So the other day I was texting this French pal about vacation plans, and man did I embarrass myself. I typed out “F-R-A-N-C-E” like always, thinking that’s how it’s spelled everywhere. Boy was I wrong! She replied asking why I spelled it in English. Wait what? There’s a French way to spell France? My brain froze. Seriously thought she was messing with me.
The “Duh” Moment
Grabbed my laptop feeling like a total newb. Googled “how french people write france” – felt kinda stupid just typing that. First hit was this language forum where some dude was roasting folks like me. Saw the answer right there:
- “France” in French is… “France”.
- Yes, same dang letters.
- BUT you pronounce it “frahns” like “ahh” not “ants” like insects
Oh. My. God. Slapped my forehead so hard. I’d been pronouncing it with hard “A” like an idiot this whole time? Bruh.
Practiced mumbling “Frahns” alone in my kitchen like a weirdo. Felt unnatural at first. Said “Paa-ree” for Paris forever too – turns out it’s “Pah-ree”. Double facepalm.
Real Talk Practice
Tried using it when ordering croissants at that fancy bakery downtown. Cashier guy’s eyebrow shot up when I said “I visited Frahns last summer”. He nodded slow like “finally someone gets it”. Small victory!
Got cocky and attempted “Je viens de Frahns” (I’m from France) to my patient French friend later. She cracked up but said “très bien!” with actual surprise. Felt like graduating kindergarten but hey, progress.
Biggest takeaway? Some words hide in plain sight. Sounds obvious now, but until you actually say/write something correctly to a native speaker? You never REALLY know. Also French pronunciation fights you every step of the way. Respect.
Still practicing “croissant” without sounding like I’m choking though. Baby steps people, baby steps.
