What you describe applies to any foreign language. The details differ, but they’ll all have different spelling and pronunciation rules, different sounds, different grammar, and all that.
I also learned French as an adult, first in school and then by immersion. I also learned Mandarin, although not as well. I’m somewhat functional in it but not at all fluent. French is really easy by comparison, coming from English. You get a shitload of vocabulary for free. It uses the same alphabet with minor differences in sounds. Grammar is different but with many familiar concepts.
English is basically French mixed with Germanic languages and then baked for a thousand years. English gives you a great foundation for French.
I also learned French as an adult, first in school and then by immersion. I also learned Mandarin, although not as well. I’m somewhat functional in it but not at all fluent. French is really easy by comparison, coming from English. You get a shitload of vocabulary for free. It uses the same alphabet with minor differences in sounds. Grammar is different but with many familiar concepts.
English is basically French mixed with Germanic languages and then baked for a thousand years. English gives you a great foundation for French.