Manger ep. 1, Quiz 64: goûter

_{^{This audio sample and transcription is from Manger ep. 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode}}

snacktime

I have to highlight this word simply because the cultural nuance is astounding. I heard about this on one trip to France when a walking tour guide said “pain au chocolat typically are freshest at all boulangerie in France at about 4pm”. I thought this was strange until I was reading “bringing up bebe” as I’ve mentioned, and she talks about the importance of the gouter – the single snacktime in a child’s life.

As an American, and an American parent, this was astounding. But then we tried it – only offering a single snack and making it special in the mid afternoon, and it was surprisingly drastic. It led to less meltdowns, better mealtimes, there were weeks in our recent travels in Japan where no snacks were on hand. Shocking to me as an American who things of snacks as an essential carry-along on any outing of any duration.

I love the below explanation because the antonyms are given as détester” (to dislike) or “ignorer” (to ignore). The snack is so linked to something pleasurable and observed in the nuance of the word’s meaning. I thought that was interesting. So when this word popped up in this clip, I had to smile a little bit.

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 “Ça veut pas dire” mean?

The phrase “Ça veut pas dire” is a colloquial expression in French that translates to “It doesn’t mean” or “It doesn’t imply” in English. “Ça veut pas dire” is used to clarify or correct a misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

Examples:

• “J’ai dit qu’il était occupé, mais ça veut pas dire qu’il ne veut pas te voir.” (I said he was busy, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to see you.)
• “Elle a refusé l’invitation, mais ça veut pas dire qu’elle ne s’intéresse pas à l’événement.” (She declined the invitation, but it doesn’t mean she’s not interested in the event.)

“Ça veut pas dire” is commonly used in everyday conversations to clarify intentions, correct misunderstandings, or avoid misconceptions. It emphasizes the need to differentiate between what is said or done and the actual meaning or implication behind it.

The phrase “Ça veut pas dire” belongs to informal spoken French and is commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, or acquaintances.

In summary, “Ça veut pas dire” is a colloquial phrase used to clarify or correct misunderstandings. It conveys that a particular statement or action does not carry the meaning or implication that someone may have assumed. It reflects a communicative approach that values clarity and the prevention of misconceptions.

What does “de temps en temps” mean?

The phrase “de temps en temps” in French translates to “from time to time” or “occasionally” in English. “De temps en temps” indicates an intermittent or sporadic occurrence of an action or event.

Examples:

• “Je vais au cinéma de temps en temps.” (I go to the cinema from time to time.)
• “Elle sort avec ses amis de temps en temps.” (She goes out with her friends occasionally.)

“De temps en temps” is a commonly used phrase in both spoken and written French. It is used to express a moderate frequency of an action or event, indicating that it happens every now and then but not on a regular basis.

In addition to “de temps en temps,” you may also encounter similar expressions such as “parfois” (sometimes), “occasionnellement” (occasionally), or “de manière épisodique” (in an episodic manner). These phrases convey a similar sense of intermittent occurrence.

As opposed, to “de temps en temps” consider the antonym: “régulièrement” (regularly). As in: “Je vais au cinéma régulièrement.” (I go to the cinema regularly.)

By contrasting “de temps en temps” with “régulièrement,” we can better understand that “de temps en temps” refers to actions or events that occur with breaks or irregular intervals, while “régulièrement” indicates a consistent and frequent occurrence. This antonym helps illustrate the intermittent nature of “de temps en temps” and emphasizes that it is not a regular or constant activity.

In summary, “de temps en temps” is a phrase used to describe actions or events that occur intermittently or occasionally. It conveys a moderate frequency and reflects a flexible and balanced approach to activities and routines.

What does “goûter” mean?

The word “goûter” in French has multiple meanings depending on the context. Meaning as a noun: “goûter” can refer to a light meal or snack that is typically enjoyed in the afternoon, similar to a tea-time or snack break. It often involves small treats like biscuits, pastries, or fruit, accompanied by a hot or cold beverage. As a verb: “goûter” means “to taste” or “to sample.” It refers to the action of trying or savoring the flavor of food or drink.

Examples:

• Noun: “Nous prenons un goûter tous les jours à 16 heures.” (We have a snack every day at 4 p.m.)
• Verb: “J’aimerais goûter ce gâteau, il a l’air délicieux.” (I would like to taste this cake, it looks delicious.)

The noun form of “goûter” is commonly used in the context of children’s snacks or as a way to indulge in a light treat during the afternoon. As a verb, it is used to express the act of sampling or trying different flavors.

An antonym for “goûter” in the sense of tasting or sampling could be “détester” (to dislike) or “ignorer” (to ignore), as they represent the opposite action of enjoying or paying attention to the flavor of something.

The concept of “goûter” is deeply rooted in French culture, particularly in relation to childhood and family traditions. It is a cherished moment that allows for a break and the enjoyment of small treats.

What does “assez” mean?

The word “assez” in French is an adverb that translates to “enough” or “quite” in English. “Assez” can express the idea of having an appropriate or satisfactory amount, or it can denote a certain level or extent.

Examples:

• “J’ai assez d’argent pour acheter ce livre.” (I have enough money to buy this book.)
• “Il est assez grand pour participer à cette activité.” (He is old enough to participate in this activity.)
• “C’est assez intéressant.” (It’s quite interesting.)

“Assez” is commonly used in various contexts, such as expressing quantity, degree, sufficiency, or moderation. It can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the extent or adequacy of something.

An antonym for “assez” in the sense of sufficiency or adequacy could be “pas assez” (not enough) or “trop” (too much). These antonyms highlight the opposite ends of the spectrum regarding quantity or degree.

Depending on the context, “assez” can convey different levels of sufficiency or moderation. It can range from “just enough” to “quite” or “fairly.” The exact meaning is determined by the context in which it is used.

Perhaps the use of “assez” aligns with the French appreciation for moderation and balance in various aspects of life, such as food, conversation, and leisure. It reflects the cultural value of finding a satisfactory or appropriate amount.

What did you love about this?

Comment below with your feedback! Tells us what you think. Send a note or leave a comment below. We appreciate the feedback. Also, we’re always looking for partners to build this site and grow the content available.