To do, or to make do - just don't worry about it!

The French verb 'faire' is one of the most commonly used verbs in French and we generally start by learning that it has two meanings: to do and to make. For example, je fais mon devoir - I do my duty and je fais mon lit - I make my bed.

But faire is also used frequently when talking about the weather: il fait du soleil, il fait froid, il fait un froid de canard.

However, faire can also be used when you are getting someone else to do something: so, to say that you get the car serviced once a year, you'd say, 'je fais reviser la voiture une fois par an' or to say you've had your hair cut, 'je me suis fait couper les cheveux'.

And if you use the verb 's'en faire', instead of just 'faire', you get a completely different meaning. 'S'en faire' can be translated as 'to stress' or 'to worry' about something. Mostly, though, this verb is used in the negative and 'ne t'en fais pas' and 'ne vous en faites pas' both mean 'don't worry'. They are synonymous with 'ne t’inquiète pas' or 'ne vous inquiétez pas' and you're likely to hear both expressions used interchangeably.

The other two expressions with 'faire' that look similar but have completely different meanings are 'fais/faites gaffe' (watch out) and 'j'ai fait une gaffe' (I've messed up). Both are commonly used in spoken, casual French.

Donc, faites gaffe when you're listening to or reading French and you'll spot these expressions. However, there are lots of other expressions with 'faire'. Can you think of any? Add them in the comment box below...