🇫🇷 Top 10 Most Important French Words You Must Know for the TEF Canada Exam vocabulary

Ohpie
Jun 13
2 min read

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry program or apply for permanent residency in Québec, then TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français) is your gateway. But preparing for TEF Canada isn’t just about grammar and conjugations—it’s about mastering the right vocabulary that can boost your score in Expression Orale, Compréhension Écrite, and Compréhension Orale.

At MagguGlobal and LanguaConnect, we guide hundreds of students and immigration hopefuls across Delhi, Haryana, and Gujarat through their French language journey. Here's our curated list of the 10 most important French words to master for TEF Canada success.

1. Pourquoi (Why)

Why is this important? Because you'll be asked to justify opinions and make arguments. “Pourquoi” helps structure your responses logically.

👉 Sample: Pourquoi voulez-vous immigrer au Canada ?

2. Parce que (Because)

You can't answer "why" without "because"!

👉 Sample: Je veux immigrer parce que les opportunités sont meilleures.

3. Cependant (However)

This word is golden for TEF written and spoken expression. It shows contrast and complexity in your thinking.

👉 Sample: Je suis d’accord, cependant, il y a des défis à considérer.

4. Avantage (Advantage)

A high-frequency word in Expression Écrite. You'll often be asked to compare pros and cons.

👉 Sample: Un avantage d'étudier au Canada est la qualité de l’éducation.

5. Inconvénient (Disadvantage)

Naturally, where there are advantages, there are also disadvantages.

👉 Sample: Un inconvénient est le coût élevé de la vie à Toronto.

6. D’abord (First / Firstly)

Great for structuring responses and impressing the examiner with logical sequencing.

👉 Sample: D’abord, il faut apprendre le français.

7. Ensuite (Then / Next)

Pairs well with “d’abord” and helps move your arguments forward. 👉 Sample: Ensuite, il faut passer le TEF Canada.

8. Selon moi (In my opinion)

Essential for stating your views clearly in oral and written sections.

👉 Sample: Selon moi, l’immigration est une opportunité incroyable.

9. Important(e) (Important)

Frequently used to express value, concern, or priority.

👉 Sample: Il est important de bien se préparer pour l’examen.

10. Réussir (To succeed / To pass)

The goal of every student preparing for the TEF!

👉 Sample: Je veux réussir le TEF avec un bon score.

🧠 Bonus Tip from LanguaConnect

Focus not just on learning words, but how they are used in context. Practice sample TEF Canada questions, speak with French speakers, and use these 10 words often in your writing and speaking tasks.