French Phrase
Toujours en train d'apprendre de nouvelles choses.
Meaning
This phrase uses the idiomatic expression 'en train de' to emphasize a continuous state of action. It conveys the idea of being a lifelong learner who is constantly seeking new knowledge or skills.
When to use
This is a great phrase for social media bios, professional networking profiles, or during job interviews. It's also used in casual conversation to describe one's hobbies and mindset.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Toujoursen train deapprendrede nouvelles choses
En train de
This is the go-to expression in French to indicate that an action is happening right now or is an ongoing process.
Adjective Placement
The adjective 'nouvelles' comes before the noun 'choses', which is why the plural article 'des' simplifies to 'de'.
🗨In Conversation
Tu as encore un nouveau livre ?
Do you have another new book?
Oui, je suis toujours en train d'apprendre de nouvelles choses.
Yes, I'm always learning new things.
✕Common Mistakes
Je suis toujours apprenant de nouvelles choses.
English speakers often try to use the present participle like the English '-ing' form, but 'en train de' is the correct way to show ongoing action in French.
Toujours en train d'apprendre des nouvelles choses.
When a plural adjective like 'nouvelles' precedes the noun, the article 'des' usually changes to 'de' in formal and standard French.
↔Alternatives
J'apprends constamment.
I am constantly learning.
Je suis un éternel étudiant.
I am a lifelong student.
Cultural Tip
In France, valuing 'la culture générale' (general knowledge) is very important. Describing yourself as someone always learning suggests you have a 'bel esprit' (a fine mind) and are intellectually curious, which is highly respected in social circles.