprends-moi le français, Manon.Teach me French, Manon.
- ManonD'accord, on peut commencer demain.Okay, we can start tomorrow.
- GabrielTu es très gentille.You are very kind.
- ManonDe rien, Gabriel.You're welcome, Gabriel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries français, le, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
