Is learning french easy?

Bonjour, I'm pretty sure you've learned that already. But I learned french in elementary and high school. It didn't take long to learn the basic, I actually learned the basic in fifth grade, but of course we were taught more than just the basic. To me the french numbers are almost pronunced like the Spanish number. I don't know spanish, but I've learned a little bit from watching Dora the Explorer with my daughter, lol. I wish you the best with learning french and should be able to speak the basic in a week.

The best thing to do is to find out if there is an Alliance Francaise in your city and enrol in their classes. I found them very good and if you are persistent and consistent -- do the readings, practice conjugating your "verbes" and mais oui! do the homework, then you will be 'appily speaking French. If you do not have an AF near you then beg, steal, or borrow a Berlitz course in French. If you can't do that either, go to Price Club/Costco and buy French Total Immersion. For around 25 dollars Canadian, you will get a really good course that will get you to conversational level at your own pace. French is a very beautiful and graceful language and it opens a lot of doors for you as well, jobwise. Bonne chance, mon ami!

Hello, I began learning French (as a third language) in school since the 4th grade. All I can say is that what I learned throughout the school years was basic grammar and basic vocabulary. I graduated from school only able to make simple conversations with simple sentences. Being in college, I deserted the French language for more than 4 years. I had forgot a huge deal of the basics already. So, I decided to take French courses. I went to the "French Cultural Centre" in my city, and took the placement test. I was placed in level 2 (out of 10). Now, I'm in level 5. My French has improved beyond what it was in school. French is not an easy language. I find English much easier especially when it comes to grammar. The basic problem will be with the conjugation of verbs, and the amount of exceptions within the verbs and sentence formation at different tenses. As for the vocabulary, many words are common between English and French, but many are not. Vocabulary needs practice. Without practising your French, your vocabulary won't improve (listening to songs or watching French TV may help you). As for pronunciation, it won't be that problem if what you want is just basic conversations. Some people do struggle with pronunciation, but as for me, I don't think it's that hard. Although I'm half the way through these French courses, I still have problems making complex sentences. I definetley have problems when it come to vocabulary, and I have some difficulties in listening. My writing, though, is the most improved. But that's mainly because I do have other things (in college) to study. So, no much time to practise or study French (except when I go to the cultural centre). As to your case, and since you will do a self study, I think that you shouldn't rush up things. Begin with having basic vocabulary before immersing yourself in complicated grammar. Basic vocabulary, and basic grammar (to be able to talk in present, past and future; making comparisons; giving orders.....etc.) are all what you need for a basic conversation. As for the time, it all depends on how much of your time you will dedicate in your study. In 2-3 months, I think, you can have basic French conversation skills, if you studied for 2 hours each day. That's my guess. One more thing. Since you are doing a self study, I think you'll need interaction with some French speakers, just to practise what you learn.