Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here. The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do…
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Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
you have to realize that
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The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Il faut voir que le cerveau il a évolué sur les millions d’années. Le cortex cérébral qui est intelligent est arrivé euh au cours des deux cents derniers milliers d’années. Ça paraît long mais en fait c’est petit à l’échelle de l’évolution de l’humanité.
The brain has evolved over millions of years. The cerebral cortex, which is intelligent, has evolved over the last two hundred thousand years. It may seem a long time, but in fact it’s a very short time on the scale of human evolution.
The above translation from Deepl
What does “il faut voir que” mean?
“Il faut voir que” means “one must see that” or more naturally in English, “you have to realize that” / “keep in mind that”. It’s often used to introduce an important point, nuance, or consideration in an argument or explanation.
Il faut voir que le problème vient aussi de l’organisation. (You have to understand that the problem also comes from the organization.)
Used here to draw attention to a less obvious factor.
Il faut voir que les résultats ne seront pas immédiats. (You have to keep in mind that the results won’t be immediate.)
Acts as a soft way of preparing the listener for a reality check.
This phrase is common in formal speech, analysis, or thoughtful conversation. It signals that the speaker is adding depth or perspective, and it often softens what follows—making it sound reasoned rather than abrupt.
What does “au cours des” mean?
“Au cours des” means “over the course of” or “during”, and it’s used to describe events or developments happening within a span of time.
Au cours des dernières années, la technologie a beaucoup évolué. (Over the past few years, technology has evolved a lot.)
Highlights gradual change over a defined period.
Il y a eu plusieurs accidents au cours des travaux. (There were several accidents during the construction work.)
Refers to events unfolding while something else is in progress.
It’s a slightly more formal or written alternative to pendant or durant, often used in news, reports, or reflective writing to convey time plus progression or accumulation.
What does “Ça paraît” mean?
“Ça paraît” means “it seems” or “it appears”, coming from the verb paraître (to appear, to seem). It’s used when something gives the impression of being a certain way, often based on observation or feeling.
Ça paraît difficile au début. (It seems difficult at first.)
The speaker is commenting on how something looks or feels from the outside.
Ça paraît logique. (That seems logical.)
Often used to agree or acknowledge something that makes sense.
Culturally, ça paraît is softer and more reflective than c’est—instead of stating a fact, it suggests a perceived reality. It can also express subtle doubt or subjectivity: Ça paraît simple, mais ça ne l’est pas. (It seems simple, but it’s not.)
What does “l’échelle” mean?
“L’échelle” literally means “the ladder”, but it’s most commonly used figuratively to mean “scale”, “level”, or “range”, depending on the context.
À l’échelle mondiale, le changement climatique s’aggrave. (On a global scale, climate change is worsening.)
Here, l’échelle refers to scope or extent—geographical, social, or conceptual.
Il faut agir à une plus petite échelle. (We need to act on a smaller scale.)
Used to compare different levels of action or impact.
Ils ont utilisé une échelle pour monter sur le toit. (They used a ladder to get on the roof.)
Literal meaning—a physical ladder.
Culturally, échelle is often used in academic, technical, and scientific contexts to talk about scale of measurement, proportion, or influence, but it also shows up in everyday speech when discussing the size or range of something.
This clip is from the “Vivons Heureux” podcast
“Vivons heureux avant la fin du monde” is an intriguing French podcast that delves into themes of happiness and existentialism in the face of life’s transience.
Produced with a blend of humor and depth, the podcast explores the idea of living joyfully and meaningfully, even with the awareness of life’s inevitable end. Each episode features discussions, interviews, and stories that examine different aspects of happiness and human experience, encouraging listeners to embrace the present moment. Its thoughtful and often lighthearted approach makes it an excellent listen for those interested in personal growth, philosophy, and living a fulfilled life.
For French learners, it offers a rich resource to improve comprehension skills while engaging with contemporary and thought-provoking topics.
Improving your French Listening Comprehension with Podcasts
Welcome to Bitesize French, where fast spoken French is finally accessible! We break podcasts into short clips, like lively chats in French that fit into your day. They’re perfect for anyone, from advanced students to those just starting. Join us and enjoy French, one short clip at a time. Let’s learn together!
Make the most of the site:
- Daily Podcast Listening: Start your day with a French podcast from our collection. Choose episodes that align with your interests to keep it engaging.
- Active Listening Practice: As you listen, try to pick out key phrases and vocabulary. Use our daily quizzes to test your understanding and reinforce learning.
- Repeat and Shadow: Listen to the same podcast segment multiple times. Try to mimic the pronunciation and intonation to improve your spoken French.
- Note-taking: Jot down new words or phrases you encounter. Review these notes regularly to enhance vocabulary retention.
- Reflect and Respond: After each episode, summarize the main points in French, either in writing or aloud. This helps in consolidating your learning and improving your expressive skills.
I created the Bitesize French project because I wanted to understand more than just my teacher and youtubers who cater to learners. I wanted to understand the French I hear in France. I hope you can benefit as much as I am. Become a supporting member for access to all clips.
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Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here. The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do…
Take the quiz, join the conversation.
Did you find this one challenging or easy? Did you hear something diffferent? What surprised you? What levels did you complete? Comment below and share what’s opening up for you with this quiz.
