Meaning
Offer guidance or recommendations to someone.
Cultural Background
In France, giving advice is often part of a 'débat' (debate). People might give you advice just to start a conversation about different possibilities. Quebecers might use 'donner des trucs' (giving tricks/tips) more frequently in casual settings than 'donner des conseils'. Respect for elders means that 'donner des conseils' is a serious social duty for older people and a learning opportunity for the young. Similar to France, but the tone can be slightly more modest. You might hear 'Je peux vous donner un petit conseil ?' to soften the approach.
Use the plural
While 'un conseil' is fine, 'des conseils' sounds more natural for general help.
Avoid 'Faire'
Never say 'faire des conseils'. It's a classic beginner mistake.
Meaning
Offer guidance or recommendations to someone.
Use the plural
While 'un conseil' is fine, 'des conseils' sounds more natural for general help.
Avoid 'Faire'
Never say 'faire des conseils'. It's a classic beginner mistake.
Softening the advice
Start with 'Si j'étais toi...' (If I were you) before giving the advice to sound more polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'donner'.
Ma mère me ________ toujours des conseils.
'Ma mère' is the third person singular (elle), so the verb ends in -e.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct way to say 'I give him advice'.
In French, 'à lui' becomes the indirect object pronoun 'lui' and goes before the verb.
Match the situation with the type of advice.
Match the following:
These are the standard professional pairings for giving advice.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Je ne sais pas quoi faire. B: Attends, je vais ________.
This is the most natural way to offer help in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMa mère me ________ toujours des conseils.
'Ma mère' is the third person singular (elle), so the verb ends in -e.
Select the correct way to say 'I give him advice'.
In French, 'à lui' becomes the indirect object pronoun 'lui' and goes before the verb.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard professional pairings for giving advice.
A: Je ne sais pas quoi faire. B: Attends, je vais ________.
This is the most natural way to offer help in this context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt is masculine: un conseil {le|m}.
Yes, if you are giving exactly one specific tip.
'Conseil' is a suggestion for action; 'avis' is just an opinion.
You say 'J'ai besoin de conseils'.
It is neutral. It works with friends and at work.
Related Phrases
conseiller
similarTo advise (verb)
prodiguer des conseils
specialized formTo lavish advice
suivre un conseil
contrastTo follow advice
un conseiller
builds onAn advisor
demander des conseils
contrastTo ask for advice
