expression

expression, phrase

noun ex-preh-SYOHN Less Common

Also means

look, facial expression

Usage Note

Expression covers a set phrase (expression idiomatique), a mathematical expression, and a look on someone's face. Liberté d'expression ('freedom of expression') is a key phrase in civil-rights discourse. Une expression figée is a fixed idiom that cannot be modified without sounding strange.

Examples

"Cette expression n'a pas d'équivalent en anglais."

Natural Translation

This expression has no equivalent in English.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

Ordering Food in French: Restaurant Phrases That Work

Order food in French with confidence: greet first, say je voudrais not je veux, ask for a carafe d'eau, answer quelle cuisson, and request the bill yourself.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Noun Gender: Rules to Guess Right 80%

Guess French noun gender right 80% of the time using word endings: -age, -ment, -eau are masculine; -tion, -té, -ette are feminine. A high-yield system.

June 3, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Passé Composé vs Imparfait: When to Use Each

Passé composé tells the story; imparfait paints the scene. Use this 2-second flowchart, trigger words, and paired examples to pick the right French tense.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

Avoir or Être? Picking the Right Past-Tense Helper

Use avoir for the passé composé unless the verb is reflexive or one of ~16 DR MRS VANDERTRAMP motion verbs, which take être and force agreement.

June 4, 2026 5 min read