French bites · vocabulary in context
100 Common French Words with Multiple Meanings
One familiar French word can mean different things in different contexts. Explore 100 high-utility words with two meanings, a French example for each sense, English translations, and the same natural female French pronunciation used across the course.
The audio button pronounces the headword, not the example sentences. All 100 entries on this page are free.
Free access · all 100 entries
Words with multiple meanings
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About this list
Why does one word have more than one translation?
Many common French words are polysemous: their meaning changes with context or with a familiar expression. Read the French example before choosing an English translation. Related uses can also have different grammatical constructions.
How were the words selected?
This is a practical teaching selection of frequently used words already present in the French Course. For further study, consult the French education ministry's frequency list and the Académie française dictionary for usage and additional senses. The order is pedagogical, not an exact corpus-frequency ranking.
Do I need a membership for this page?
No. All 100 words and both examples for each word are available without a membership. Membership is for complete access to the other course lists.
What does the audio play?
Each audio button plays the French headword, pronounced with the same female French voice used elsewhere in the course. It does not read the example sentences.