This introduction covers French to English Translation within French to English translation technique for GCSE French. Revise French to English translation technique in Reading and Translation into English for GCSE French with 15 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 1 of 4 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🔄 French to English Translation
AQA Paper 3 (Reading) ends with a French-to-English translation — around 45 words at Foundation, 75 words at Higher, worth 5–10 marks. It is one of the most predictable tasks on the paper, which means it is one of the most trainable. Students who know the common structural pitfalls and practise the four-step process reliably score full marks here.
Practice questions for French to English translation technique
On AQA Paper 3, how is the French-to-English translation task marked?
Translate this sentence into English: **Ma soeur fait ses devoirs dans sa chambre le soir.**
Quick recall flashcards
How do you translate 'on' in different contexts?
'On' is very common in French and can mean:
- 'We' (most common in GCSE texts): On va au cinéma = We go to the cinema
- 'You/One' (general): On peut visiter le musée = You can visit the museum
- 'People/They' (impersonal): On dit que... = People say that...
Context tells you which English word fits best.
How do you handle reflexive verbs in translation?
French reflexive verbs often do NOT need 'myself/himself' in English:
- Je me lève = I get up (NOT 'I get myself up')
- Il s'appelle Marc = He is called Marc / His name is Marc
- On s'amuse = We have fun
Translate the MEANING, not word-for-word.