Vivons Heureux Numéro 1, Quiz 63: en permanence

Subscribe for the Quiz

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.

always

What’s opening up for you with this clip? Comment below with what was surprising, easy, challenging and/or interesting.

The snippet in English

Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?

The above translation from Deepl

What does “ce truc” mean?

Ce truc means this thing or that thing—used informally when referring to something whose name you don’t know, forget, or don’t want to specify.

Passe-moi ce truc, là, sur la table (Hand me that thing over there on the table).

It’s casual and familiar, often used in everyday speech.

In France, truc is a go-to placeholder word like “thingy” or “stuff,” and can also mean “a trick” (un truc pour dormir vite – a trick to fall asleep quickly); in Quebec, usage is the same, and truc can also refer to a tip or hack (as-tu un truc pour ça ? – do you have a trick for that?); in Francophone Africa, truc is widely used in spoken French, often humorously or to keep the conversation light when details aren’t necessary.

What does “en permanence” mean?

En permanence means constantly, all the time, or permanently—used to describe something that happens without interruption or is always present.

Il se plaint en permanence (He complains all the time).

It’s neutral to formal, and common in both spoken and written French. In France, it’s often used to express annoyance or emphasis (en permanence sur son téléphone – constantly on their phone); in Quebec, it’s used similarly, though tout le temps might sound more casual in conversation; in Francophone Africa, en permanence is widely used in formal speech and writing, especially in schools, offices, or regulations (personnel en permanence – staff permanently on site).

NB: while the words are cognates, their usage differs significantly—en permanence refers to frequency, not duration over time.

En permanence = constantly / always present
Permanence (in English) = lasting / unchanging

What does “en train de” mean?

En train de means in the process of or currently doing—used to describe an action that is happening right now. 🔧 Structure: être + en train de + infinitive

Je suis en train de manger (I’m in the middle of eating).

Nous sommes en train de travailler (We’re working right now)

It’s neutral and standard, common in both spoken and written French.

In France, it’s very common for emphasizing ongoing action (Il est en train de dormir – He’s sleeping right now). In Quebec, same usage, though spoken French might skip it for simplicity unless emphasis is needed. In Francophone Africa, en train de is widely used in formal and informal speech to clarify the moment something is happening—especially in storytelling or instruction.

What does “s’apprêter” mean?

S’apprêter means to get ready or to prepare oneself—used when someone is about to do something.

Elle s’apprête à sortir (She’s getting ready to go out).

Je m’apprêtais à parler quand il m’a interrompu (I was just about to speak when he interrupted me)

It’s neutral and reflexive, often followed by à + infinitive to indicate what the person is preparing to do.

In France, s’apprêter is common in storytelling or narration to show something is imminent. In Quebec, it’s used the same way, though sometimes replaced with se préparer à in more formal speech. In Francophone Africa, s’apprêter is frequently used in formal or descriptive French, especially in public speech or narrative to build tension or signal transition (il s’apprête à prendre la parole – he’s about to speak).

What does “se tape” mean?

Se tape is an informal and idiomatic expression in French with multiple meanings depending on context. Literally, it means hits oneself, but it’s often used figuratively or colloquially.

Common meanings:

To put up with / go through (something annoying)
Il se tape deux heures de bouchons tous les jours (He has to deal with two hours of traffic every day)

To treat oneself to / indulge in (informal or ironic)
Elle se tape un énorme dessert tous les soirs (She helps herself to a huge dessert every night) → Meaning: She (indulgently) eats it

In context here, most likely to treat oneself.

Usage: In France, se taper is extremely common in casual or sarcastic talk.

What does “combler” mean?

Combler means to fill, to fulfill, or to satisfy—used when something lacking is completed, a gap is filled, or a need is fully met.

Ce cadeau m’a comblé de joie (This gift filled me with joy).

It’s neutral to positive, common in emotional, practical, or poetic contexts. It carries a sense of fullness or emotional completion, not just physical filling.

Common uses:

• Combler un vide – to fill a void (literal or emotional)
  Ce travail comble un vide dans ma vie (This job fills a void in my life)
• Combler quelqu’un de – to shower someone with (happiness, love)
  Il l’a comblée d’attention (He showered her with attention)
• Combler un besoin / une attente – to meet a need or expectation
  Cette solution comble toutes nos attentes (This solution meets all our expectations)

What does “fin” mean?

Fin (or ‘fin) as a filler in speech is a shortened, casual version of enfin, which usually means well, anyway, or you know what I mean. It’s often used to hesitate, correct, soften, or refocus what’s being said—like a verbal comma.

C’était… fin, bizarre, quoi. (It was… well, weird, you know.)

Fin, je sais pas trop comment expliquer. (Well, I don’t really know how to explain.)

On va dire que c’est possible. Fin, en théorie. (Let’s say it’s possible. Well, in theory.)

What’s opening up for you?

Comment below with what’s opening up for you with this clip. What do you love about this? What was challenging? What was easy? Share your learning progress below!