Understanding French prefixes and suffixes can really help you build your vocabulary. Here are some easy strategies to follow:

Use Mnemonics

Make up fun phrases or silly connections to help remember prefixes and suffixes.

For example, the prefix re- means "again."

Think of the word "replay" in English. Imagine someone playing a game again!

Categorization

Organize prefixes and suffixes by what they mean. Here are some examples:

• Prefix Examples:

  • pré- means before. For instance, préadolescent means pre-teen.
  • anti- means against. An example is antivirus which means against viruses.

• Suffix Examples:

  • -tion means action or state. Like in the word création, meaning creation.
  • -able means capable of. For example, mangeable means edible.

Flashcards

Make flashcards! Write the prefix or suffix on one side and its meaning with an example word on the other side.

Go over them often to help yourself remember.

Practice in Context

Try writing sentences with new words that use prefixes and suffixes.

For example: "Je vais réviser mes leçons" means "I will review my lessons." This helps you remember the word and how to use it.

Consistent Exposure

Read French books, listen to French songs or podcasts, and pay attention to the prefixes and suffixes you see.

The more you see them, the easier they will be to recognize.

By using these simple strategies, learning and remembering French vocabulary can be fun and effective!