* "I studied French last year." (Simple and straightforward)
* "I took French last year." (More common in American English)
* "I was studying French last year." (Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the study)
* "I learned French last year." (Implies you gained a level of proficiency)
You can also add more detail:
* "I studied French in high school last year."
* "I took a French course last year."
* "I was learning French last year in preparation for a trip to Paris."
The best option depends on the context and the emphasis you want to make.