What does “à l’âge adulte” mean? See if you can hear it in this clip of French in real life. Start at any level, choose how much of the transcript you can see and fill in the blanks as you listen! Improve your French listening skills with us.
This clip is from Manger Episode 1. Listen and fill in what you hear below. Read more and find a translation below. Listen to the full episode here.
This audio sample and transcription is from Manger ep. 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode
as an adult
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The snippet in English
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J’ai commencé à me rebeller à l’âge adulte et à pas me forcer à manger le matin si j’en avais pas envie, parce que quand j’étais petite, ma mère m’obligeait à prendre un petit-déj tous les matins, même quand j’avais pas faim.
I started rebelling as an adult and not forcing myself to eat in the morning if I didn’t feel like it, because when I was little, my mother made me eat breakfast every morning, even when I wasn’t hungry.
The above translation from Deepl. Source
What does “à l’âge adulte” mean?
The phrase “à l’âge adulte” in French translates to “in adulthood” or “at the age of adulthood” in English.
The phrase “à l’âge adulte” primarily refers to the time when a person transitions into adulthood, typically associated with reaching the legal age of adulthood, which is 18 years old in France. However, the phrase itself does not specify an upper age limit. While it is commonly used to describe the period of life when individuals are considered adults, it does not exclude individuals beyond a certain age.
Examples:
- “À l’âge adulte, nous sommes responsables de nos propres décisions.” (In adulthood, we are responsible for our own decisions.)
- “Il est important d’acquérir certaines compétences à l’âge adulte.” (It is important to acquire certain skills in adulthood.)
- “À l’âge adulte, on doit assumer les conséquences de ses actes.” (In adulthood, one must assume the consequences of one’s actions.)
Other expressions that convey a similar meaning to “à l’âge adulte” include “au stade de la vie adulte” (at the stage of adult life) or “dans la vie adulte” (in adult life).
What does “j’en avais pas envie” mean?
The phrase “j’en avais pas envie” is a French expression that translates to “I didn’t feel like it” or “I didn’t want to” in English.
The phrase is composed of several elements. “J’en” is a contraction of “je en,” which means “I” or “I have” in this context. “Avais” is the past tense form of the verb “avoir” (to have), and “pas” is a negation particle. “Envie” means “desire” or “want.”
“J’en avais pas envie” indicates a lack of desire or willingness to do something. It conveys that the person did not have the motivation, inclination, or interest to engage in a specific activity.
This phrase is used to express a personal preference or lack thereof. It is often used to explain why someone didn’t do or participate in something. It can be used in various contexts, such as declining an invitation, refusing a request, or expressing disinterest in a particular task or activity.
Examples:
- “Mon ami voulait aller au cinéma, mais j’en avais pas envie.” (My friend wanted to go to the movies, but I didn’t feel like it.)
- “On m’a proposé de participer à cette réunion, mais j’en avais pas envie.” (I was asked to attend that meeting, but I didn’t want to.)
- “Ma sœur voulait que je l’aide avec son déménagement, mais j’en avais pas envie.” (My sister wanted me to help her with her move, but I didn’t feel like it.)
Can you tell me about “même quand” vs “quand même” ?
While “même quand” and “quand même” may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and usage. Let’s clarify:
“Même quand” (Even when/Even if): This expression emphasizes that something remains true or happens despite specific circumstances or conditions. It highlights the persistence or continuation of an action or state despite potential obstacles or challenges.
Example: “Même quand il pleut, elle sort faire son jogging.” (Even when it’s raining, she goes out for her run.)
“Quand même” (Anyway/Still/Nevertheless): This expression is used to indicate a sense of persistence, resilience, or contrary sentiment in light of specific circumstances. It implies that despite those circumstances, the action or feeling is carried out or remains true.
Example: “Je suis fatigué, mais je vais quand même sortir ce soir.” (I’m tired, but I’m still going out tonight.)
While both expressions convey a sense of persistence, they differ in their focus. “Même quand” emphasizes the circumstances that are being overcome, while “quand même” highlights the persistence or contrary nature of the action or feeling despite those circumstances.
In summary, “même quand” emphasizes the circumstances or conditions, while “quand même” emphasizes the persistence or contrary sentiment.
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What does “à l’âge adulte” mean? See if you can hear it in this clip of French in real life. Start at any level, choose how much of the transcript you can see and fill in the blanks as you listen! Improve your French listening skills with us.
Hey,
I think instead of “je n’avais pas envie” it’s “j’en avais pas envie” which is more grammatically correct.
I think you are right and I changed it. thank you for all your assistance!