Learn French
It is one language. Grammar and most vocabulary are shared, and speakers understand each other. The differences are in accent, some everyday words and informal speech.
| English | Common in Québec | Common in France |
|---|---|---|
| breakfast / lunch / dinner | déjeuner / dîner / souper | petit-déjeuner / déjeuner / dîner |
| the weekend | la fin de semaine | le week-end |
| le courriel | le mail, l’e-mail (courriel is also used) | |
| to go shopping | magasiner | faire du shopping, faire les magasins |
| parking | le stationnement | le parking |
| convenience store | le dépanneur | la supérette, l’épicerie |
| winter hat | la tuque | le bonnet |
| you’re welcome | bienvenue | de rien, je vous en prie |
TEF Canada and TCF Canada test standard French. Recordings can include different francophone accents, and either set of words above is fine when used correctly. In writing, standard spelling and grammar matter more than regional vocabulary.
Lessons teach standard French and mark Canadian alternatives where they are common, so you understand both and can choose what to use.
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