French Learning Nightmares? 7 Surprising Fixes You Need Now

Mastering the Melody: Conquering the French ‘R’ and Nasal Sounds

Oh, the infamous French ‘R’! I remember spending countless hours in front of a mirror, trying to coax that elusive sound from the back of my throat, feeling like I was gargling rather than speaking. It’s truly one of the first major pronunciation hurdles for us English speakers, isn’t it? We’re so used to our rolling or hard ‘r’ sounds that the soft, almost guttural ‘r’ of French can feel utterly alien. But here’s the thing I discovered: it’s less about force and more about placement. Think of it less as a sound you “make” and more as air passing through a specific part of your mouth. It’s a subtle difference that makes all the difference! The same goes for those beautiful, yet baffling, nasal vowels. Words like *vin* (wine), *bon* (good), and *un* (one) become a whole new ball game. For ages, I sounded like I had a perpetual cold, until I realized the trick isn’t pushing air through your nose, but rather allowing some air to *escape* through your nose while most goes through your mouth, all while keeping your tongue low and relaxed. It’s a delicate dance, but once you get the feel for it, it genuinely feels like a breakthrough moment. I truly believe that dedicated practice with these specific sounds, focusing on muscle memory, will unlock a whole new level of confidence in your speaking.

Unlocking the Elusive French ‘R’ Sound

My personal journey with the French ‘R’ was a marathon, not a sprint. I tried everything from gargling water (which, let’s be honest, just made a mess) to listening to countless YouTube tutorials. What eventually clicked for me was thinking about it as a very soft, almost unvoiced friction at the back of my throat, rather than a strong consonantal sound. Imagine clearing your throat very, very gently, or even trying to make the sound of a very soft growl. Another helpful tip I picked up was to practice it in combination with different vowels. Start with ‘ah-r,’ ‘ee-r,’ ‘oo-r.’ Pay close attention to how your tongue and the back of your throat feel. Recording yourself and listening back is incredibly powerful here. I used to cringe at my own recordings, but it helped me identify what I was doing wrong and slowly, but surely, I started hearing that beautiful, authentic French ‘R’ emerge. It truly is a confidence booster when you can finally say *Paris* without sounding like you’re about to sneeze!

Mastering the Mystical Nasal Vowels

Nasal vowels are another unique challenge that makes French sound so distinct and elegant. For English speakers, we tend to fully block off our nasal passages for most vowels, so learning to let air flow through both the mouth and nose simultaneously feels counter-intuitive. I remember feeling so frustrated trying to get *bon* to sound right, often over-nasalizing it or not doing it at all. The key I found was understanding that the nasality isn’t an added sound, but rather a *quality* of the vowel. It’s subtle! Try to keep your tongue relatively low and relaxed in your mouth and consciously relax the back of your throat and soft palate. You’re not trying to force air through your nose; you’re allowing it. Practicing minimal pairs like *beau* (beautiful) and *bon* (good) or *pas* (not) and *pain* (bread) can be incredibly insightful. Focus on the feeling in your mouth and nose. It’s a sensory thing. Once you feel that vibration in your nasal cavity, you know you’re on the right track. My trick? I’d practice while holding my nose slightly, then release, to feel the difference. It sounds silly, but it worked wonders for me!

Untangling Gender and Articles: The Great French Mystery

If there’s one thing that consistently stumped me in the early days of French, it was noun gender. Why is a table *feminine* (*la table*) but a book *masculine* (*le livre*)? There seemed to be no rhyme or reason, and honestly, it felt like just another thing to memorize by rote. For us English speakers, where nouns don’t have gender, this concept feels like an unnecessary complication. I’d constantly mix up *le* and *la*, or worse, confidently use the wrong one and sound utterly ridiculous. It’s not just about memorizing the gender of each individual noun, but also understanding how articles (*le, la, les, un, une, des*) and adjectives then need to agree in gender and number. This agreement is a foundational pillar of French grammar, and messing it up can really throw a wrench into your sentences, making them sound clunky or even incorrect to a native ear. But after years of trial and error, I’ve gathered some insights that have turned this daunting task into something much more manageable. It’s about building intuition and recognizing patterns, not just brute-force memorization. I’ve found that approaching this with a detective’s mindset, looking for clues, has been far more effective than simply trying to cram lists into my brain.

Embracing the Feminine and Masculine

I used to see French noun genders as an arbitrary punishment, a cruel trick to make the language harder. But then I started noticing patterns, subtle clues that made the task less daunting. While there are always exceptions (oh, French, you love your exceptions!), many nouns ending in -e are feminine, and those ending in consonants are often masculine. For instance, *la voiture* (car) and *le restaurant*. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, mind you, but it gives you a starting point. What really helped me was learning new vocabulary with its article attached from day one. Instead of just learning “table,” I’d learn “la table.” This small shift fundamentally changed how I absorbed new words. It builds an auditory association – the article and the noun become a single unit in your brain. Furthermore, paying attention to the endings of adjectives, which often reflect the gender of the noun they describe, can reinforce these concepts. I also found that labeling items around my house with their French noun and article was a simple yet powerful technique. Seeing *la chaise* on my chair every day genuinely ingrained it into my memory, much better than flashcards ever did.

Shortcuts to Article Mastery and Agreement

Beyond memorizing each noun with its article, there are some clever ways to develop an instinct for French gender and article usage. One method I swear by is color-coding. When I make flashcards, I use blue ink for masculine nouns and red for feminine nouns. It’s a visual cue that, over time, trains your brain to associate the color with the gender, and thus with the correct article. Another game-changer was learning about noun categories. For example, most trees are masculine (*le chêne* – oak), and most rivers are feminine (*la Seine*). While not exhaustive, knowing these general rules can give you an educated guess when you encounter a new word. But let me tell you, the biggest “aha!” moment for me was realizing that native speakers rarely overthink this. They’ve absorbed it through exposure. So, listening to French podcasts, watching French movies, and simply reading as much as possible helps immensely. The more you hear and see the correct article-noun combinations, the more natural it becomes. It’s all about immersing yourself, even in small ways, to build that intuitive understanding.

Taming Verb Conjugations and Tricky Tenses

If there’s one aspect of French that can feel like a linguistic obstacle course, it’s the verbs. Just when you think you’ve got the present tense down, you’re hit with the *passé composé*, then the *imparfait*, followed by the conditional, the subjunctive… and the list goes on! For English speakers, where verb conjugations are relatively simple (mostly just adding an ‘-s’ for third person singular in the present), the sheer variety of endings in French can be utterly bewildering. I vividly recall sitting with my grammar textbook, staring at charts filled with *je parle, tu parles, il parle, nous parlons, vous parlez, ils parlent*, and feeling a wave of exhaustion. It’s not just memorizing the endings; it’s also knowing *when* to use each tense. The nuances between the *passé composé* and the *imparfait* alone can drive you to distraction, as they both translate to past actions in English. But trust me, it’s a hurdle that every French learner faces, and with the right strategies, it’s absolutely conquerable. What I’ve learned is that it’s less about perfect recall from day one and more about building a solid foundation and then layering on the complexity as you gain confidence.

Navigating the Past: Passé Composé vs. Imparfait

This was, hands down, one of my biggest grammar struggles. Both *passé composé* and *imparfait* describe actions in the past, but their usage is distinct and often confusing for English speakers. I used to agonize over which one to use, often defaulting to the *passé composé* and hoping for the best. What finally clarified it for me was thinking about completed actions versus ongoing states or habitual actions. The *passé composé* is like a snapshot of a completed event: “I *ate* dinner” (*J’ai mangé le dîner*). The *imparfait*, on the other hand, sets the scene or describes what *was happening* or *used to happen*: “I *was eating* dinner when the phone rang” (*Je mangeais le dîner quand le téléphone a sonné*), or “When I was little, I *used to play* outside every day” (*Quand j’étais petit, je jouais dehors tous les jours*). I found that practicing with story prompts, where I had to describe a past event, forced me to actively choose between the two, solidifying my understanding. Creating timelines in my head or drawing simple diagrams helped me visualize the flow of events and choose the correct tense. It’s a subtle but crucial distinction that truly elevates your French.

Making Conjugations Stick with Smart Practice

Conjugation tables can feel overwhelming, but they are a necessary evil. However, simply staring at them won’t make the verbs stick. What worked for me was active recall and spaced repetition. Instead of just reading the conjugations, I’d cover them up and try to write them out, then check my answers. I also utilized apps that gamified conjugation practice, turning what felt like a chore into a mini-challenge. Another crucial strategy was to group verbs by their patterns. Regular -er verbs, -ir verbs, and -re verbs have predictable endings, and mastering these foundational groups makes irregular verbs seem less intimidating. For those pesky irregular verbs, I created little jingles or mnemonic devices. For example, for “être” (to be) – *je suis, tu es, il est* – I’d think of a tiny story. The human brain remembers stories and patterns far better than random facts. And critically, I started using these verbs in actual sentences as soon as possible. Don’t just conjugate; create. Saying “I am going to the market” (*Je vais au marché*) uses the conjugation in a meaningful context, making it much more memorable. It transforms abstract grammar into usable language.

Boosting Your French Listening Superpowers

Remember that feeling when you’re in a French conversation, and it sounds like everyone is speaking at lightning speed, their words blurring into one continuous stream? That’s exactly how I felt for a long time. It’s like your brain is trying to catch every individual word, but they’re just flying by too fast to grasp. English speakers often struggle with French listening comprehension due to several factors: the rapid pace of native speech, the numerous liaisons (where the end of one word links to the beginning of the next), and the sheer variety of accents. It’s not just about knowing vocabulary; it’s about recognizing how words transform when spoken naturally. For ages, I’d get the gist of a conversation but miss key details, which was incredibly frustrating when trying to participate actively. This struggle can really chip away at your confidence, making you hesitant to engage. But through consistent effort and some targeted strategies, I’ve found that you can absolutely train your ear to unravel the mysteries of spoken French. It truly feels like unlocking a secret code when you can effortlessly follow a rapid-fire conversation or enjoy a French film without constantly relying on subtitles.

Tuning Your Ear to Native Speed

My breakthrough in listening came when I stopped trying to understand every single word and started focusing on the overall meaning and rhythm of the sentence. It sounds counterintuitive, but it works! I began by listening to content that was slightly above my comfort level, but not overwhelmingly difficult. French podcasts for learners, then gradually transitioning to native content, were my go-to. What I found particularly effective was listening to short clips repeatedly. I’d pick a 30-second segment from a podcast or a YouTube video and listen to it five, ten, even fifteen times. The first few listens were about getting the general idea. Then, I’d try to pick out specific words. After that, I’d try to write down what I heard (a technique known as dictation). This process forced my brain to actively dissect the sounds and word boundaries. It’s slow work at first, but the improvement is exponential. I also found that slowing down the audio speed initially, then gradually increasing it, helped immensely. It built up my auditory processing muscles, much like training for a marathon.

Understanding Accents and Liaisons: The Flow of French

French isn’t just spoken quickly; it’s spoken with a unique flow, characterized by *liaisons* and *enchaînement*, where words blend together. For instance, *les amis* (the friends) sounds almost like “lezami,” not “le amis.” I used to stumble over these transitions, wondering if I’d misheard a word or if it was new vocabulary. What I realized is that understanding these phonetic linking rules is just as important as knowing individual words. Actively listening for these connections became a part of my practice. I’d specifically try to identify where a final silent consonant suddenly became voiced because of a following vowel. Beyond liaisons, there’s the challenge of regional accents. Parisian French, Southern French, Quebecois French – they all have their own flavor. My approach was to start with a standard accent (like Parisian French, as it’s often taught) and then, once comfortable, slowly expose myself to other accents through music, films, and travel vlogs. It broadens your auditory horizons and makes you a much more versatile listener. I particularly enjoy the challenge of a good Quebecois documentary now; it’s amazing how much your ear can adapt!

Cracking the Code of French Vocabulary and False Friends

Building a robust French vocabulary feels like an endless task, doesn’t it? Just when you think you’ve got a handle on common words, you encounter a whole new set of expressions, idioms, and specialized terms. For us English speakers, while there are many cognates (words that look and mean similar things, like “information” and *information*), there are also those sneaky “false friends” that can lead to truly embarrassing or hilarious misunderstandings. I vividly remember once trying to say I was “preservative-free” in a French bakery, but accidentally used a word that meant something entirely different and got a very confused look! Beyond avoiding these traps, the sheer volume of new words can be overwhelming, and simply trying to memorize long lists often leads to burnout and poor retention. What I’ve learned is that effective vocabulary acquisition isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality, context, and clever strategies that make words stick in your long-term memory. It’s about building connections and understanding the nuances, not just the dictionary definition. My approach has shifted from brute-force memorization to a more organic, associative method.

Beyond Basic Memorization: Making Words Stick

Rote memorization works for a little while, but true vocabulary retention comes from active engagement with words. Flashcards are a classic, but I found them more effective when I added context. Instead of just “pomme – apple,” I’d write a short sentence: “*J’aime manger une pomme rouge*” (I like to eat a red apple). This instantly gives the word meaning and helps you visualize it. Another game-changer for me was thematic learning. Instead of learning random words, I’d focus on a theme, like “ordering at a restaurant” or “describing my day.” This helps build a web of related vocabulary, making it easier to recall. I also swear by spaced repetition systems (like Anki or Memrise), which use algorithms to show you words just as you’re about to forget them. It feels like magic, honestly! And most importantly, use the words. As soon as I learned a new word, I’d try to incorporate it into my journaling, a conversation, or even just talking to myself in French. The more you activate a word, the deeper it embeds itself in your memory. Passive exposure is good, but active usage is gold.

Spotting Those Sneaky *Faux Amis* (False Friends)

Ah, *faux amis*! These are the words that look almost identical to English words but have completely different meanings, and they are ripe for misunderstanding. I’ve had my share of cringeworthy moments thanks to them. For example, *librairie* means bookstore, not library (that’s *bibliothèque*!). And if you say you are *sensible*, it means you are sensitive, not sensible. It’s a minefield out there! The best way I’ve found to navigate this is to be aware of the most common ones and to always double-check. When I encounter a word that looks suspiciously like an English word, my radar immediately goes up. I’ll take an extra second to confirm its meaning in context or with a quick dictionary check. Creating a dedicated list of *faux amis* and reviewing them regularly can also be incredibly helpful. It turns them from unexpected traps into anticipated challenges. This is where my experience really kicks in – I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to! Being forewarned is definitely forearmed when it comes to these linguistic tricksters.

French Word	Looks Like (English)	Actual Meaning (English)
*actuellement*	actually	currently, at present
*assister à*	to assist	to attend
*blesser*	to bless	to wound, to injure
*bras*	bra	arm
*coin*	coin	corner
*déception*	deception	disappointment
*demander*	to demand	to ask
*envie*	envy	desire, urge (e.g., *J’ai envie de…* = I feel like…)
*journée*	journey	day (duration of a day)
*médecin*	medicine	doctor
*monnaie*	money	change (coins), currency
*parent*	parent	relative (often plural *parents* = mother and father)
*prétendre*	to pretend	to claim
*rester*	to rest	to stay
*sensible*	sensible	sensitive

Building Confidence for Fearless French Speaking

There’s a huge difference between understanding French in your head and actually *speaking* it out loud. For a long time, I found myself translating perfectly in my mind, only for my mouth to refuse to cooperate when it was my turn to speak. The words would get stuck, my pronunciation would falter, and I’d inevitably default to English or just remain silent. This “speaking anxiety” is incredibly common among language learners, and it’s a huge barrier to progress. It often stems from a fear of making mistakes, sounding foolish, or simply not being understood. I’ve been there, trust me, feeling my palms sweat and my heart race at the thought of engaging in a simple conversation. But the truth is, you can’t get better at speaking without speaking. It’s a chicken-and-egg situation that requires a brave first step. What I’ve discovered is that confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build, incrementally, through small victories and a willingness to embrace imperfection. It’s about reframing mistakes not as failures, but as essential stepping stones on your path to fluency.

Overcoming the Fear of Mistakes and Embracing Imperfection

The biggest hurdle to speaking French confidently, in my experience, is the crippling fear of making mistakes. We’re conditioned to strive for perfection, but in language learning, perfection can be the enemy of progress. I used to agonize over every grammatical error or mispronounced word, and it often prevented me from even opening my mouth. What helped me turn the corner was realizing that native speakers *expect* you to make mistakes; it’s a natural part of the learning process. They’re usually far more impressed by your effort than critical of your inaccuracies. I adopted a “fail forward” mindset. Each mistake became a learning opportunity, a data point for improvement, rather than a mark of shame. I also started practicing with very patient and encouraging language partners, which created a safe space for me to experiment without judgment. Sometimes, it was as simple as repeating a phrase I’d just heard, even if it felt clumsy. The more I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, the more my confidence grew. It’s like learning to ride a bike – you’ll wobble and fall a few times, but eventually, you’ll be cycling smoothly!

Finding Your Voice: Practical Steps to Speaking More

So, how do you actually start speaking more? It begins with creating opportunities, even if they feel small at first. I started with self-talk, narrating my day in French while doing chores or driving. It felt silly, but it helped me practice forming sentences without the pressure of an audience. Then, I moved on to language exchange partners. Platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk connect you with native French speakers who want to learn English, creating a mutually beneficial environment. The key here is consistency; even 15-20 minutes a few times a week makes a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to use simple sentences initially. Focus on getting your message across, even if it’s not grammatically perfect. I also found that role-playing common scenarios, like ordering coffee or asking for directions, was incredibly effective. It prepares you for real-world interactions. Furthermore, joining a local French conversation group, if available, can provide invaluable immersion and the chance to hear different voices and accents. The more you put yourself out there, even imperfectly, the more natural and comfortable speaking French will become. It’s a truly liberating feeling when you realize you can hold a genuine conversation!

Staying Motivated on Your French Fluency Journey

Learning French, or any language for that matter, is a marathon, not a sprint. There are going to be days when you feel incredibly inspired and other days when you feel like you’re hitting a brick wall. I’ve definitely experienced those slumps, where progress feels glacially slow, and the sheer volume of what I still don’t know feels overwhelming. It’s easy to lose momentum, especially when life gets busy or immediate results aren’t visible. For English speakers, the initial excitement of learning a new language can wear off as the complexities of grammar and pronunciation set in. But staying motivated is crucial to long-term success. It’s not about being constantly enthusiastic; it’s about developing strategies to push through the tough times and reignite your passion. What I’ve learned through my own journey is that motivation isn’t a fixed state; it’s something you actively cultivate and nurture. It involves setting realistic goals, celebrating small victories, and finding ways to genuinely enjoy the process, even when it’s challenging. It’s about remembering *why* you started learning French in the first place and connecting with that deeper purpose.

Setting Achievable Goals and Tracking Your Progress

One of the most powerful motivators I’ve found is setting clear, achievable goals. Instead of a vague “become fluent,” break it down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, “learn 50 new vocabulary words this month,” or “have a 10-minute conversation with a native speaker by next quarter.” These smaller goals feel less intimidating and provide tangible milestones to celebrate. I use a simple habit tracker app on my phone to check off my French study days, and seeing those streaks grow is surprisingly satisfying. It creates a visual representation of my effort and progress, which really helps during those moments of doubt. I also regularly revisit my “why” – why did I start learning French? Was it for travel, for culture, for personal growth? Connecting back to that initial inspiration helps to rekindle my enthusiasm. It’s important to be kind to yourself, too. If you miss a day, don’t throw in the towel. Just pick it up the next day. Consistency, not perfection, is the key to sustained progress and motivation in the long run. My advice: make your goals SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound!

Making Learning Fun Again: Infusing Joy into Your French Studies

Let’s be honest, endless grammar drills can get tedious. To combat burnout and keep my motivation high, I intentionally infuse fun into my learning routine. For me, that means watching French films with subtitles (and later, without!), listening to French music, and following French content creators on social media. I’ve discovered incredible artists and fascinating personalities, and suddenly, my “study” time feels more like entertainment. Gamified language apps have also been a lifesaver, turning vocabulary and grammar practice into engaging challenges rather than dry exercises. I also love to cook French recipes, reading the instructions in French, which combines a practical skill with language learning. It’s all about finding what genuinely excites you and weaving French into those activities. If you love video games, try changing the language settings to French. If you’re into fashion, follow French fashion blogs. The more you connect French with your existing hobbies and interests, the less it feels like a chore and the more it feels like a natural extension of your life. This approach has honestly transformed my learning journey from a sometimes grueling task into a truly enjoyable adventure.

Wrapping Things Up

Whew! What a journey we’ve embarked on today, exploring the beautiful, yet sometimes baffling, world of French. I truly hope that by sharing my own ups and downs, my struggles with the French ‘R’ and those tricky nasal vowels, or the head-scratching moments with gendered nouns, you feel a little less alone in your own learning adventure. Remember, every single native French speaker you admire was once a beginner, too. Language learning isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, patience, and persistence. It’s about the sheer joy of connecting with another culture, understanding a new song, or simply being able to order your croissant with confidence. So, keep pushing forward, keep practicing, and most importantly, keep enjoying the process. Your journey to French fluency is a personal one, filled with unique discoveries and triumphs. Trust me, every small step adds up to something truly magnificent!

Useful Information to Know

Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way that I think you’ll find incredibly helpful as you continue your French learning adventure. These aren’t just theoretical tips; they’re strategies I’ve actively used and seen success with, transforming daunting challenges into manageable steps. I truly believe that integrating these into your routine can make a significant difference, helping you to not only learn faster but also to enjoy the process much more deeply. Think of them as your secret weapons in the quest for French fluency, designed to keep you engaged, motivated, and moving forward, even when the going gets tough. Every little bit of consistent effort, guided by smart strategies like these, builds momentum.

1. Immerse Yourself with Authentic Content: Beyond textbooks, dive into French movies (start with subtitles, then try without!), listen to French music, and find podcasts on topics you genuinely enjoy. This passive immersion trains your ear to the natural rhythm and pronunciation, and you’ll pick up vocabulary and idiomatic expressions without even realizing you’re “studying.” It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to make French a part of your daily life, making the learning feel less like a chore and more like an entertainment. I’ve found so many new favorite artists this way!

2. Find a Language Exchange Partner: Connecting with a native French speaker who is learning English can be a game-changer. Apps like Tandem or HelloTalk make it super easy. This provides a safe, low-pressure environment to practice speaking and receive real-time feedback. It’s a wonderful way to overcome speaking anxiety and make genuine connections. My early language partners were so patient, and those conversations were invaluable in building my confidence and refining my pronunciation.

3. Create a Dedicated French Zone: Whether it’s a specific corner of your room with French books and flashcards, or even just a playlist exclusively for French music, designating a “French zone” can help you switch into learning mode. When you step into this space, your brain knows it’s French time. It’s a small psychological trick, but it really works to create focus and consistency. I even have a specific French-themed mug I use only when I’m studying!

4. Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Seriously, don’t fear them! Every single mistake you make is a data point, showing you where you need to improve. Native speakers appreciate your effort far more than they scrutinize your grammar. I used to be so embarrassed by my errors, but now I see them as badges of honor – proof that I’m trying and actively engaging with the language. It’s a crucial mindset shift that will liberate your speaking and boost your confidence immensely.

5. Celebrate Every Small Victory: Did you understand a sentence in a French song? High five! Did you successfully order coffee in French? Treat yourself! Acknowledging and celebrating these small achievements, no matter how tiny they seem, is incredibly important for maintaining motivation. It reinforces positive learning habits and reminds you of how far you’ve come. Keep a little “French Wins” journal – you’ll be amazed at how quickly it fills up!

Key Takeaways

To truly master French, remember that it’s a holistic journey encompassing consistent practice, smart learning strategies, and a resilient mindset. Focus on building a solid foundation in pronunciation, especially the tricky ‘R’ and nasal vowels, by focusing on muscle memory and subtle mouth movements. Tackle noun gender by learning articles with nouns from the start and looking for common patterns, rather than brute-force memorization. Demystify verb conjugations by understanding tense nuances like *passé composé* versus *imparfait*, and by actively using verbs in context. Sharpen your listening skills by immersing yourself in authentic content and actively tuning your ear to liaisons and accents. Confront vocabulary challenges by using contextual learning and being aware of *faux amis*, those deceptive false friends. Most importantly, cultivate confidence by embracing mistakes as growth opportunities and by actively seeking out speaking practice in safe, encouraging environments. Your journey will have its challenges, but by staying motivated through achievable goals and making learning genuinely fun, you’ll unlock the beautiful world of French with increasing ease and joy.