Take on this clip from Transfert. Hear words referring to Christmas “on va faire Noël” and “chez”. How much of this clip can you pick up? Take on our listening practice, fill in the blanks with what you hear and improve your French listening comprehension!
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The above audio sample and transcription is from Transfert s01ep22. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
we’re having Christmas
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?
Donc je rentre en France et donc je prends la décision de partir aux Etats-Unis. Et je dis à maman, et bon la première année sans papa à Noël, on va faire euh on va faire Noël chez Yannick, aux Etats-Unis.
So I went back to France and decided to go to the United States. And I said to Mom, the first year without Dad at Christmas, we’re going to do, um, we’re going to do Christmas at Yannick’s, in the United States.
The above translation from Deepl
What does “on va faire Noël” mean?
The phrase “on va faire Noël” translates to “we are going to celebrate Christmas” in English. It’s used to indicate the plans or intention to observe or celebrate the Christmas holiday.
Usage and Context:
- Holiday Celebrations: This phrase is specifically about the preparation for or celebration of Christmas. It can encompass a wide range of activities, from attending religious services to participating in festive gatherings.
- Inclusive of Various Traditions: “Faire Noël” can include traditional activities like exchanging gifts, having a special meal, decorating, or any other customary way of marking the holiday.
Examples:
- “Cette année, on va faire Noël en famille.” (This year, we are going to celebrate Christmas with family.)
- “On va faire Noël chez mes grands-parents.” (We are going to celebrate Christmas at my grandparents’ house.)
Nuance:
- Sense of Activity and Participation: “On va faire Noël” suggests active participation in the holiday’s customs and traditions.
- Anticipation and Planning: The phrase often conveys a sense of anticipation and preparation for the holiday.
Cultural Notes:
- Importance of Christmas in French Culture: In many French-speaking regions, Christmas is a significant holiday with rich traditions. “Faire Noël” reflects the cultural importance of celebrating this festive season.
Summary:
“On va faire Noël” means “we are going to celebrate Christmas” in French. It is used to express plans or intentions related to Christmas celebrations, encompassing various traditional activities and festivities. This phrase captures the spirit of anticipation, preparation, and participation in the holiday’s customs.
What does “chez” mean?
“Chez” is a versatile French preposition that does not have a direct single-word equivalent in English. It generally means “at the home/place of,” “in the establishment of,” or “among.”
Usage and Context:
- Referring to a Person’s Home: “Chez” is often used to indicate being at someone’s house or home.
- Example: “Je suis chez Paul” (I am at Paul’s place/home).
- Business or Professional Contexts: It can refer to being in a professional establishment, like a doctor’s office or a store.
- Example: “Chez le médecin” (At the doctor’s office).
- Referring to a Group or Community: “Chez” can also indicate among a certain group of people or in a specific community.
- Example: “Chez les étudiants” (Among the students).
Examples:
- Personal Home: “Nous allons chez ma grand-mère.” (We are going to my grandmother’s house.)
- Professional Place: “Rendez-vous chez le dentiste à 10 heures.” (Appointment at the dentist at 10 am.)
- Cultural or Community Context: “Chez les Français, le dîner est important.” (Among the French, dinner is important.)
Nuance:
- Indicates a Sphere or Place of Belonging: “Chez” is unique in its ability to convey a sense of belonging or being in a particular sphere, whether it’s a physical location like a home or a more abstract sense like a community or profession.
Cultural Notes:
- Versatility in Usage: “Chez” is a fundamental preposition in French, indicative of the language’s precision in describing relationships with places, groups, and environments.
Summary:
“Chez” is a multi-functional French preposition used to express being at someone’s home, in a professional establishment, or among a certain group or community. It conveys a sense of location or belonging, whether in a physical or abstract sense, and is an essential element in the French language for describing spatial and relational contexts.
What is opening up for you?
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Take on this clip from Transfert. Hear words referring to Christmas “on va faire Noël” and “chez”. How much of this clip can you pick up? Take on our listening practice, fill in the blanks with what you hear and improve your French listening comprehension!
