Exploring the most common French sayings for everyday life

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Expressions reflecting French history, values, and way of life abound in the culture. French proverbs frequently have profound meanings and provide insights into the French outlook on a range of life issues. Learning these practical yet frequent phrases is an excellent approach to start learning French on your own. You can sound like a native speaker by using them in your discussions.

n this blog post, we will explore some of the most captivating and meaningful French sayings, digging into their origins and uncovering the wisdom they hold.

10 French sayings you must learn

A common goal is to become fluent in French. Learning a language involves starting with simple words and working your way up to proficiency. It’s important to understand the cultural meaning behind certain French words and expressions if you want to get along with native speakers.

“C’est la vie” – Such is life

It’s among the most well-known proverbs in French. The French proverb “C’est la vie” encapsulates their outlook on life’s ups and downs. It conveys a spirit of acceptance and fortitude in the face of adversity, acknowledging that life is full of unforeseen curveballs.

“Petit à petit, l’oiseau fait son nid” translates to “The bird builds its nest little by little.”

It emphasizes the strength of perseverance and small steps forward. It mimics the French value of patience and perseverance by teaching us that even the most daunting tasks can be completed with constant effort and resolve.

“Qui vivra verra” – The living will perceive

This proverb conveys an inquisitive and optimistic outlook. It suggests that there are many surprises in life and that the only way we can fully know what lies ahead is to live and experience. It captures the essence of the French way of accepting life’s challenges with optimism and adventure.

The saying “Better late than never” is true.

This proverb from France emphasizes how crucial it is to act, even if it is later than planned. It sends the message that there is always time to pursue your objectives and make amends. It highlights the need of taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.

“C’est en forging qu’on devient forgeron” – A blacksmith is one who forges.

A well-known proverb from France emphasizes the need of practice and diligence in becoming an expert at a profession or craft. It implies that skill is acquired via work and perseverance rather than being innate. It embodies the French values of attention to detail and craftsmanship well.

“Les voyages forment la jeunesse” – Traveling opens up new perspectives

It emphasizes how travel may change a person’s perspective on the world and broaden their perspectives. It exhibits the French love of travel and cross-cultural interaction. This proverb from France emphasizes the importance of encountering many cultures and viewpoints.

“Loin des yeux, loin du coeur” – Beyond sight, beyond thought
It’s one of the most popular proverbs in French. It conveys the idea that affection or attachment can be diminished by absence. It recognizes that people tend to value close experiences above those that are farther away, and it serves as a helpful reminder of the value of fostering connections through consistent interaction and communication.

Everyone sees noon at his door, as the saying goes, “Chacun voit midi à sa porte.”
This proverb in French serves as a helpful reminder that everyone has a unique viewpoint on the world. It draws attention to how subjective experience and perception are. It also involves fostering awareness and empathy for the perspectives of others.

“L’appétit vient en mangeant” – Eating satisfies an appetite.
This proverb, credited to François Rabelais, implies that your enjoyment or desire for something increases with experience. It alludes to the notion that comfort and liking are fostered by familiarity, and that this encourages us to welcome new experiences with an open mind.

“It is useless to run; you must start on time”
This proverb, which derives from the tale “The Tortoise and the Hare” by Jean de La Fontaine, highlights the significance of organizing and managing one’s time. It implies that it is pointless to jump blindly into a task without doing the necessary preparation and that people who approach things carefully and patiently frequently succeed.


These ten incredible French proverbs must be learned, along with how to use them in various contexts. As always, we advise our readers to begin modestly. Learn the fundamentals of French, such as hello, good day, thank you, and you are welcome, if you want to speak the language fluently. Creating a regular study regimen is also essential.