Unit 1 · Lesson 1
Quebec Vocabulary
Quebec French has hundreds of words and expressions that differ from standard French. These aren't errors: they're a distinct and living variety of French. This lesson covers the most common vocabulary differences you'll encounter in Quebec.
Quick comparison
| Quebec | Standard | English |
|---|---|---|
| fin de semaine | weekend | weekend |
| magasinage | shopping | shopping |
| dépanneur | épicerie de proximité | convenience store |
| tuque | bonnet de laine | winter hat |
| char | voiture | car |
| pogner | attraper / réussir | to catch / succeed |
| jaser | bavarder | to chat |
| tantôt | tout à l'heure / plus tard | earlier / later |
| virer | tourner | to turn |
| placoter | bavarder | to gossip / chat |
| courriel | ||
| stationnement | parking | parking lot |
| chum | petit ami | boyfriend |
| blonde | petite amie | girlfriend |
| niaiseux/se | idiot / stupide | silly, dumb |
| gossant(e) | agaçant(e) | annoying |
Quebec vocabulary flashcards
1 / 15
French
fin de semaine
tap to flip
English
weekend: le weekend (standard)
On se voit en fin de semaine?: See you this weekend?
0 of 15 learned
Why does Quebec French differ?
French was established in Quebec in the 17th century and then developed largely in isolation after Britain took control of New France in 1763. This means Quebec French preserved features of 17th-century French that disappeared in France, while also evolving on its own path. Centuries of proximity to English-speaking North America also produced calques — words borrowed from English and adapted into French (like stationnement from "station"). Far from being degraded French, Quebec French is a rich and fully functional variety recognized by linguists worldwide.
Match the Quebec word to its English meaning
0 / 6 matched
Click a French word, then click its English match.
Choose the Quebec French word
1 / 5
Hint: Quebec word for 'voiture' (car)
Do you have a car tonight, or are you staying home?
Quebec vocabulary quiz
1 / 8
Which Quebec French word means 'car'?