Manger ep. 1, Quiz 16: ça se faisait

The above audio sample and transcription is from Manger ep. 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.

It was common

I like this clip because of all the parce que. The attempt at being sure when you’re not really sure. Then again, I’d probably say the same thing about having breakfast growing up.

Then again, what’s the alternative in the US? Not fresh bread, that’s for sure. This passage seems to be clearer than his last two without quite as many filler words. At least as I’m listening to it now I’m not hearing a lot. Then again, isn’t the repetition of parce que‘s (6 here, almost 10% of the passage) a little bit like a filler? I’m being too hard on the poor guy. I’m just thinking aloud. It’s great to hear this natural French.

What’s opening up for you in this clip?

The snippet in English

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

The above translation from Deepl. Source

What does “au final” mean?

“Au final” is a common French expression that can be translated to “in the end” or “ultimately” in English. It is used to express a final result, conclusion or outcome after a process or event. It is often used to summarize a situation or to highlight the most important point of a discussion.

For example, “Au final, j’ai décidé de ne pas aller à la fête” means “In the end, I decided not to go to the party.” Another example would be, “Au final, l’équipe a gagné le match” which translates to “Ultimately, the team won the game.”

The expression “au final” is commonly used in both spoken and written French and can be a useful addition to your vocabulary when you want to express a final conclusion.

What does “ça se faisait” mean?

“Ça se faisait” is a French expression that can be translated to “it was done” or “it was common”. It refers to a past practice or behavior that was widely accepted or customary in a particular time or place.

For example, one could say “Dans les années 80, porter des pantalons pattes d’eph, ça se faisait beaucoup” (In the 80s, wearing bell-bottom pants was very common).

The expression can also be used to describe something that used to be possible or feasible in the past, but is no longer the case. For instance, “Avant, on pouvait partir en vacances pour pas cher, mais maintenant, ça se fait plus” (Before, it was possible to go on vacation for cheap, but now it’s not done anymore).

In general, “ça se faisait” is used to talk about past customs, traditions, or social norms that have evolved or disappeared over time.

What does “pain frais” mean?

“Pain frais” is a French phrase that means “fresh bread.” The word “pain” means bread, and “frais” means fresh. In France, bread is an important part of the culture and cuisine, and it is typically eaten daily with meals. There are many different types of bread in France, from baguettes to croissants to brioche, and each region has its own specialties.

“Pain frais” is a term commonly used in bakeries and restaurants to indicate that the bread being served is freshly baked. It can refer to bread that has just been taken out of the oven or bread that has been baked within the last few hours. In general, French bread is best enjoyed when it is still warm and crispy on the outside, with a soft and chewy interior.

In addition to being delicious, “pain frais” is also considered healthier than bread that has been sitting around for a while. Freshly baked bread contains more nutrients and is less likely to have preservatives or other additives. For these reasons, many people in France prefer to buy bread from bakeries that bake fresh bread daily.

Overall, “pain frais” is an important concept in French culture and cuisine. It represents the importance of fresh, high-quality ingredients and the pleasure of enjoying simple, delicious foods. Whether you’re in France or just trying to bring a taste of France into your own home, seeking out “pain frais” can be a great way to experience the joys of French bread.

What does “mignonnes” mean?

“Mignonnes” is a French word that can be translated as “cute” or “adorable” in English. It is the feminine form of “mignon” which means “cute” or “sweet”. The word is often used to describe something or someone that is charming, endearing, or attractive, especially in a small or delicate way.

In everyday conversation, the word “mignonnes” can be used to describe a variety of things, such as a cute outfit, a charming gesture, or a sweet pet. For example, someone might say “ces chaussures sont mignonnes” (these shoes are cute) or “le chaton est tellement mignon” (the kitten is so adorable).

The word can also be used to describe people, particularly children or romantic partners. For instance, one might say “mes nièces sont mignonnes comme tout” (my nieces are cute as can be) or “mon petit ami est très mignon” (my boyfriend is very sweet and attractive).

Overall, “mignonnes” is a versatile and commonly used word in French that is often used to express admiration, fondness, or affection for something or someone that is endearing or charming.

And, “filet mignon” is a culinary term used in both French and English to describe a tender cut of beef, usually taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin. It literally means “cute fillet” in French, with “mignon” referring to the cut’s tenderness and “filet” meaning “fillet” or “small, boneless cut.”

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