Computer games (AQA GCSE French): Revision Notes
Computer games
Computer games are a popular topic in French, especially when discussing hobbies and technology. This revision note will help you master the essential vocabulary and grammar needed to talk about gaming in French.
Understanding computer games vocabulary
When discussing computer games in French, you'll encounter many specific terms related to gaming, technology, and online activities. These words are essential for expressing your opinions about games, describing your gaming habits, and understanding conversations about digital entertainment.
The vocabulary covers various aspects of gaming including types of games, gaming equipment, online activities, and both positive and negative aspects of gaming such as violence and security concerns.
Gaming vocabulary in French encompasses both the technical aspects of gaming and the social discussions around digital entertainment. Mastering these terms will help you participate in conversations about modern technology and leisure activities.
Useful vocabulary
The following vocabulary table contains essential gaming terms that frequently appear in French conversations about technology and hobbies. Pay special attention to the gender markers (m/f) as they're crucial for correct grammar usage.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| les jeux vidéo | computer games/video games |
| le concours (m) | competition |
| l'écran (m) | screen |
| gagner | to win |
| le jeu (m) | game |
| l'ordinateur (m) | computer |
| participer à | to take part in |
| passe-temps (m) | hobby |
| perdre | to lose |
| le personnage (m) | character |
| populaire | popular |
| la santé (f) | health |
| la sécurité (f) | security |
| télécharger | to download |
| la vidéo (f) | video |
| la violence (f) | violence |
| l'appel (m) | call |
| harceler | to bully |
| le risque (m) | risk |
Grammar focus: -re verbs
Regular -re verbs like "perdre" (to lose) follow a consistent pattern in the present tense. Understanding this pattern is crucial for discussing gaming activities accurately.
Critical Grammar Rule for -re Verbs:
To conjugate -re verbs in the present tense:
- Remove the -re ending from the infinitive
- Add the appropriate endings to the stem
Remember: The third person singular (il/elle/on) has no ending - just the stem!
Worked Example: Conjugating "perdre" (to lose)
Present tense conjugation of perdre:
- je perds (I lose/am losing)
- tu perds (you lose/are losing)
- il/elle/on perd (he/she/one loses/is losing)
- nous perdons (we lose/are losing)
- vous perdez (you lose/are losing)
- ils/elles perdent (they lose/are losing)
Perfect tense formation: Use the past participle "perdu" with avoir: "J'ai perdu!" (I lost!)
Example sentences
Worked Examples: Gaming Sentences in Context
Present tense examples:
- Je perds le jeu. (I'm losing the game.)
- Tu gagnes souvent aux jeux vidéo. (You often win at video games.)
- Elle participe à un concours en ligne. (She's taking part in an online competition.)
- Nous téléchargeons des jeux sur Internet. (We download games from the Internet.)
Past tense examples:
- J'ai adoré jouer à des jeux sur Internet. (I loved playing games on the Internet.)
- Il a commencé à avoir mal à la tête. (He started to get headaches.)
- Nous avons gagné le concours hier. (We won the competition yesterday.)
- Elles ont téléchargé un nouveau jeu. (They downloaded a new game.)
Grammar and pronunciation tips
Pronunciation and Grammar Tips:
- The verb "perdre" sounds like "pair-druh" with a silent final 'e'
- Remember that -re verbs drop the final 'e' before adding endings
- In the perfect tense, gaming verbs typically use "avoir" as the auxiliary verb
- "Les jeux vidéo" is pronounced "lay zhuh vee-day-oh"
- The 'x' in "jeux" is silent
- "L'ordinateur" uses the masculine article despite ending in -eur
Translation exercises
Practice Translation Exercises
French to English:
- J'adore jouer aux jeux vidéo avec mes amis en ligne.
- Il existe des risques avec la violence dans certains jeux.
English to French: 3. I lost the competition yesterday. 4. She downloads games on her computer every week.
Answers:
- I love playing video games with my friends online.
- There are risks with violence in certain games.
- J'ai perdu le concours hier.
- Elle télécharge des jeux sur son ordinateur chaque semaine.
Key takeaways
Key Points to Remember:
- Computer games vocabulary includes both positive aspects (competitions, hobbies) and concerns (violence, health risks)
- Regular -re verbs follow the pattern: remove -re, add appropriate endings (je -s, tu -s, il/elle -Ø, nous -ons, vous -ez, ils/elles -ent)
- Use the perfect tense with "avoir" to talk about past gaming experiences
- Gaming vocabulary is essential for discussing modern technology and hobbies
- Practice conjugating "perdre" and "gagner" as they're frequently used when discussing games and competitions