# French

/ˈfɹɛntʃ/ (US) · /fɹˈɛntʃ/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/french
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

the language people speak in France and parts of other countries like Canada or Belgium. It is also the word for the people who come from France.

For teachers: a Romance language spoken primarily in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and parts of Africa. When referring to the people of France, it functions as a collective noun.

## Examples

- I am learning French because I want to visit Paris.
- The restaurant menu is written in French, but the waiter can translate the dishes for you.
- While many students find French grammar challenging, they often appreciate the melodic quality of the language and its significant influence on English vocabulary.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I speak the French" but "I speak French" — Languages do not take the definite article 'the' when used as a noun.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the language; functions as a collective plural noun when referring to the people of France.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.