Dive into this clip from Transfert. Can you catch all these phrases? “l’un des derniers”, “souvenirs”, “sa chaise longue”, “couper les ongles”, and “le faire beau” Hear them all in this clip. Take on this listening practice from any level of French, simply choose your level and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Transfert s01ep22. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
The above audio sample and transcription is from Transfert s01ep22. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
make beautiful
What’s opening up for you with this clip?
The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Et euh bon on passait nos journées à s’occuper de lui. Et l’un des derniers souvenirs que j’ai, c’est il avait son arbre dans le jardin, son palmier, il avait sa chaise longue, et j’étais en train de lui couper les euh les ongles de pieds pour le faire beau.
And we spent our days looking after him. And one of the last memories I have is that he had his tree in the garden, his palm tree, he had his deckchair, and I was cutting his toenails to make him look nice.
The above translation from Deepl
What does “l’un des derniers” mean?
The phrase “l’un des derniers” translates to “one of the last” in English. It is used to refer to something or someone that is among the final few in a sequence, group, or category.
Usage and Context:
- Identification in a Group: This phrase is commonly used to identify an individual or an item that is among the last in a series or collection.
- Historical or Sequential Context: It often appears in contexts where you’re discussing history, rankings, sequences, or any scenario where order and placement are relevant.
Examples:
“Il est l’un des derniers survivants de la guerre.” (He is one of the last survivors of the war.)
“Ce film est l’un des derniers qu’il a réalisés.” (This film is one of the last he made.)
Nuance:
- Sense of Rarity or Significance: The phrase can carry a sense of rarity or historical significance, especially when referring to people or items from a bygone era or the end of a certain period.
- Exclusivity: It can also imply exclusivity or distinction, as being “one of the last” sets the subject apart from the majority.
Commonality:
“L’un des derniers” is a frequently used expression in French. It is especially prevalent in formal contexts, such as historical discussions, literary analysis, or in conversations where precise distinction is necessary.
Summary:
“L’un des derniers” translates to “one of the last” in French, commonly used to indicate that someone or something is among the final few in a sequence or group, often conveying a sense of rarity or historical significance.
What does “souvenirs” mean?
The word “souvenirs” in French translates to “memories” in English. It refers to the mental recollection of past experiences, events, or people.
Usage and Context:
- Recalling the Past: “Souvenirs” is used to talk about remembering or reflecting on past experiences.
- Emotional Connotation: Often, souvenirs are associated with personal, emotional, or sentimental value.
Examples:
- “J’ai de bons souvenirs de mon enfance.” (I have good memories of my childhood.)
- “Ce lieu me rappelle des souvenirs.” (This place brings back memories.)
Other Meanings:
- Souvenirs as Objects: In a different context, “souvenirs” can also refer to keepsakes or mementos. These are physical objects kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.
- Gift Shops: In tourist areas, shops selling keepsakes are often called “magasins de souvenirs” (souvenir shops).
Cultural Notes:
- Value in French Culture: In French culture, there is a strong appreciation for history and personal experiences, making “souvenirs” an important aspect of sharing stories and relationships.
- Art and Literature: The concept of “souvenirs” is a common theme in French art and literature, reflecting on the past and its impact on the present.
Summary:
“Souvenirs” in French primarily means “memories,” referring to the recollection of past experiences and often carrying emotional significance. The word can also refer to physical keepsakes or mementos. Integral to French culture, “souvenirs” play a significant role in personal storytelling and the nostalgic remembrance of history and experiences.
What does “sa chaise longue” mean?
“La chaise longue” translates to “the lounge chair” or “the chaise lounge” in English. It refers to a long chair designed for reclining, typically with a backrest at one end.
Description and Use:
- Design: A chaise longue is a chair with an elongated seat that allows the user to stretch out their legs. It often has a backrest at one end and sometimes an armrest.
- Purpose: It is designed for relaxation and leisure, often used in outdoor settings like gardens, poolside areas, or patios, as well as in indoor spaces like living rooms or bedrooms.
Examples in Context:
- “Je me suis reposée sur la chaise longue tout l’après-midi.” (I rested on the lounge chair all afternoon.)
- “Ils ont acheté deux chaises longues pour leur jardin.” (They bought two lounge chairs for their garden.)
Variants:
- Daybed: The chaise longue is sometimes similar to a daybed, though daybeds are generally used for reclining and sometimes sleeping and may have a different design.
What does “couper les ongles” mean?
“Couper les ongles” simply means “to cut the nails” in English. It refers to the act of trimming fingernails or toenails. When you say “lui couper les ongles,” it translates to “to cut his/her nails,” indicating that you are trimming someone else’s nails. This phrase is commonly used in everyday language, both for personal grooming and in contexts like pet care.
What does “le faire beau” mean?
“Le faire beau” translates to “make it beautiful” or “make him beautiful” in English. The meaning depends on the context, specifically what or who “le” refers to.
Usage and Context:
- Referring to an Object or Place: When “le” refers to an object, place, or situation, “le faire beau” means “to make it beautiful,” implying beautification or improvement.
- Example: “Je vais le faire beau pour la fête.” (I am going to make it beautiful for the party.)
- Referring to a Male or Masculine Animal: If “le” refers to a male person or a masculine-gendered animal, “le faire beau” means “to make him beautiful,” which could involve grooming or dressing up.
- Example: “Je dois le faire beau pour son rendez-vous.” (I need to make him look nice for his appointment.)
Nuance and Tone:
- Improvement and Beautification: The phrase often conveys a sense of transformation or improvement in appearance or aesthetics.
- Common in Casual and Formal Contexts: “Le faire beau” can be used in various contexts, from casual conversations about grooming or decorating to more formal discussions about renovations or restorations.
Summary:
“Le faire beau” means “to make it/him beautiful,” with the exact interpretation depending on the context. It’s a versatile phrase used for describing actions taken to improve or beautify something, be it an object, place, or a person (specifically male) or animal. This expression reflects a common theme in French culture: the value of aesthetics and presentation.
What is opening up for you?
Comment below with the words you thought you heard, where you struggled, where you surprised yourself, or what you thought about this clip. Every little bit inspires other learners, thank you for being that inspiration to others on their French fluency journey!
Dive into this clip from Transfert. Can you catch all these phrases? “l’un des derniers”, “souvenirs”, “sa chaise longue”, “couper les ongles”, and “le faire beau” Hear them all in this clip. Take on this listening practice from any level of French, simply choose your level and fill in the missing words as you listen.
