Quebec French is written much like the French of France, but it sounds different and uses its own everyday words: when you say merci in Quebec, you'll often hear bienvenue back. A list of Quebec words can explain that in a line. Recognizing those words and sounds at speaking speed comes from hearing them again and again in scenes you already follow. Comprehensible input is that kind of Quebec French: language you mostly understand, with familiar words around each new one.
What Comprehensible Input Looks Like
Each row of the picture is a line of Quebec French, and each bar is a word. The gray bars are words you know, while purple marks the one you're about to learn.
About one unfamiliar word per sentence, while you still follow the meaning.
Because the other words are familiar, the scene explains the purple one. Early on, that's a short greeting at a dépanneur. Further along, a whole Télé-Québec episode holds enough context to guess a word yourself. When most lines go over your head, go back to shorter scenes for a while.
Your Roadmap by Level
Each of Bubblegum's six levels is described in a learner's own words. Pick the closest one, and treat the shows and podcasts as a loose match, since they don't follow these levels.
- Level 1
I'm just starting out or know only a few words
Read the greetings lesson further down this page at Level 1. Say each greeting and reply in your head as you read.
Level 1 lessons about greetings in Quebec - Level 2
I can handle simple exchanges
Mauril, from CBC/Radio-Canada, has free listening practice with Canadian clips and questions. Choose French, and work through one short activity.
Mauril - Level 3
I follow conversations on familiar topics
Québécois 101 on LingQ is a 12-lesson course on Quebec pronunciation, key words, and questions with tu. Read and listen to one lesson at a time.
Québécois 101 on LingQ - Level 4
I understand most content but miss some nuance
French With Frederic is a Quebec French podcast from a teacher who grew up in Quebec, with free transcripts for subscribers. Listen first, then read along.
French With Frederic - Level 5
I read complex topics but rare words slow me down
Watch a Télé-Québec program on a subject you know, and guess new words from the scene before you look them up.
Télé-Québec - Level 6
I read at near-native level
Watch Radio-Canada series and documentaries, and notice when speakers move between casual Quebec French and more formal speech.
ICI Tou.tv
Once a row's material needs little help, try the next. If most lines send you to the dictionary, go back one.
Try It on a Real Lesson
This lesson comes from Bubblegum, a language app where Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Quebec French at your level about things you like. It covers everyday greetings in Quebec, and you can play its audio as you read.
Quebec Greetings at Six Levels
From Bubblegum’s guide Everyday Greetings and Interactions in Canadian French. It works here the way it works inside Bubblegum.
I know a few words, or I can sound out words but not much else.
Saying Hello at the Cafe
Thomas enters the café.
Hi, how are you?
Yes, I'm doing well. Thanks!
Start at Level 1 and move up to Level 2 afterward. The greetings you just met return, so the new words stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Comprehensible Input
Does French From France Count as Input?
It helps with grammar and the many words both share. Keep plenty of Quebec audio in your week, so the Quebec sound and words feel normal.
How Much Time Should I Set Aside?
Three to five weekly hours is a good range, in blocks of 15–30 minutes or longer. Reading and listening fill most of it, and the rest goes to talking with a tutor or a friend from Quebec.
Which App Should a Beginner Choose?
If you are serious about learning Quebec French, start with Bubblegum. Poppy writes lessons at your level about things you like. Our Quebec French comparison also lists courses, shows, dictionaries, and tutors from Quebec.
Is Bubblegum Free?
Yes. The lesson library is free for everyone, because we believe everyone should be able to learn. It holds lessons that other learners asked Poppy for. A new custom lesson costs us real money to make, so your first one is free, and Bubblegum Pro gives you unlimited custom lessons.
