Learning French starts with the basics, like conjugating être—you know, “je suis,” “tu es,” and so on. But to really connect in conversations, you need those everyday expressions that native speakers use without thinking twice. They turn stiff grammar into something that flows naturally, helping you talk about your day with ease.
From my own time picking up French, I’ve seen how these little phrases make a big difference. They feel less like homework and more like tools for real life. Here are ten être expressions worth knowing, each with a quick example to show how they fit in. I’ve picked ones that pop up all the time.
5 Everyday “Être” Expressions
- Être en retard (To be late) We’ve all had those mornings. Skip the wrong “Je suis tard” and go straight to this instead—it’s spot on. Texting a friend: “Désolé, je suis en retard. La circulation était un cauchemar aujourd’hui.” (Sorry, I’m late. Traffic was a nightmare today.)
- Être d’accord (To agree) This is a go-to for nodding along in chats or plans. It keeps things smooth and positive. When someone suggests a coffee spot: “Bien sûr, je suis d’accord. Ça a l’air parfait pour nous.” (Of course, I agree. Sounds perfect for us.)
- Être en train de (To be in the middle of something) It’s like the French “-ing” form—great for describing what you’re up to right now. Phone rings while you’re busy: “Attends une seconde, je suis en train de finir ce email important.” (Hold on a sec, I’m in the middle of finishing this important email.)
- Être de retour (To be back) A clean way to say you’re home or back at it after stepping away. Works for work or weekends. After a quick errand: “Salut l’équipe, je suis de retour. Prêts à continuer ?” (Hey team, I’m back. Ready to keep going?)
- Être sûr(e) (To be sure) You say this in English all the time, and it’s just as handy here—for facts or gentle doubts. (Add “ne pas” if you’re unsure.) Checking plans: “Tu es sûr que c’est à 7 heures ? Je veux pas rater le début.” (You sure it’s at 7? I don’t want to miss the start.)
5 More “Être” Expressions You’ll Actually Use
- Être en panne (To be broken) Perfect for when gadgets or plans go wrong. It nails that “out of commission” feeling. Telling a coworker: “L’ordinateur est en panne ce matin—on passe au plan B.” (The computer’s broken this morning—let’s switch to plan B.)
- Être à l’aise (To be comfortable) Covers cozy spots or just feeling relaxed in a group. It’s all about that easy vibe. Welcoming someone over: “Installe-toi, mets-toi à l’aise. Le thé arrive tout de suite.” (Get settled, make yourself comfortable. Tea’s coming right up.)
- Être en colère (To be angry) A straightforward pick for frustration—formal enough but everyday real. Sharing a story: “Le vendeur était en colère à cause du retard, mais on s’est arrangés.” (The seller was angry about the delay, but we sorted it out.)
- Être de bonne humeur (To be in a good mood) This one’s uplifting; flip to “de mauvaise humeur” for the off days. Noticing a friend’s smile: “T’es de bonne humeur aujourd’hui—bonne nouvelle ?” (You’re in a good mood today—good news?)
- Être prêt(e) (To be ready) Your signal that it’s go-time, whether for a meeting or heading out. To a roommate: “Je suis prêt. On y va avant qu’il pleuve ?” (I’m ready. Shall we go before it rains?)
A Simple Way to Make These Yours
Ten phrases might feel like a lot at once, but ease in—pick two that match your week, like en retard if you’re always rushing or d’accord for team talks. That’s how it stuck for me: small steps, no overload.
Try saying them out loud in your routine. Like, mutter “Je suis en train de…” while making breakfast. Or weave in a silly sentence: “Mon téléphone est en panne, il refuse de charger.” Fun helps it click.
For real practice, check out Albert Learning—they do one-on-one online French sessions that are affordable and focused on chatting. It’s a solid spot to test these out with a teacher who gets the everyday side.
The key? Don’t chase perfect. Just use them till they feel natural, like chatting with an old friend. You’re on your way—bonne chance! Which one are you trying first?
