15 Famous French Quotes and Their Meanings : 2024

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France is a charismatic nation that is markedly filled with beautiful tourist spots, mouth-watering foods, and skydiving. In addition, France is well known for its famous French quotes and has had numerous inspirational French quotes passed on for centuries by great French novelists and philosophers like Victor Hugo, Moliere, and George. Finally, this article emphasis the famous quotes in French with English translation.

Here are the 15 famous French quotes and their meanings.

France is a place with remarkably cherish able life. Also, it has given us a few famous French quotes comprised of deep sense, proverbs, knowledge, wisdom, and sayings on life that will resonate with people all around the world.

Famous French quotes on life.

1. Je pense, donc je suis.
-Rene Descartes

Translation: I think, therefore, I am

Meaning: In a word, this phrase elucidates that you are what you think. For example, if you are a doubtful person who misjudges your own abilities, you will become the same person in real life. In short, If you think you are weak, you will be weak.

2. Le bonheur fuit celui qui le cherche
–Jean-Benjamin de La Borde

Translation: Happiness flees away from the one who seeks it.

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Meaning: In brief, this phrase elucidates that one who runs behind happiness will end up suffering. Since happiness is something that comes from within and not from outside. Finally, this quote inspires us to stop looking for happiness outside and reflect upon self.

3. A vaincre sans peril, on triomphe sans gloire.
-Pierre Corneille

Translation: A victory without a risk, is a triumph with no glory.

Meaning: Basically, this quote means that anything achieved easily will never be valued. For example, a peace established through lots of hardship will be cherished and glorified than one which is gained without any hardship.

4. Il faut bonne mémoire après au’on a menti.
-Pierre Corneille

Translation: One who lies should have a good memory.

Meaning: This phrase elucidates that a liar should always keep note of the words he speaks in order to be safe and not caught. Further, it motivates us to speak the truth. Finally, Truth alone can fill our hearts with courage and no fear of getting caught.

5. Qui craint de souffrir, il souffre déjà de ce qu’il craint.
-La Fontaine

Translation: A person who fears suffering, is already suffering that which he fears.

Meaning: Firstly, this phrase means that a one who is scared of suffering is already suffering from its fear. Further, the phrase motivates us not to be afraid of anything and face our life with a challenging spirit.

6. Il vaut mieux faire que dire.
-Alfred de Musset

Translation: Doing is better than saying.

Meaning: This phrase elucidates that instead of telling people about his/her plans and one should put them in action. In short, it says that one should stop adding words and add actions to his plan for the future. This phrase is similar to an Indian quote “Helping hands are better than the praying lips”- Mother Teressa.

Famous quotes in French with English translation

Undeniably, France is well known as a land of love. Above all, it has given the world beautiful love stories like Paris-Manhattan, La Délicatesse(“Delicacy”), Les Parapluies de Cherbourg(“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”), Les Émotifs anonymes (“Romantics Anonymous”), and many more. Here are a few famous French quotes of love. It also includes quotes in French with English translations.

Famous French quotes of love

7. Il n’y a qu’un bonheur dans la vie, c’est d’aimer et d’être aimé.
-George Sand

Translation: The only happiness in life is ” to love and to be loved”.

Meaning: In short, this famous French Quote elucidates that life is all about loving and being loved. It also interprets that a life without love in it is not a life to live. In a word, it motivates us to spread love and not hate.

8. Choisissez votre femme par l’oreille bien plus que par les yeux.
-French proverb

Translation: choose your woman by the ear and not by eyes.

Meaning: This Quote is most important for all the youth. It generally speaks about choosing a woman/ better half of our lives. The proverb states that one should choose a wife not by looking at her external beauty but by her attitude to heed and reciprocate your love with a true soul.

9. Un seul être vous manque et tout est dépeuplé.
-Alphonse de Lamartine

Translation: At times, the absence of one person, makes the whole world look depopulated.

Meaning: In summary, it elucidates the feeling of being away from our loved ones. When a person is away from his/her loved ones, he starts feeling alone even in the midst of the crowd. Moreover, this is one of my favorite quotes that perfectly illustrates what love is.

10. Le prix d’Amour, c’est seulement Amour… Il faut aimer si l’on veut etre aimé…
–Honoré d’Urfé

Translation: The price of love is only love. You must love if you want to be loved.

Meaning: In a word, this phrase speaks about unconditional love, stating that true love is priceless and it can be bought only by another true love.

Popular quotes in French with English translation

To begin with, France is a country known for its magnificent cultural arts and literature. Also, It has given the world a few famous artists like Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and many more. Therefore, Let’s have a look at famous French quotes about art. Also famous French quotes with English translations.

Famous French quotes about Arts:

11. On ne voit bien qu’avec le coeur.
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Translation: We see the world with heart.

Meaning: In short, this Famous French quotes speaks about the artistic point of view of an artist. It elucidates that a true artist sees the world with the heart rather than his eyes. That is, an artist looks for life, love, and inspiration in everything he sees.

12. Ècrire, c’est une façon de parler sans être interrompu.
-Jules Renard

Translation: Writing is a way of speaking without being interrupted.

Meaning: In short, this phrase elucidates that writing is an inevitable way of speaking your mind without the fear of being interrupted. Furthermore, it is the sole way to reach people, motivate and inspire them and fill their lives with love, happiness, and Enlightenment.

13. Un peuple malheureux fait les grands artistes.
-Alfred de Musset

Translation: Unhappy people make great artists.

Meaning: In sum, this phrase emphasizes that a broken heart and an unhappy soul sees the world in a unique way, which makes them great artist.

14. Le monde est un livre dont chaque pas nous ouvre une page.
-Alphonse de Lamartine

Translation: The world is a book, each step of which opens a page for us.

Meaning: In short, the phrase elucidates that every decision make, every turn you take in life will lead you to a new journey and make you a new version of yourself.

15. Imaginer c’est choisir.
-Jean Giono

Translation: To imagine is to choose.

Meaning: Firstly, people are scared to dream big. Besides, they look down on themselves with low self-esteem and lack of confidence. As I have noted in the translation, this phrase emphasizes that people should dare to dream and act upon their goals.

Learning Benefits

Learning French has several benefits ranging from comprehensible advantages to cultural enrichment and professional opportunities. Here are some key benefits:

Cognitive Benefits

Enhanced Cognitive Function: Learning a new language like French improves memory, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.
Better Multitasking: Bilingual workers can switch between tasks more efficiently, as knowing more languages enhances flexibility.
Improved Attention and Concentration: Language learning improves your ability to concentrate.

Educational Benefits

Higher Academic Achievement: It has been observed that students who study a second language perform better in standardized tests, including verbal and math sections.

Professional Benefits

Career Opportunities: Proficiency in French can open job opportunities in international organizations, diplomacy, tourism, and translation.
Business Advantages: Speaking French can facilitate business relations with French-speaking countries in Europe, Africa, and Canada.
Increased Salary Potential: Multitasking employees often earn higher salaries.

Cultural Benefits

Travel: Speaking French can enrich travel experiences in French-speaking countries, allowing for a better understanding of the culture.
Cultural Awareness: Learning French provides insights into the customs, traditions, and history of French-speaking countries promoting cultural sensitivity and global awareness.

Educational and Cognitive Development in Kids

Enhanced Cognitive Development: Children who learn a second language show greater cognitive development and creativity.
Improved Academic Performance: Bilingual children often perform better academically and have a higher capacity for learning different subjects.

Mastering French Language with Top French Language Courses

Famous French quotes have inspired many people from all over the world to start learning and speaking the French language. They have a unique style of inspiring people to learn the French Language due to their poetic, philosophical, and profound nature such as:

Romantic and Poetic Appeal
Philosophical and Intellectual approaches will attract many listeners
Cultural and Historical Significance
Inspirational and Motivational Quotes
Linguistic and Artistic Beauty

The various French Quotes inspire people with different natures and beliefs. They depict the rich cultural, historical, and intellectual of the French-speaking world. Thus, inspires people to learn the French language. Other than personal choice, the French Language is now an international language that is widely used for international relations, business, trade and transactions.

Explore and pursue French Language Courses from top French Academies with conversation classes and expert language trainers like Henry Harvin.

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To begin with, Henry Harvin Language Academy assists Language Professionals in reaching their full potential by empowering them. Furthermore, HH’s French language course is designed to assist students in understanding subjects and lexis. Moreover, It will help you master grammatical ideas and improve your French skills and fluency. Finally, after the course completion, you’ll be able to compose a range of texts.

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Career Benefits

Learning French can significantly enhance career prospects and offer a variety of professional advantages. Here are some of the key career benefits of knowing French:

1. Expanded Job Opportunities

International Organizations: Proficiency in French is often a prerequisite for positions in international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, the International Red Cross, and many NGOs.
Multinational Corporations: Many global companies, especially those based in French-speaking countries or with operations in those regions, value employees who can speak French.
Tourism and Hospitality: The ability to speak French is highly valued in the tourism industry, enhancing opportunities in hotels, travel agencies, tour companies, and airlines.

2. Enhanced Business Relations

Trade and Commerce: Knowing French facilitates smoother business transactions and negotiations.
Networking: Being able to communicate in French allows for stronger professional relationships and networking opportunities.

3. Increased Salary Potential

Higher Earnings: Bilingual employees often command higher salaries and better promotional opportunities.

French Job Roles

Translation and Interpretation
Education and Teaching
Customer Service.

4. Freelancing and Remote Work

Freelance Opportunities: With the rise of remote work, freelance opportunities for French language professionals in writing, translation, marketing, and consulting have increased.
Online Teaching and Tutoring– Demand for Online French Teaching and Tutors.

Conclusion

Hope you all loved the famous French quotes and their meanings. firstly, the quotes are divided into three categories that is, quotes on life, love, and Art. However, every quote is beautiful in its own sense. As I have noted above in quote 14 & 15, try to dream big and walk through life with courage accepting every path taken as a new journey to become a better version of yourself. Finally, if you are interested in learning French, please go through the links provided in the article. – au revoir (bye)

FAQs

Q1. Is the French language easy for Indians to learn?

Ans. French is not a difficult language to learn. In fact, there are several aspects of the language which make it easier than the English Language.

Q2. Can we learn French in three months?

Ans. Yes, you can learn French in three months. However, for fluency, you need to spend more time on it.

Q3. Why should you learn French?

Ans. As per the OIF report, French is the second most studied language and stands third in place at the business. So, learning French unlocks several opportunities.

Q4. Which part of India speaks French?

Ans. The union territory of Puducherry and Chandannagar subdivision of West Bengal state speaks French.

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