At the A1 beginner level, the most important thing to know about the word 'chance' is that it means 'luck' in English. It is a feminine noun, so we say 'la chance'. The two most common and useful phrases you need to memorize right away are 'Bonne chance !' and 'J'ai de la chance'. 'Bonne chance !' translates directly to 'Good luck!'. You can use this phrase to encourage a friend before a test, a job interview, or a sports game. It is polite, friendly, and very easy to remember. The second phrase, 'J'ai de la chance', means 'I am lucky'. Notice that the French use the verb 'avoir' (to have) with this word. You literally say 'I have some luck'. You cannot say 'Je suis chance', which would mean 'I am luck'. Always use the verb to have. For example, if you find a twenty euro bill on the street, you can smile and say 'J'ai de la chance !'. If your friend wins a small prize, you can tell them 'Tu as de la chance !' (You are lucky!). At this level, do not worry about complicated grammar rules. Just focus on associating the word 'chance' with positive, happy outcomes and good fortune. Remember that it is a very positive word in French. Practice saying 'Bonne chance' to your classmates when you practice speaking French together. It is a great way to build a positive learning environment while practicing a very common piece of vocabulary.
At the A2 pre-intermediate level, you are ready to expand your use of 'chance' beyond simple phrases. You already know 'avoir de la chance' (to be lucky). Now, you need to learn how to connect this idea to an action. To say you are lucky *to do* something, use the structure 'avoir de la chance de' followed by an infinitive verb. For example, 'J'ai de la chance de voyager en France' (I am lucky to travel in France) or 'Elle a de la chance d'habiter près de la plage' (She is lucky to live near the beach). Notice the preposition 'de' (or d' before a vowel) is absolutely necessary here. Another very useful expression at the A2 level is 'par chance', which means 'luckily' or 'fortunately'. You can use this at the beginning of a sentence to tell a story with a happy ending. For example, 'J'ai perdu mes clés. Par chance, mon ami était à la maison.' (I lost my keys. Luckily, my friend was at home). This is a great transition phrase that makes your spoken French sound much more natural and connected. You should also be aware of the negative form. To say you are not lucky, remember that 'de la' changes to 'de' in a negative sentence. So, 'J'ai de la chance' becomes 'Je n'ai pas de chance' (I am not lucky / I have no luck). This is a very common way to complain about a bad day or a minor problem, like missing the bus. Practicing these slightly more complex structures will significantly improve your ability to express your feelings about fortunate and unfortunate events.
At the B1 intermediate level, the focus shifts to distinguishing 'chance' from its English false friends and understanding its nuances compared to other French words. The biggest mistake B1 learners make is using 'chance' to mean 'opportunity'. If you want to say 'I didn't have the chance to read the book', you must NOT say 'Je n'ai pas eu la chance de lire le livre'. To a French person, this means you weren't *lucky* enough to read it. Instead, you must use 'l'occasion'. The correct sentence is 'Je n'ai pas eu l'occasion de lire le livre'. This distinction is critical for clear communication. You also need to understand the difference between 'la chance' (good luck) and 'le hasard' (random chance/coincidence). If you meet a friend on the street unexpectedly, it is 'par hasard' (by coincidence). If you are glad you met them because you needed to ask them a question, then it is 'une chance' (a lucky thing). At this level, you can also start using expressions like 'porter chance' (to bring good luck). For example, 'Mon grand-père m'a donné cette pièce, il dit qu'elle porte chance' (My grandfather gave me this coin, he says it brings good luck). Furthermore, you will encounter the plural form 'les chances' when talking about probability. 'Quelles sont les chances de gagner ?' means 'What are the odds/chances of winning?'. Mastering these distinctions and idiomatic expressions will make your French much more precise and culturally accurate, allowing you to tell more complex stories about fate, coincidence, and opportunity.
At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your mastery of 'chance' should encompass a wide range of idiomatic expressions, slang, and complex grammatical structures. You should comfortably use subjunctive triggers related to luck, such as 'C'est une chance que...' (It's lucky that...). For example, 'C'est une chance qu'il n'ait pas plu pendant le mariage' (It's lucky that it didn't rain during the wedding). Notice the subjunctive 'ait' is required because the phrase expresses an emotional reaction to a fact. You should also be familiar with common colloquialisms used in everyday speech to sound more like a native. Words like 'le bol', 'la veine', and 'le pot' are essential vocabulary for informal conversations. Saying 'J'ai eu un coup de bol incroyable' (I had an incredible stroke of luck) shows a high level of cultural integration. Conversely, you should know how to express bad luck using terms like 'la poisse' (J'ai la poisse en ce moment - I'm jinxed at the moment). At the B2 level, you should also be able to discuss abstract concepts involving luck, such as 'tenter sa chance' (to try one's luck/take a risk) in professional or personal contexts. For instance, 'Malgré son manque d'expérience, il a décidé de tenter sa chance et de postuler' (Despite his lack of experience, he decided to take a chance and apply). Understanding the subtle irony often employed when French people complain—'C'est bien ma chance !' (That's just my luck!)—is also crucial for grasping the tone of casual banter and storytelling among native speakers.
At the C1 advanced level, the word 'chance' is utilized as a tool for sophisticated argumentation, literary analysis, and nuanced social commentary. You are expected to navigate the philosophical implications of the word, differentiating deeply between determinism, merit, and 'le facteur chance' (the luck factor). In professional or academic debates, you might discuss how success is rarely just about hard work, but also about 'avoir la chance de son côté' (having luck on one's side) or 'saisir sa chance' (seizing one's opportunity/luck). The phrasing becomes more elegant and varied. Expressions like 'laisser sa chance au produit' (give it a chance to work/prove itself) or 'être une chance pour la France' (to be an asset/lucky addition to France, often used in political discourse regarding immigration or talent) are common in media and literature. You should also master the nuanced use of 'chance' in probabilistic contexts, employing phrases like 'il y a de fortes chances que...' followed by the subjunctive or indicative depending on the exact degree of certainty intended by the speaker, though indicative is increasingly common in modern usage (e.g., Il y a de fortes chances qu'il viendra/vienne). At this level, recognizing the irony, understatement, and cultural modesty associated with attributing success to 'chance' rather than skill is paramount. You are not just using the word; you are playing with its cultural weight to modulate your tone, express humility, or critique the unpredictable nature of societal advancement.
The French word 'chance' is a fascinating linguistic entity that frequently trips up English speakers due to its status as a partial false friend. While the English word 'chance' often denotes probability, random opportunity, or a statistical likelihood, the French noun 'la chance' overwhelmingly translates to 'luck'—specifically, good luck. When a French person says they have 'chance', they are expressing gratitude for a fortunate turn of events, a serendipitous moment, or a generally lucky disposition in life. Understanding this fundamental distinction is absolutely crucial for anyone looking to master the nuances of the French language and communicate effectively in everyday situations.
J'ai vraiment eu de la chance de trouver un appartement si rapidement dans cette ville.
In daily conversations, you will hear this word used in a multitude of contexts. From students wishing each other well before a daunting university examination to individuals recounting a miraculous escape from a traffic accident, 'chance' is the go-to vocabulary choice for expressing the concept of fortune. The cultural weight of the word is significant; the French often attribute success not just to hard work, but to a necessary sprinkle of 'chance'. This reflects a broader philosophical perspective where determinism and random good fortune walk hand in hand. Therefore, mastering the usage of this word opens up a window into the cultural mindset of the Francophone world.
- Avoir de la chance
- This is the most common verbal construction, meaning 'to be lucky'. It uses the partitive article 'de la' because luck is treated as an uncountable concept that one possesses a portion of.
- Bonne chance
- The universal well-wish, directly translating to 'good luck'. It is used exactly like its English counterpart before tests, interviews, or challenging endeavors.
Beyond the simple expression of luck, 'chance' is embedded in numerous idiomatic expressions that add color and vibrancy to the French language. For instance, the expression 'porter chance' means to bring good luck, often associated with objects like a four-leaf clover or a horseshoe. Conversely, the concept of bad luck is typically expressed by adding an adjective, such as 'malchance', or by using entirely different colloquial terms like 'la poisse'. The versatility of 'chance' allows it to be modified and adapted to suit the emotional tone of the conversation perfectly.
Ce vieux trèfle à quatre feuilles me porte toujours chance lors de mes voyages.
- Par chance
- An adverbial phrase meaning 'luckily' or 'fortunately'. It is often used at the beginning of a sentence to set a positive tone regarding an outcome that could have been negative.
It is also important to note the psychological aspect of how 'chance' is perceived. In French culture, acknowledging one's 'chance' is often a sign of humility. When praised for a significant achievement, a native speaker might modestly reply that they simply had a bit of luck, downplaying their own skill or effort. This conversational modesty relies heavily on the word 'chance' to deflect direct praise and maintain a polite, unassuming demeanor in social interactions.
Il a réussi son examen, mais il avoue que c'était un coup de chance.
Furthermore, the concept of 'chance' extends into the realm of games and gambling, known as 'les jeux de chance' or 'les jeux de hasard'. In these contexts, the word takes on a slightly more literal meaning of randomness, though the underlying hope for a positive outcome remains the dominant semantic feature. Whether you are rolling dice, buying a lottery ticket, or simply hoping that the rain holds off for your outdoor picnic, 'chance' is the invisible force that French speakers constantly reference, invoke, and celebrate in their daily lives.
La chance sourit aux audacieux, comme le dit le célèbre proverbe.
- Une chance sur deux
- A common expression indicating a fifty-fifty probability. It bridges the gap between the concept of luck and mathematical probability in everyday speech.
To truly master 'chance', one must immerse oneself in these varied contexts, observing how native speakers seamlessly weave the word into narratives of success, expressions of hope, and philosophical reflections on the unpredictable nature of existence. It is not merely a vocabulary word to be memorized, but a cultural cornerstone that shapes the very way Francophones articulate their relationship with the unknown and the fortuitous. By integrating 'chance' correctly into your active vocabulary, you will instantly sound more natural, empathetic, and culturally attuned to the nuances of the French language.
C'est une chance inouïe de pouvoir travailler avec une équipe aussi talentueuse.
Constructing sentences with the word 'chance' requires a solid understanding of French verb collocations and prepositional usage. Because 'chance' is an abstract noun, it relies heavily on specific verbs to convey meaning. The most fundamental construction is 'avoir de la chance' (to have luck). Notice the use of the partitive article 'de la'. In French, abstract qualities that you possess in unspecified quantities require partitive articles. Therefore, you do not simply say 'J'ai chance', but rather 'J'ai de la chance'. This is a foundational grammatical rule that applies to many similar nouns, such as 'courage' or 'patience'. Mastering this structure is your first step toward fluency with this word.
Nous avons de la chance qu'il ne pleuve pas aujourd'hui pour notre pique-nique.
When you want to express that someone is lucky *to do* something, the construction expands to 'avoir de la chance de + infinitive verb'. For example, 'J'ai de la chance de voyager' translates to 'I am lucky to travel'. This structure is incredibly versatile and allows you to connect the concept of luck directly to actions and experiences. It is important to remember the preposition 'de' in this context, as omitting it is a common error among English speakers who might try to directly translate the English infinitive 'to'. The French syntax is strict here: verb (avoir) + partitive (de la) + noun (chance) + preposition (de) + infinitive.
- Avoir la chance de
- Notice the shift from 'de la' to 'la'. When you are talking about a specific, defined fortunate opportunity, you use the definite article. 'J'ai eu la chance de le rencontrer' (I had the good fortune/opportunity to meet him).
- Souhaiter bonne chance
- This means 'to wish good luck'. It is followed by the preposition 'à' when indicating the person receiving the wishes: 'Je souhaite bonne chance à mon frère'.
Another highly frequent usage is the adverbial phrase 'par chance', which translates to 'luckily' or 'fortunately'. This phrase is typically used to modify an entire sentence, providing context for how an event unfolded. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma, to immediately establish the tone. For instance, 'Par chance, j'avais mon parapluie' (Luckily, I had my umbrella). This is an elegant and native-sounding alternative to using the adverb 'heureusement', and it adds a subtle nuance of serendipity to your narrative.
Par chance, le train était en retard et j'ai pu monter à bord.
When discussing objects or actions that bring luck, the verb 'porter' (to carry/wear) is utilized. The expression 'porter chance' means 'to bring luck'. It operates with an indirect object pronoun to indicate who is receiving the luck. For example, 'Ce stylo me porte chance' (This pen brings me luck). This construction is deeply embedded in French superstitions and folklore, making it a valuable phrase for cultural integration. You can also use it in the negative to describe a jinx: 'Ça porte malheur' is the opposite, but you can also say 'Ça ne porte pas chance'.
- Tenter sa chance
- Meaning 'to try one's luck' or 'to take a chance'. This is used when someone decides to take a risk in hopes of a positive outcome, such as applying for a difficult job or entering a competition.
Il a décidé de tenter sa chance et de postuler pour ce poste de directeur.
Finally, let us look at how 'chance' functions as a standalone exclamation or a simple noun phrase in dialogue. A very common reaction to hearing good news about someone else is to exclaim, 'Quelle chance !' (What luck!). This is an excellent way to show active listening and empathy in a conversation. Similarly, if someone narrowly avoids a disaster, a native speaker might simply say, 'La chance !' to express relief and astonishment at the serendipitous outcome. These short, punchy uses of the word are characteristic of natural, spoken French and are essential for achieving a conversational flow that feels authentic and unforced.
Tu pars en vacances aux Maldives ? Quelle chance !
C'est vraiment une question de chance si nous sommes arrivés à l'heure.
The word 'chance' permeates almost every facet of spoken and written French, making it an inescapable part of the linguistic landscape. You will hear it in the most mundane, everyday situations as well as in highly charged emotional moments. One of the most ubiquitous environments for this word is the educational system. From elementary school to university, students constantly exchange wishes of 'bonne chance' before exams, presentations, and competitions. The anxiety of academic performance in France is heavily mitigated by these rituals of wishing luck, establishing 'chance' as a cornerstone of student solidarity and encouragement.
Je te souhaite bonne chance pour ton entretien d'embauche demain matin.
Moving into the professional world, 'chance' continues to play a significant role, though often with a slightly different nuance. While hard work and competence are valued, professionals frequently acknowledge the role of 'chance' in securing a promotion, landing a lucrative contract, or making a serendipitous networking connection. When a colleague announces a new job opportunity, the standard response is an enthusiastic 'Quelle chance !' or 'Bonne chance pour la suite !'. It serves as a polite social lubricant, acknowledging success without inciting jealousy, by attributing a portion of the achievement to the benevolent forces of fortune.
- In Sports
- Athletes and sports commentators frequently invoke 'chance'. A ball hitting the post and bouncing in is a 'coup de chance'. Fans wish their teams 'bonne chance' before crucial matches, and post-game analyses often debate the ratio of skill to luck in the final outcome.
- At the Casino
- Naturally, environments centered around gambling are saturated with this word. Expressions like 'les jeux de chance' (games of chance) and rituals to 'attirer la chance' (attract luck) are part of the fundamental vocabulary of any casino-goer.
In the realm of arts and entertainment, 'chance' is a recurring thematic element. French cinema is replete with narratives exploring the whims of fate, where characters' lives are drastically altered by a sudden stroke of 'chance'. Romantic comedies, in particular, rely heavily on the concept of 'le hasard' (coincidence) and 'la chance' to bring lovers together. Dialogue in these films often features characters bemoaning their lack of luck ('Je n'ai jamais de chance') or celebrating a miraculous reunion. Similarly, French literature, from classic novels to contemporary poetry, frequently meditates on the unpredictable nature of human existence, employing 'chance' to represent the uncontrollable variables of life.
Dans ce film, le protagoniste compte uniquement sur sa chance pour survivre.
Everyday social interactions are perhaps the most fertile ground for encountering this word. When complaining about minor inconveniences—missing a bus, dropping a piece of toast, getting caught in the rain—French speakers often use the ironic phrase 'C'est bien ma chance !' (That's just my luck!). This self-deprecating humor is a culturally ingrained way of dealing with frustration. Conversely, when recounting a story where disaster was narrowly averted, the narrative almost always climaxes with 'Par chance...' (Luckily...), highlighting the relief of the speaker. These conversational patterns demonstrate how deeply embedded the concept of luck is in the French psychological makeup.
- Everyday Complaints
- Expect to hear 'Je n'ai pas de chance' (I have no luck) when someone is experiencing a string of minor misfortunes. It is a standard expression of temporary defeat.
Il s'est mis à pleuvoir juste au moment où nous sommes sortis, c'est bien ma chance !
Finally, the concept of 'chance' is heavily commercialized in France. The national lottery, 'La Française des Jeux', heavily markets the idea of 'tenter sa chance' (trying one's luck). Advertisements for scratch cards, lotteries, and betting platforms constantly utilize the vocabulary of fortune. Walking past a 'tabac' (tobacco shop) in any French town, you will see promotional materials urging passersby to seize their 'chance'. This commercial visibility ensures that the word remains at the forefront of the public consciousness, reinforcing its status as a ubiquitous, highly recognizable, and emotionally potent element of the French vocabulary.
Des millions de Français jouent au loto chaque semaine en espérant que la chance tournera.
Donne-moi une dernière chance de te prouver que j'ai changé.
The most pervasive and frustrating mistake English speakers make with the French word 'chance' stems from its status as a partial false friend. In English, 'chance' frequently means 'opportunity' or 'possibility'. For example, an English speaker might say, 'I didn't have the chance to visit the museum'. A direct, literal translation into French yields: 'Je n'ai pas eu la chance de visiter le musée'. While this is a grammatically correct French sentence, the meaning is entirely different. To a French ear, this sentence implies, 'I wasn't lucky enough to visit the museum' (perhaps because tickets were magically sold out or a lightning strike prevented entry). It conveys a lack of luck, not a lack of time or opportunity. This fundamental misunderstanding leads to constant miscommunications.
Incorrect meaning: Je n'ai pas eu la chance de le faire (meaning 'I didn't have time/opportunity').
To correct this widespread error, learners must consciously rewire their vocabulary associations. When you want to express 'opportunity' in French, you should use the words 'l'occasion' or 'l'opportunité' (though 'occasion' is far more common in everyday speech). If you mean you didn't have the time, simply use 'le temps'. Therefore, the correct translation for 'I didn't have the chance to visit the museum' is 'Je n'ai pas eu l'occasion de visiter le musée' or 'Je n'ai pas eu le temps de visiter le musée'. Reserving 'chance' strictly for situations involving luck, fortune, or serendipity will instantly elevate your French from a translated English thought process to authentic Francophone expression.
- Chance vs. Occasion
- Chance = Luck (Good fortune). Occasion = Opportunity (A favorable time or circumstance to do something).
- Chance vs. Hasard
- Chance implies a positive outcome (good luck). Hasard implies pure randomness, coincidence, or unpredictability without an inherently positive or negative value.
Another frequent grammatical stumbling block involves the use of articles. Because 'chance' is an abstract noun denoting a concept rather than a countable object, it requires the partitive article when expressing possession of it. English speakers often say 'I have luck', which might tempt a literal translation of 'J'ai chance'. This is grammatically incorrect in French. You must use the partitive article 'de la' to indicate that you possess 'some' of this uncountable concept. Thus, the only correct formulation is 'J'ai de la chance'. Forgetting this small but mighty 'de la' immediately marks the speaker as a beginner and disrupts the natural rhythm of the sentence.
Correct usage: Il a beaucoup de chance dans la vie.
Furthermore, confusion often arises when translating the English phrase 'by chance'. English speakers frequently default to 'par chance'. While 'par chance' exists in French, it translates specifically to 'luckily' or 'fortunately'. If you mean 'by chance' in the sense of a random coincidence (e.g., 'I met him by chance'), the correct French expression is 'par hasard'. Using 'par chance' in this context changes the meaning from a neutral coincidence to a specifically fortunate event. For example, 'Je l'ai rencontré par chance' means 'Luckily, I met him', whereas 'Je l'ai rencontré par hasard' means 'I bumped into him randomly'. Distinguishing between these two phrases is vital for accurate storytelling.
- Par chance
- Means 'luckily' or 'fortunately'. It has a strongly positive connotation.
Il n'y a qu'une chance sur un million que cela se produise.
Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the negative construction. To say 'I am unlucky' or 'I don't have luck', the negative surrounds the verb, and the partitive article 'de la' changes to simply 'de' (or d' before a vowel) due to the absolute negation rule in French grammar. Therefore, 'J'ai de la chance' becomes 'Je n'ai pas de chance'. It is incorrect to say 'Je n'ai pas de la chance'. This is a standard rule for negating partitive articles, but the frequency with which 'chance' is used makes it a highly visible arena for this particular grammatical error. Mastering this negative transformation is essential for complaining about your misfortune like a true Parisian.
Aujourd'hui, je n'ai vraiment pas de chance avec les transports en commun.
C'est un manque de chance évident qui a causé notre défaite.
To truly enrich your French vocabulary, it is essential to explore the constellation of words that orbit the concept of 'chance'. While 'chance' is the most common and versatile term for luck, the French language offers a variety of synonyms and related concepts that allow for more precise and nuanced expression. The most crucial distinction to master is between 'chance' and 'hasard'. As previously mentioned, 'chance' carries an inherently positive connotation; it is good luck. 'Le hasard', on the other hand, refers to pure chance, coincidence, or randomness. It is the neutral force of probability. When you roll a die, the outcome is determined by 'le hasard'. If you win the game, you have 'de la chance'. Understanding this philosophical and linguistic boundary is key to sounding like a native speaker.
Le hasard fait bien les choses, mais un peu de chance aide toujours.
When seeking alternatives for the false-friend translation of 'opportunity', the primary candidates are 'l'occasion' and 'l'opportunité'. 'Une occasion' is the most natural and frequent translation for a chance to do something, representing a favorable moment or circumstance. For example, 'C'est une bonne occasion d'apprendre' (It's a good chance/opportunity to learn). 'Une opportunité' is slightly more formal and is often used in professional or strategic contexts, though its usage has broadened under the influence of English. Reserving 'chance' for luck and utilizing 'occasion' for opportunities will immediately solve the most common translation errors made by learners.
- La veine
- A highly colloquial synonym for 'chance'. 'Avoir de la veine' means to be very lucky. It literally translates to 'having a vein', possibly referencing a vein of gold or good fortune.
- Le bol
- Another very common slang term for luck. 'Avoir du bol' or 'C'est du bol' are expressions you will hear constantly in informal, everyday French among friends.
Diving deeper into the informal register, French boasts several colorful slang terms for luck that are essential for comprehending casual conversation. 'Le pot' is another peculiar yet ubiquitous term. 'Avoir du pot' means to be lucky. The origins of these slang terms are often obscure, but their usage is incredibly widespread. If a friend miraculously finds a parking spot in crowded Paris, you wouldn't say 'Tu as de la chance' (which sounds a bit formal between close friends); you would enthusiastically exclaim, 'Quel coup de bol !' or 'T'as du pot !'. Familiarizing yourself with these colloquialisms adds an invaluable layer of authenticity to your spoken French.
Il a eu un de ces coups de chance en trouvant ce billet de banque par terre.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, when discussing bad luck, the vocabulary shifts. The direct antonym is 'la malchance' (bad luck). Someone who is chronically unlucky is described as 'malchanceux' (unlucky). In slang, bad luck is often referred to as 'la poisse' (a jinx or persistent bad luck) or 'la guigne'. When a French person experiences a series of unfortunate events, they might groan, 'J'ai la poisse !'. Understanding these antonyms and their respective registers allows you to express the full spectrum of fortune, from miraculous windfalls to frustrating jinxes, with precision and cultural appropriateness.
- La fortune
- A more literary or formal synonym for luck or fate. While it can mean wealth, in phrases like 'les caprices de la fortune' (the whims of fate), it functions similarly to an elevated form of 'chance'.
C'est un homme très chanceux, la chance lui sourit dans toutes ses entreprises.
In conclusion, while 'chance' is the cornerstone of expressing luck in French, it does not exist in a vacuum. It is surrounded by formal synonyms like 'fortune', neutral concepts like 'hasard', crucial alternatives like 'occasion', and a rich tapestry of slang including 'bol', 'veine', and 'pot'. By mapping out this vocabulary network, learners can move beyond simple, one-to-one translations and begin to select the perfect word for the specific context, register, and emotional tone of their interactions. This nuanced approach is the hallmark of advanced language proficiency and cultural fluency, transforming a simple vocabulary lesson into a deeper understanding of the Francophone worldview.
Ne laisse pas passer cette chance unique de changer ta vie.
Avec un peu de chance, nous arriverons avant la tombée de la nuit.
Example
In context, `chance` expresses: luck, chance.
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This Word in Other Languages
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acheter
A2Primary meaning: to buy.
actuel
A2Primary meaning: current, present.
actuellement
A2Primary meaning: currently, nowadays.
affaire
A2Primary meaning: business, matter, deal.
ancien
A2Primary meaning: former, old.
annoyer
A2Primary meaning: to annoy.
assister
A2Primary meaning: to attend.
attendre
A2Primary meaning: to wait.
audience
A2Primary meaning: hearing, formal meeting.
avertir
A2Primary meaning: to warn, notify.