15 essential words to know for French at B1 level

Introduction

Learning French and advancing to level B1 involves strengthening your vocabulary. B1-level words are useful in everyday life and allow you to express yourself better in a variety of contexts, understand deeper conversations, and express yourself fluently. Here are 15 essential B1-level words to enrich your French, each with a definition and an example of its use.

Words to know at level B1

1. Apercevoir

Definition: To see something or someone quickly or partially, often after an effort of attention or research.

Example : J’ai aperçu Marie de l’autre côté de la rue, mais elle n’a pas remarqué ma présence.

2. Attirer

Definition: To provoke someone’s interest or desire, to capture their attention. To bring, to draw towards a place.

Example : Ce restaurant attire beaucoup de monde grâce à ses plats originaux.

3. Confiance

Definition: A feeling of security, assurance, and harmony toward something or someone whose loyalty one is certain of.

Example : J’ai confiance en toi pour réussir ce projet.

4. Découverte

Definition: Something found, invented, or known for the first time.

Example : La découverte de ce petit café a été une belle surprise pendant nos vacances.

5. Empêcher

Definition: To obstruct, hinder, or oppose something so that it does not happen or someone to block their action.

Example : Il a empêché l’enfant de traverser la rue sans regarder.

6. Environ

Definition: A word used to indicate an estimate, quantity, or approximate number.

Example : Il y avait environ trente personnes à la fête.

7. Étonner

Definition: (active meaning) To surprise vividly. To strike with astonishment, with shock, as if by a clap of thunder. (passive meaning) To feel, experience surprise, or express doubt.

Example : Son talent pour la musique m’a beaucoup étonné. Je suis étonné par son talent.

8. Exiger

Definition: To demand something imperatively, insisting on its necessity. To make it indispensable, to impose as obligatory. 

Example : Ce poste exige une très bonne maîtrise du français.

9. Fournir

Definition: To give or make something available, to supply. To contribute, to participate in a task or mission. 

Example : L’entreprise fournit tout le matériel nécessaire aux employés.

10. Gérer

Definition: To organize or direct something, to take care of the smooth running of an activity or situation. 

Example : Au travail, il doit gérer plusieurs projets en même temps.

11. Inquiétude

Definition: Feeling of unease or concern about an uncertain situation. A state of agitation, dissatisfaction, and inability to find rest.

Example : Elle ressent une certaine inquiétude avant son examen.

12. Manquer

Definition: To be absent or to be in insufficient quantity. 

Example : Il manque toujours un peu de sel dans ce plat.

13. Motiver

Definition: To make someone want or encourage them to accomplish something. 

Example : Son professeur l’a motivé à continuer ses études.

14. Raison

Definition: The cause or motive for which something is done. Faculty by which man knows, judges, and acts.

Example : La raison de son retard était le trafic intense.

15. Soutenir

Definition: To help or provide assistance to someone, whether material or moral. To state something with confidence. To carry something or someone underneath.

Example : Sa famille l’a toujours soutenu dans ses choix.

Conclusion

Mastering these B1-level words is essential for expanding your vocabulary and improving your French. They’ll help you express yourself more precisely and clearly, while making it easier to understand conversations and texts in French. To guide you step by step, we’ve compiled all the essential concepts for a successful start to your French language skills in our free guide.