Improve your ear for French with this clip from the Balades podcast. 30 words in 11 seconds, how many can you hear and understand? Take today’s transcription quiz and boost your listening comprehension.
This clip is from Balades Episode 3. Listen and fill in what you hear below. Read more and find a translation below. Find the full podcast here.
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The above audio sample and transcription is from Balades ep. 3. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
Along the sea
This one surprised me. I suppose it is similar to the English along, but it seems like almost a faux amis. In this instance, it is similar – along / “long“, however a place could be long de la mer, as well, no? And that really isn’t along, it’s at / on. It’s straight forward, though “le long” — the “le” is what surprises me.
I like how this clip defines the word I was wondering about in yesterday’s clip. This clip again proves why this podcast is so great for learning. If she uses a difficult expression or word, she typically defines or adds context – like a teacher would. Now this is not an episode that I expect Parisians or French people to listen to, but it’s great for us learners.
We’ll continue to work up to faster clips, but for now, at my level, I welcome this pace.
Join us for the next quiz.
How are you finding these shorter snippets? I’m open to any and all feedback, as always. Let me know.
The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Un corso est un défilé, ici se sont des chars décorés d’oranges et de citrons qui circulent dans les rues de la ville et le long de la mer.
A corso is a parade, in this case, floats decorated with oranges and lemons circulate through the streets of the city and along the sea.
The above translation from Deepl. Source
What does “chars” mean?
“Des chars” translates to “tanks” or “floats” in English, depending on the context.
Usage and Interpretation
- Military Context: In a military context, “un char” refers to a tank, which is an armored fighting vehicle. “Des chars” would mean “tanks” in this setting.
- Festival or Parade Context: In the context of a parade or festival, “un char” can refer to a float, which is a decorated platform, either built on a vehicle like a truck or towed behind one, used in parades. “Des chars” in this context would mean “floats.”
Examples
- Military: “L’armée a déployé des chars lors du conflit.” (The army deployed tanks during the conflict.)
- Festival: “Des chars colorés ont défilé dans les rues pendant le carnaval.” (Colorful floats paraded through the streets during the carnival.)
Context
- The meaning of “des chars” varies greatly depending on the context. Understanding whether it refers to military tanks or parade floats depends on the surrounding text or conversation.
- It’s a common term in both military discussions and descriptions of festive events.
Summary
“Des chars” can mean either “tanks” in a military context or “floats” in the context of parades and festivals in French. The correct interpretation depends heavily on the context in which the phrase is used. This duality in meaning illustrates the versatility and context-dependence of language.
What does “le long de la mer” mean?
“Le long de la mer” translates to “along the sea” or “by the sea” in English.
Usage and Interpretation
- This phrase is used to describe a location or movement that is adjacent to or near the coastline of the sea.
- “Le long de” means “along” or “alongside,” indicating a linear progression or positioning alongside something, in this case, the sea.
Examples
- “Nous avons marché le long de la mer.” (We walked along the sea.)
- “Il y a de belles maisons le long de la mer.” (There are beautiful houses by the sea.)
Context
- “Le long de la mer” can be used in various contexts, including descriptions of geographical locations, travel, leisure activities, and scenic descriptions.
- It’s a common phrase in both spoken and written French, particularly in contexts involving coastal regions or seaside settings.
Summary
“Le long de la mer” means “along the sea” or “by the sea” in French. It’s used to describe locations, movements, or settings that are situated adjacent to or near the coastline of the sea. This phrase is often used in describing picturesque coastal scenes, travel routes, or activities near the sea.
This clip is from the Balades podcast
“Balades” is a great podcast for those new to French. Its slow pace and clear speech make it easy to follow and understand. The episodes are fun and cover a variety of topics, ideal for beginners. While designed for learners, the podcast stays in French, offering a full-dive into the language. It’s part of a wider group of French podcasts aimed at all levels, focusing on real-life use rather than just vocab and grammar. Regular listening, along with tools like transcripts and quizzes, helps boost understanding and speaking skills. “Balades” is a top pick for anyone starting their French learning journey.
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