Coucou les amis
If you have been looking for a simple French vocabulary learning tip that actually works in real life, I have a lovely one to share with you today.
Every winter, I remember just how frileuse I am. I get cold right to my bones, and even with le chauffage on full blast, you will often find me wrapped up at my desk wishing I were in the south of France again.
Recently, during one particularly icy morning, I had a little éclair de génie that helped me stay warm and inspired a fresh way to grow my vocabulary at the same time.
I decided to sit on my electric blanket! Of course, this tiny act of self-care set off one of my favourite language-learning habits. The moment I realised I did not know the everyday French word for “electric blanket”, I had to look it up straight away. I cannot stand it when a missing word nags at me all day.
Like many language lovers, I always check several trusted sources. I reach for my Collins-Robert dictionary, then cross-check Collins online, Reverso-Context, Deepl and WordReference. But there is one method I adore above all others, especially for items we use in daily life.
I shop online for my vocabulary.
Why shopping online boosts your French vocabulary
Shopping online has become one of my favourite discoveries and it is a brilliant French vocabulary learning tip for anyone who enjoys picking up language in a natural way.
1. It feels fun, not formal
Scrolling a website does not feel like studying and it is completely free.
2. You have endless categories
Whether you are looking for bedding, tools, clothes or kitchen gadgets, you will find them all.
3. Shops use the most up-to-date language
Retailers adopt new product names long before dictionaries do, so you learn the real words French people use.
4. Images help you double-check
You can instantly confirm that the item and vocabulary match.
5. Product descriptions give bonus vocabulary
You pick up extra words and expressions naturally while comparing items.
Some of my favourite sites for word shopping include Les Galeries Lafayette, La Redoute and Amazon.fr. If you are after baby clothing vocabulary, Petit Bateau is perfect, and for home decor terms La Redoute is always inspiring.
This technique turns vocabulary building into a treasure hunt. It is practical, visual and enjoyable.
A festive extra: the French Christmas Countdown
Since we are heading into the festive season, here is something special to enjoy alongside your new vocabulary-shopping habit. On 3 December our French Christmas Countdown begins. For twelve days, you will receive small daily treats designed to help you sound more French in the run-up to Christmas, all building towards our online Fête de Noël on 14 December.
If you would like to join us, you can find all the details >>here.
Try the trick yourself
Next time a word slips your mind, this French vocabulary learning tip will turn your search into a mini treasure hunt rather than a chore. You will be amazed by how memorable vocabulary becomes when you see it in context and enjoy discovering it as part of everyday life.
À très bientôt,
Frannie x
P.S. Wondering how to say “electric blanket”? Check out my vocab list below!
French vocabulary from this post
un éclair de génie = a flash of genius
une vague de froid = a cold snap
Vous savez, je suis très frileuse = You know, I get cold very easily
le chauffage = the heating
une couverture chauffante = an electric blanket
mes fesses = my bottom
Pssst!
The 12-Day French Christmas Countdown starts very soon! From 3rd December, enjoy twelve days of fun, practical French to get you in the holiday spirit. Expect pronunciation tips, vocabulary, mini challenges, and plenty of festive cheer! It’s perfect for all levels and designed to help you sound more French this Christmas.
Oh what a good idea!! I’ll definitely do that…😃
So glad you like it! Where will you shop first???
What an inspired idea – I’m definitely going to try this! Thanks
Yay! Any idea where you’ll shop first? If you live in France, saving the junk mail shop brochures is a great idea too – you can discover all sorts of new vocabulary in them!