A Short Introduction To Quebecois French

Celine Dion. Did you know that she speaks French? She does! She even has songs in French. That’s because she is French Canadian, born in Charlemagne, Quebec. Quebec is one of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada, and its official language is French—Québécois French to be exact.

What is Québécois French?

Québécois French is a distinct Canadian French dialect based on the regional dialects of Classical French spoken in Paris throughout the 17th and 18th century.

Is French still used in Quebec?

Absolutely. As of 2021, census data shows that 85.5% of Québécois (approximately 7.3 million people) speak French at home. Furthermore, over 90% of the population can conduct a conversation in French. The OQLF actively promotes and protects its status as the province's common language.

Québécois French Vocabulary

• good morning: bon matin (bohn mah-tahn)
• the breakfast: le déjeuner (luh day-zhuh-nay)
• the lunch: le dîner (luh dee-nay)
• the dinner: le souper (luh soo-pay)
• you’re welcome: bienvenue (bee-ehn-vuh-noo)
• a cellphone: une cellulaire (ewn sel-yoo-lair)
• it’s awesome: c’est le fun (say luh fun)
• the soccer: le soccer (luh saw-ker)
• the shoes: des souliers (day soo-lee-ay)
• a car: un char (uhn shar)
• a soda: une liqueur (ewn lee-kuhr)
• let’s go / hurry up: envoye (ahn-vwah-yay)