French can be difficult to learn: The grammar is often different than in English, and correct pronunciation is key to mastering this Romance language. But learning basic terms can help. This list contains varied terms such as auparavant (beforehand), égard (exhausted), and toucher (to touch). You might know this last term by its pronunciation: "too shay," a term anyone who has read the novel ​"The Three Musketeers" or seen a movie with swashbuckling swordfights will readily recognize.

The Top 25

Each French term on this list is followed its pronunciation in parentheses, and then its definition. Some of the words provide links to web pages that provide ​more complete explanations, background information, and even tips on how to conjugate the words where appropriate.