Boost Your French Skills with These New Year's Resolutions

As the new year gets underway, it's the perfect time to set some goals and make some positive changes in your life. If you're learning French or planning to visit a French-speaking country, you may be wondering how to express your resolutions in this elegant and expressive language.

Well, fear not, because we've got you covered! In this article, we'll explore some common constructions and vocabulary used to make New Year's resolutions in French, as well as provide some examples of typical French resolutions to inspire you.

Whether you're looking to improve your French skills, travel more, or simply be more organized, there are many potential resolutions you can make for the coming year. By using the right constructions and vocabulary, you can express your resolutions clearly and effectively in French. So, if you're ready to make the most of the new year, let's get started!

Word Construction

When it comes to making resolutions in French, there are several common constructions you can use, such as:

Je vais + infinitive

• Je vais apprendre à cuisiner de nouveaux plats (I'm going to learn how to cook new dishes)
• Je vais me mettre à la méditation (I'm going to start meditating)

J'ai l'intention de + infinitive

• J'ai l'intention de m'inscrire à un club de lecture (I intend to join a book club)
• J'ai l'intention de déménager dans un nouvel appartement (I intend to move to a new apartment)

Je vais essayer de + infinitive

• Je vais essayer de faire du tri dans mes affaires (I'm going to try to declutter)
• Je vais essayer de m'impliquer davantage dans ma communauté (I'm going to try to get more involved in my community)

Je veux + infinitive

• Je veux apprendre à jouer d'un instrument de musique (I want to learn how to play a musical instrument)
• Je veux me mettre au jardinage (I want to start gardening)

Il faut que je + subjunctive

• Il faut que je travaille sur mon estime de moi (I must work on my self-esteem)
• Il faut que je prenne des vacances (I must take a vacation)

With these constructions in your back pocket, you'll be able to express your resolutions with confidence and clarity in French. But what about the actual resolutions themselves? Here are a few examples of typical French New Year's resolutions to help get you started:

French New Year's resolutions

• Je vais arrêter de procrastiner (I'm going to stop procrastinating)
• J'ai l'intention de me mettre au yoga. Je vais essayer de pratiquer tous les jours (I intend to start practicing yoga. I'm going to try to do it every day)
• Je dois apprendre à gérer mon stress (I must learn how to manage my stress)
• Je veux être plus charitable et faire du bénévolat (I want to be more charitable and volunteer)
• Il faut que j'apprenne à écouter plus attentivement (I must learn to listen more attentively)
• Je voudrais apprendre une langue étrangère (I would like to learn a foreign language)
• J'ai l'intention de me mettre à la musique et de prendre des cours de chant (I intend to start playing music and take singing lessons)
• Je vais me mettre à la diète végétarienne (I'm going to start a vegetarian diet)

Examples In a Conversation

Here are some conversational examples of how you can make New Year's resolutions in French:

John: Salut, tu as des résolutions pour la nouvelle année ? (Hey, do you have any resolutions for the new year?)

Jane: Oui, j'ai l'intention de prendre soin de ma santé. Je vais me mettre au sport et manger mieux. (Yes, I intend to take care of my health. I'm going to start exercising and eating better.)

John: Quoi d'autre ? (What else?)

Jane: Je veux aussi apprendre à jouer d'un instrument de musique. Je pense que je vais m'inscrire à des cours de guitare. (I also want to learn how to play a musical instrument. I think I'm going to sign up for guitar lessons.)

A: Et toi, tu as des résolutions ? (And you, do you have any resolutions?)

Jane: Oui, je vais essayer de passer plus de temps avec ma famille. Et j'ai l'intention de voyager plus souvent aussi. (Yes, I'm going to try to spend more time with my family. And I intend to travel more often as well.)

John: C'est bien. Moi, je vais arrêter de fumer et il faut que j'économise de l'argent. (That's cool. I'm going to quit smoking and must save money.)

As you can see, making New Year's resolutions in French is a simple and straightforward process. You can use one of the common constructions and vocabulary we've covered, such as "je vais + infinitive" or "j'ai l'intention de + infinitive," to express your resolutions clearly and effectively. And don't be afraid to get creative and personalize your resolutions to fit your own goals and aspirations. Whether you're looking to improve your health, learn a new skill, or simply be more organized, there are many potential resolutions you can make for the coming year. So why not give it a try and make the most of the new year? Bonne chance! (Good luck!)

Conclusion

Making New Year's resolutions can be a fun and rewarding way to set goals and make positive changes in your life. So why not give it a try in French? Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, improve your physical health, or simply be more organized, there are many potential resolutions you can make for the coming year.

With a little bit of planning and some helpful language tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving your goals in the new year. So, take a deep breath, set your sights on your goals, and get ready to make some positive changes in the coming year!