5 Ways to STOP TRANSLATING in your head and BECOME FLUENT in French

In this video, Cindy, a native French teacher, shares with you 5 ways to stop translating in your head so you can think and become fluent in French or any other foreign language.
Although this video focuses on how to improve and become fluent in French, all the advice given can be applied to any language you're learning, so if you'd like to know what you can do to improve your English fluency for example, this video will still be useful to you.
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[@romcallis]

I've noticed this when watching French movies or tv. The translations using subtitles are almost never word for word

[@ghinak317]

r m where do you watch french movies??do you have a specific website?

[@StagArmslower]

It changes the meaning also and it upsets me

[@MrVmalviya]

This is why i never use subtitles while watching any french series or movies. There is no sync between what the person is saying with what is being displayed in subtitles. So use subtitle if you really don't want to learn french 😂😂

[@Jess-Rabbit]

I noticed this too! Its frustrating when youre watching as a learning tool and the same word is translated into like 5 different things. Like in the netflix show Call My Agent, they say magnifique and the translation will randomly be different each time. I know this word can be generalized and mean different things, but it would be nice to learn more synonyms for 'great', 'fantastic', 'magnificent', 'brilliant' or whatever the hell else they claim magnifique means

[@susanboggs5362]

Love how the cat is just chilling in the background. Like it might jump in with some French tips at any moment.

[@pgcfriend]

My husband is from France. I'm learning French. This is one of the best videos to help people to think in French and not translate from English to French. He watched this video with me and basically this is what he did to learn English. One thing I'm doing is to change the language apps like Netflix to French. I plan to change the language of our Apple TV to French which will automatically change those apps such as KZbin to French.

[@ellaenglish]

I couldn't agree more Cindy! I am a native Chinese speaker and as I was learning how to speak English, I never used Chinese translation to understand what a word means. That seemed counter-productive at first but later I noticed that I really started to have English thoughts. And I could instantly transform a thought into an expression. So yes, I intend to do the same with French!

[@Frencheezi]

Yes, definitely the best way to go! :)

[@dragonswordmountain2908]

+Ella Zhu Wow, you did the same thing i did with English as a kid. So if you did it like that, then it means that i can do the same with learning Chinese as well, hmm, think this goes with any language. All this learning grammar first is killing the learning.

[@dorianshaffer7120]

But at some point you need to look up words and phrases. I tried doing this with french but got nowhere cause I couldn't make out what certain idioms or words meant

[@jeanmeslier9491]

Very good advice. I am nearly 80 years old and I am returning to re-learning and re-using French after many years hiatus. On talking to yourself, make sure the neighbors can't hear you. They will ask other neighbors if that old geezer is losing his mind, because he talks to himself! When you start using a French only dictionary, as well as reading French texts, you will discover that the English translation may not be the best sense of the French word or French text, and sometimes means something entirely different. Some advice for Americans, as soon as you can, get an elementary French history book. You will find that almost all European history is filtered through England. It will change your understanding of European and French history and affairs. Napoleon wasn't such a bad guy after all. The English just didn't like him.

[@richarddavis3239]

@Jean Meslier ---- oh yeah, Hitler was a very nice man too, we just didn't like him either, or Stalin or ..........

[@BW-CC]

Ignore the nasty comment. One morning I woke up the entire morning speaking made up and broken French..I've had the desire to learn my whole life. Now at 60 I decided now is the time. Tired of just not doing it. This is such a great channel.

[@josephinelogan9196]

Jean, I don't mind the neighbours hearing me! :-D

[@jt659]

I hope your studies are going well. I would think that being older would be a perk when speaking to oneself as people would just assume senility has set in.

[@josephinelogan9196]

@Jean Meslier, my husband is a descendant of Napoleon, and looks quite like him (except he is tall, unlike Napoleon), and his personality is similar! We don't think he was a bad guy. :-)

[@1MarkKeller]

MERCI! This exact problem is really killing my advancement. I've been learning slowly for over a year and I'm still translating when reading/writing and listening/speaking. Le sigh ...

[@BW-CC]

I try to keep French in my head all day long...It's brain exhausting! Went to the library and got all the Cat in the Hat books. Only days into serious learning. Must be doing things right, because I am doing all these things you have in your video. Thank you for all the tips, love your London accent. I have wanted to speak French since I was young, failed at school after the first semester, was so disappointed in myself. Now at 60, I am determined..I hope the enthusiasm remains.

[@Iceni007]

I find it remarkable how your English is so perfect! You have no trace of a French accent at all. I am trying hard to learn French at the moment (am learning at the Institut-Francais in London) and my god it is so hard. I can't understand how someone can get to be so fluent in a second language as you are in English.

[@Frencheezi]

You can do it too! Remember, I wasn't always this fluent :) it all comes down to motivation and perseverance in my opinion. You can, and will, achieve anything you truly want to achieve.

[@Iceni007]

Merci beaucoup for your comment - that is very motivating :) If I could speak French just 2 or 3% as good as your English I would be so happy! I will persist even though it is so difficult. Some days I feel I am making some small progress and then other days it feels as if I cannot say anything at all! But I will persevere - no one can consider their education complete unless they can speak at least elementary French, parce que la France est la origine du monde culturelle!

[@andrewmartin8978]

Speaking to yourself in your target-language REALLY works! Great tip. I do it from time to time randomly, but after seeing your video I'm really going to make a concerted effort to do it more often.

[@dragonswordmountain2908]

+Andrew Martin I did that as well with English as a kid, but only because we as kids wanted to sound cool while we played Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. "It's morphin' time! Kimberly hold on, i'm coming! Hayah, Dragonzord!". Speaking to yourself in your target language really works!

[@dianezpilon2805]

The most difficult part about reading in French is the slang, however reading does help.

[@kakairecharles3474]

Cindy, your videos are quite smart. You are doing a wonderful JOB! Keep it up!

[@barbaradoucet8422]

Great Advice, Cindy, Thank YOU for sharing such wisdom

[@joandonaher2561]

Thank you Cindy, fantastic advice. Excellent!

[@sydneylartigue2811]

Love this advice! Implementing these tips into my regime today! Thank you Cindy! :)

[@trantran6989]

Thanks so a lot Cindy it really helpful your teaching

[@mikemorykon7438]

Thank you! Good points to remember and put in practice.

[@amexjam55]

Bonjour, Cindy. These are all great tips which I will start applying. You are a wonderful teacher and I'm so glad to have come across your channel. A tout a l'heure. :)

[@Frencheezi]

Thank you very much for your kind words! :D

[@randomthought214]

Cindy, always great to hear your point-of-view on fluency tips.

[@Frencheezi]

Pleased you liked it :)

[@booksandallthatjazz1654]

A very helpful, interesting video. Thanks for the excellent tips. I have tried to learn french on and off for 40 years! Living in Australia is my excuse for never persevering. Your videos are very easy to view and listen to, under 10 minutes which is good as there is so much to take in, and have encouraged me to give it another go! I like your vlog videos where you talk about a particular question for 5 or so minutes.

[@majojo9598]

Best advice ever!!! Thank you so much 🙏

[@stereotypea123]

Thank you, this was a very helpful video! Some of these things I've already tried once or twice before but now I will make the effort to do them daily :)

[@enricom2009]

very good tips, clever explanations and I totally agree with your 5 points

[@Frencheezi]

Thank you :)

[@brucejacquesStick]

These are really great . Learning French through Alliance Francaise de melbourne ,one trip to France so far. Your videos are a perfect addition. Merci! Reading, watching movies, talking, listening , going ok !

[@arielramorez6063]

Im so very impressed im so very thank you miss Cindy..!!

[@Fstlmnte]

Tres interessant video; j'aime bien ta spontaneite et biensur tes conseils.

[@gladysma308]

Thank you for your great tips. Merci beaucoup.

[@itsoneAM]

Merci Cindy!

[@paulmcguinness1072]

Good advice Cindy. I've been learning French for 3 years and recently did an excellent 4 week immersion course in France at 'advanced B1' level, but my comprehension is still disappointing. I've heard some of these points before but your timely summary has made me consider a complete change of tack for 2018 - leave all the flashcards and translation exercises behind for a year and deal ONLY in French - and see how I go! My main reservation is that translation exercises often help memorising of words, phrases, and grammar. Keep up the good work.

[@keithsharp826]

Très bon conseil, merci.👍🏻

[@informaticienmason7419]

Thank you so much and many blessings ! Burlington , Ontario Canada

[@Carrotcake899]

I love your advices please keep making more videos like these

[@andrewtarrant3523]

J'adore le chat !!!! Si amusant !!!!

[@hemondkhavalier9700]

Hi Cindy, Thank you for posting. I live your accent. Please keep doing it. Bisou 😘

[@mrsStamour0410]

Great tips! Merci!

[@arvinzeinullah]

1:45 suddenly make me smile!

[@narata1541]

You can get into some embarrassing situations if you translate French to English word for word. I think the phrase most French students make (even me) is saying "I am hot." in French word for word. The real way to say it is "I have hot." or "J'ai chaud." Don't make this mistake unless you want weird looks! Also, I love your #5. I memorize phrases I know I will use every day I meet French-speaking people. I got so good at greetings eventually someone mistaken me for a French person! Of course, after the greetings, I had to slow him down because that was when things got harder for me. Anyways, another amazing video Cindy!

[@Frencheezi]

Oh yes, translating 'I am hot' word for word is definitely a mistake to avoid!! lool

[@TheEden55]

This was an excellent video. You gave me some of the best guidance I have ever heard and I will get started on it immediately. Thank you very, very much!

[@Frencheezi]

Really glad you found my advice useful :D

[@adrianaxcx777]

This is really a great video💕 thank you!!!

[@Frencheezi]

Thank you! :D

[@michellejensen2373]

Thank you, these are really good tips and they make so much sense to me, very helpful

[@Frencheezi]

You're more than welcome, glad you liked the video :)

[@bernarditarosario9850]

Good advices....i'm an english learner and i'm now begining with french .my english instructors gave me those same advices and i began to speak english with more fluency.. so...it will be the same with french....Thks

[@laraas6110]

I am currently Learning english and French. I got kind of fluent in English and now want to improve my French . This helped me a lot

[@normanpetrovic8432]

Very good Cindy, thanks for your hint

[@AR-pf8it]

Yes, thanks for you

[@A13JMC]

It's a lot to chew over, but I am glad to have seen this video. Essentially a person needs to immerse oneself in the target language. Please keep making these videos. I like the approach and method of teaching. It is to the point, and emphasizing a person needs to be consistent in learning a new language. It would be nice to know how other people organize a study routine, especially at the A1 Delf level. Thanks all.

[@LearnFrenchWithNishi]

I completely agree with u...and also If we want to learn any kind of language, we need to think in that language even if in mind.

[@aliahmed-wn4ff]

Thank you your advice are and lessons are very usefull

[@denban70]

Excellent I will follow this

[@cassandrafrancais5358]

Wow! This was so helpful! Thank you!!!

[@Frencheezi]

You're most welcome :)

[@jordanrhind4897]

Cindy, you are fabulous!!

[@Frencheezi]

Thank you very much for your kind words! :)

[@tonyhall4871]

Hi Cindy, i found that extremely helpful. You are a very good teacher and after listening to you i really feel motivated to get on with more learning. I have been reading your blogs ? for about a year now, just excellent. Tony Hall, Melbourne Australia

[@Frencheezi]

Thank you for your kind words! Very motivating :) When you say you've been reading my blogs, are you referring to my website? Unfortunately I had to shut it down recently, but I plan on making a new (and improved!) one in the future. Bonne journée! :)

[@shutterchick79]

I've always enjoyed reading books while listening to the audio version at the same time. Sounds like a pleasant hour or so to me.

[@abelngopgangtchouonto7278]

Bonjour,Cindy.Bravo pour ton truc,une vraie perle.Ta façon de présenter la chose me donne envie de me mettre au travail pour de vrai.Je suis diplomé de l'université en langues(français,anglais,espagnol) et j'ai également suivi un cours d'italien(niveau moyen) il y a 14 ans de celà.Le hic est que ma compétence linguistique de l'anglais est de niveau upper intermediate(certifié)depuis au moins 20 ans tout simplement parce je n'ai jamais consenti de réels efforts pour progresser, particulièrement dans l'expression orale.J'ai commencé une carrière de traducteur freelance en ligne et je regrette beaucoup ce précieux temps passé à stagner.J'envisage de m'abonner.Merci encore pour cette vidéo.

[@PhilipCrozet888]

Bien astuce! J'irai utilise sa.

[@gabyroberts9601]

Cindy, Me encantas, todas las mañana mi esposo y yo te escuchamos y aprendemos francés contigo. Muchísimas gracias, thank you very much , merci boucoup. Pronto aprenderemos a es rib ir frances todos los dias te escucho en mi I- phone mientras hago mis cosas. Te queremos por todo lo que eres Una persona encantadora

[@Frencheezi]

Muchas gracias por sus amables palabras :)

[@korkorocansey]

Merci beaucoup, cindy

[@thistlenstar]

Good advice. I find that watching French videos and films with closed captions, rather than subtitles is very helpful, and reading out loud when you are alone is good to improve pronunciation. If a film in English has French subtitles available, that can be helpful as well. I suppose the general rule is any exposure and practice can help.

[@Frencheezi]

I agree :) I'd also add to that, listening to an audio book while simultaneously following along with the paperback / ebook version would also help improve pronunciation. I haven't tried it yet, but plan on doing so shortly with a Spanish book.

[@MeenaThomas]

Great tips !!!!

[@oluwadamilolaazeez1442]

Merci madame.

[@luissantella8621]

Very good advise all around ...!!

[@lolubusi2022]

Merci beaucoup

[@juanfaranda998]

very good thanks your tips are great bonne nuit.

[@gaston.]

super astuces, merci Cindy

[@Frencheezi]

Tout le plaisir est pour moi :)

[@binhtruong2926]

excellent points. ty that’s how i learned English as a teen.

[@bawhitham]

Salut Cindy, et merci ! Le conseil propos le dictionnaire en seulement français , c'est génial. Je n'ai jamais pensé de cette simple idée avant. Les autres conseils sont aussi bons rappels. J'écris cette note en décembre, alors à ce moment je suis en train de lire « Un chante de Noël » (conseil numéro quatre) ;^ )

[@Yorgarazgreece]

I understand what you are saying because i've been through this phase again while learning english (native Greek speaker)

[@pufulita]

Great tips!

[@edenpenalosa1334]

Thank you!

[@rafac120]

Cindy estas haciendo un exelente trabajo te lo agradesco mucho...muy buena informacion..

[@Frencheezi]

Muchas gracias por tus lindas palabras :)

[@ivyrahim5224]

Weilà Tom. My sentiments exactly. What a great video and great tips. Oh! I like the cat at the back of the couch, too. :))

[@22304abc]

Very good tips. I'm going to try speaking to myself. I'm a beginner. I've started reading short stories out loud to help improve comprehension and natural flow and accent.

[@michelgolabaigne595]

Salut Je t'ai découvert il y a 15 minutes ... !!! Merci d'être en ligne ... :) !!! Vos conseils sont excellents à une exception près ..., le dictionnaire monolingue français n'est pas similaire au dictionnaire monolingue anglais. Les définitions des termes français sont plus difficiles que le terme lui-même ... :) Je serai heureux de te suivre Je suis tombé amoureux de tes vidéos ... !!! Cordialement Michel

[@ramalsrougi]

Thank you 😍❤

[@dwlaChance]

Merci Beaucoup Cindy pour cette edition. J’ai ete coince’ dans mon appretissage du francais.

[@danielkrajger2859]

Bonjour, je aprenais françé pendant six heures et je suis trés contente, la françe, c’est un langue jolie et magnificient, merci beacoup pour ton video, il est trés bon et je suis heureuse que je puisse le regarder :)

[@azureocean8571]

Great advice! Definitely going to use them & include them in my learning! Any recommendations for good online monolingual french dictionary?

[@booksarefromheaven49]

Thank you,Cindy,for this video! I needed this. You motivate me to learn french lol :))

[@Frencheezi]

I'm really pleased to hear that! :)

[@sandie157]

I love the kitty, sooooo cute.🐈🐈 Your comments are on pointe regarding translation word for word. I find watching the cartoons and reading children's stories and reading and listening to France24 in French, excellent for leaning set phrases and French expressions. It's much better than trying to translate word for word from English...which I can attest after hundreds of attempts has proven to be a colossal failure . 😊💖

[@mariab4905]

Thank you Cindy for these tips. Im going to try to learn French. In one year I hope Im going to at least be able to speak and read basic French.

[@hash12366]

Thank you Ma'am,

[@imommtube]

So helpful and you are so nice

[@abulgasimkhater3739]

Merci, beaucoup mon professeur Cindy vous êtes le meilleur prof

[@Frencheezi]

Merci pour ce gentil commentaire, ça me fait très plaisir ! :)

[@carbugnov1952]

Ce chat qui se couche derriere la fenetre est tres mignon.

[@hemapanta4825]

Excellent work Cindy

[@Frencheezi]

Thank you very much! :)

[@butterscotch7788]

Just before looking at this, my French teacher told me to just forget about English and don't try to translate. I think I came here for validation on why I think that's so true and you've provided that deeper dive explanation. Thank you.

[@geoawgerinos3851]

Wonderful list of tips. Actually I talk to myself and I try to count, or when I use numbers, telephones etc I use always the French instead of English. Thank you so much. Chère Cindy: J'ai vous remercie...

[@edenilsondematos3919]

Awsome. I'm in from now on I'm gonna learn French and English in the same time.

[@Frencheezi]

That's great! What's your first language?

[@ivantellez9217]

I speak Spanish, a bit Portuguese and English but im very interesting in learning French , Arabic, and Hebrew

[@bito2437]

excellent tips for someone who really wants to pick up the language

[@JESUSCHRISTMYSAVIOR]

I just came across your videos and I wanted to say thank you for your help!! I'm trying not to translate it in my head. I'm going to school but I feel like everyone speaks French pretty well compared to me. It's intimidating. I shy away from any conversations because of it. I'm trying..

[@TheArtImprov]

Really liked this video! Your tips are spot on every time. Hopefully one day my French will be as good as your English :p. Cheers

[@Frencheezi]

Thank you very much for your kind words! All it takes to get fluent in a foreign language is plenty of practice. I'm sure you'll get there :)

[@ThuyLe-fv1il]

Cindy merci

[@isaidiaz1018]

Great 👍 lesson dear teacher 👩‍🏫 you’re awesome 👏

[@SDunforddesign]

Oui!! Finalement. J’espère que j’ai trouvé cet vidéo quand j’ai commencé français. Ugh. Pas grave . Alors en fin je vais continuer à appendre français. Je vous remercie pour votre vidéo. À bientôt.

[@kaila62kaila]

merci beaucoup!

[@Frencheezi]

Il n'y a pas de quoi ! :)

[@zahidiqbal11]

Good advice.

[@ndjubilant8391]

Merci bien, je suis sur le précipice entre intermédiat et avancé. Oui, je parle à moi-même, oui je pense en français et je rêve en français d'occasion.

[@malmart4188]

Great tips partickarly the mojolingual dictionary hadnt thought of that.regarding deduce/infer you could say "worked out" which would be more commonly used language.

[@Frencheezi]

Thanks for the tip :)

[@ufoufo9182]

That's what I've been doing!!! Listening to RFI and some french songs.

[@sabauvictor]

thanks so much for all your support, you're great darling!

[@Frencheezi]

You're most welcome. :)

[@sweetlikechocolate437]

Merci pour cet video.

[@Frencheezi]

De rien :)

[@rnc863]

Excellent advice. My favourite tip was to think in French when going about normal life.