Why Are French Prepositions So Tricky?
Prepositions might be small, but they can cause big headaches for French learners. In English, we don’t usually think twice about using words like to, in, on, or for, but in French, these tiny words carry a lot of weight, and they don’t always match up neatly with their English equivalents.
Take chez, for example. How do you translate that? Sometimes it means at someone’s house, other times at the doctor’s, or even in the world of. And what about the difference between en and dans – both of which can mean in? Or how depuis, pendant, and dès can all relate to time, but in very different ways?
That’s why I’ve created a series of lessons focused on one preposition at a time—each with clear explanations, simple examples, and cultural notes when needed. This list includes the prepositions I’ve already covered, plus a few more you’ll definitely come across.
French Prepositions with English Equivalents
- à – to, at, in
- après – after
- autour de – around
- avant – before
- avec – with
- chez – at the home of, at (someone’s place), among
- contre – against
- dans – in, inside
- de – of, from
- depuis – since, for (a duration)
- dès – as soon as, from
- durant – during
- en – in, into, by (transport)
- entre – between
- envers – toward (figurative: attitude or feeling)
- jusque – until, up to
- malgré – despite, in spite of
- par – by, through
- parmi – among
- pendant – during, for (a time period)
- pour – for, in order to
- sans – without
- selon – according to
- sur – on, about
- sauf – except
- vers – toward (directional)
Learning French prepositions can feel overwhelming at first, but with time and practice, they’ll start to feel more natural. These little words are used constantly in conversation, reading, and writing, so getting comfortable with them will help you sound more fluent and express yourself with greater ease.
Take your time, revisit the lessons when needed, and trust the process. You’re building a strong foundation for your French—and every preposition you learn is one step closer to confidence.
Bon courage et bon apprentissage!
Download A Free Lesson Guide – French Prepositions
Learn French From A to Z At Your Own Pace!
