Why learning French feels hard : 3 beliefs that you probably have.

French is hard. Let’s be real—you’re probably gonna feel like it sucks and wonder why you even started learning it. If you've learned French in a classroom with endless lists of words and endless conjugation drills that seem to disappear the moment you hear a native speaker...well, you're not alone. I would’ve given up too! 😅

Why does English seem so much easier?

Let’s admit it—most of you reading this are probably not native English speakers. Yet here you are, reading and understanding English just fine. So why does learning French feel so different?

One reason is that, as non-natives, most of us are fluent in "international English"—a version of English we use with each other around the world. It’s straightforward, has a smaller vocabulary, and is easy to pick up and use. French, on the other hand? There’s no “international French” yet; there’s just the one version from your textbook—complex and nuanced, and actually far from the authentic spoken French of each francophone country. French as lots of rules, and exceptions to the rules and that makes it harder, even for us native French speakers. So, trust me: we get the struggle.

Fancy, complicated : long live the stereotypes

French has a global image that doesn’t help its accessibility. France and the French language are associated with style, class, and even a hint of superiority.
Movies, fashion icons, and the classic “French attitude” all feed into this image. People see the French as a bit snooty or stubborn when it comes to speaking a foreign language. We're known as the people who suck at English.
And yes, this stereotype can make French feel like an exclusive club with strict membership rules. However, it is an incredibly beautiful language with an incredibly rich cultural variety that, for some part, you can only access if you actually speak French. Even though it might take you time to master French and feel confident using the language, especially around rude natives, it is worth it.

Why does spoken French feel impossible?

This one isn’t just a stereotype—it’s real. Spoken French is like a different animal from the written version!
Liaisons between words blur sounds together, weak stress patterns make it sound flat, and native speakers love to shorten or cut words altogether.
It’s no wonder so many learners feel like spoken French is incomprehensible!
This is where learning with a native teacher and practicing regularly with audio or video that genuinely interests you makes all the difference.

Why it’s worth it

French may take time, but it's worth the effort. Stick with it, and you’ll unlock a whole world of content, culture, and connections. And yes, even those "too chic to care" French speakers will warm up to you if you show you’re willing to learn.
Languages are open doors towards each other. After mastering French, Spanish and Italian will feel like the easiest piece for knowledge ever! Your multilingual journey knows no end!