Improve your French listening skills with this clip from Inner French. It’s 45 words in 22 seconds. How many can you hear? Use our transcription quiz and improve your ear no matter your level.
This clip is from the Inner French podcast Episode 001. 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 the Inner French podcast episode 001. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
It’s easier
As I work through these clips on 100% blank, they are getting easier and easier. That’s not to say I’m picking up all spoken French outside in the real world, but little by little I can feel myself advancing and picking up more of the language.
I’m also playing around with Japanese on Duolingo, so now who knows what my brain is trying to make sense of. We’re living in Japan now and I’m about as far from French speaking as possible. Though, as I’ve learned Romanji I’m spotting more and more French words. The Japanese do seem to love France, at least that’s my perspective as a short term visitor.
What’s opening up for you in this clip? 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?
Par exemple, si vous êtes très motivé, si vous avez confiance en vous, vous êtes dans un meilleur état d’esprit pour comprendre une langue, c’est plus facile. Vous pensez que vous êtes capable de le faire, donc ça devient plus facile de comprendre cette langue.
For example, if you are very motivated, if you have confidence in yourself, you are in a better state of mind to understand a language, it is easier. You think you can do it, so it becomes easier to understand that language.
The above translation from Deepl. Source
What does “c’est plus facile” mean?
“C’est plus facile” is a French phrase that translates to “It’s easier” in English.
Background: The phrase is commonly used in French language and culture, often in casual conversations to express a situation that is easier to handle or a task that is simpler to accomplish. It can also be used to describe a situation that has become less complicated or difficult to manage.
Here are some examples:
- “Je préfère aller en voiture, c’est plus facile que prendre le bus.” (“I prefer to go by car, it’s easier than taking the bus.”)
- “Depuis que j’ai organisé mes affaires, c’est plus facile de travailler.” (“Since I organized my things, it’s easier to work.”)
- “C’est plus facile à dire qu’à faire.” (“It’s easier said than done.”)
“C’est plus facile” is a common expression in French that is often used in a conversational tone.
It is similar to the English phrase “It’s easier said than done”, which is used to express that a task or action is easier to talk about than to actually accomplish.
In French, the phrase can also be used sarcastically or humorously to point out a situation that is actually more complicated than it appears.
What does “état d’esprit” mean?
“État d’esprit” is a French term that translates to “state of mind” in English. It refers to someone’s mental or emotional state or their attitude towards something at a particular moment. It can also refer to a particular mindset or way of thinking that someone adopts in general.
Examples:
- “Je suis dans un bon état d’esprit aujourd’hui” (“I’m in a good state of mind today”)
- “Son état d’esprit n’est pas très positif en ce moment” (“Her state of mind is not very positive at the moment”)
- “Il a un état d’esprit très créatif” (“He has a very creative state of mind”)
Background: “État d’esprit” is a common term in French, used in various contexts. It’s often used in psychology and self-help literature, as well as in everyday conversations. The concept of “état d’esprit” is related to the idea of mindset, which has gained popularity in recent years, especially in the fields of personal development and business.
The French philosopher and writer, Michel de Montaigne, wrote about the importance of “état d’esprit” in his essays, emphasizing the role of mental attitude in shaping one’s life experience.
In French, there is also a related term “mentalité” which refers to a more collective or cultural mindset or mentality. For example, “la mentalité française” would refer to the typical way of thinking or behaving in French culture.
The concept of “état d’esprit” has been applied in sports psychology, where athletes are encouraged to cultivate a positive state of mind to enhance their performance.
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