Improve your ear for fast spoken French (not just what your teacher says!). Take on this short clip from the Transfert podcast. Set your level and fill in the blanks with what you hear. Here are some words that stood out to me: “me rechercher” & “laisser passer”. What are you doing for your French…
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.
let you pass
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?
Il vient me rechercher chez moi. On traverse, euh on conduit euh sur le George Washington Bridge et là il me dit euh euh « Tu sais je pense que j’attends la même chose que toi et je veux pas te laisser passer. »
He picks me up at my house. We cross, uh we drive uh over the George Washington Bridge and then he says uh uh “You know I think I expect the same thing as you and I don’t want to let you pass.”
The above translation from Deepl
What does “me rechercher” mean?
“Me rechercher” translates to “to look for me” or “to search for me” in English.
Usage and Interpretation
- This phrase is a reflexive form of the verb “rechercher,” which means “to search” or “to look for.”
- “Me” is the first-person reflexive pronoun, indicating that the action of searching or looking is directed towards the speaker themselves.
- The phrase conveys the idea of someone else actively seeking or trying to find the speaker.
Examples
- “Si tu as besoin de moi, tu peux me rechercher.” (If you need me, you can look for me.)
- “Je ne sais pas pourquoi ils me recherchent.” (I don’t know why they are searching for me.)
Context
- “Me rechercher” can be used in various contexts, from literal situations where someone is physically looking for the speaker to more metaphorical or abstract scenarios, like being sought after for one’s skills or expertise.
- It’s applicable in both casual and formal conversations, depending on the situation.
Summary
“Me rechercher” means “to look for me” or “to search for me” in French. It’s used to express that someone is actively seeking or trying to find the speaker. This phrase can be applied in a range of contexts, from literal searching to being sought after for various reasons. The expression is versatile and can fit into both informal and formal dialogues.
What does “je veux pas te laisser passer” mean?
“Je veux pas te laisser passer” translates to “I don’t want to let you pass” or “I don’t want to let you go” in English.
Usage and Interpretation
- This phrase is a direct expression of the speaker’s desire not to allow someone to pass by or to leave.
- “Je veux pas” is a colloquial contraction of “Je ne veux pas,” which means “I do not want.”
- “Te laisser passer” means “to let you pass” or “to let you go.”
Examples
- In a literal sense, if someone is blocking a pathway: “Je veux pas te laisser passer ici.” (I don’t want to let you pass here.)
- Figuratively, expressing a desire not to end a relationship or a conversation: “Je veux pas te laisser passer de ma vie.” (I don’t want to let you go from my life.)
Context
- The phrase can be used both literally (physically preventing someone from passing) and figuratively (not wanting to lose someone or end an interaction).
- It’s more commonly used in informal and conversational settings.
Summary
“Je veux pas te laisser passer” means “I don’t want to let you pass” or “I don’t want to let you go” in French. It’s an expression that can be used literally or figuratively, signifying the speaker’s wish not to allow someone to pass by or leave, whether in a physical sense or in a more emotional or relational context. The phrase is informal and typically used in personal conversations.
This clip is from the “Transfert” podcast
Produced by slate.fr, “Transfert” is a unique French podcast that offers an immersive listening experience. Each episode features real-life stories narrated by the people who lived them. These personal narratives cover a wide range of human experiences and emotions, providing listeners with profound insights into the lives and minds of others. The storytelling is intimate and engaging, making it an excellent resource for French language learners to improve their listening skills while connecting with compelling, authentic content.
Improving your French Listening Comprehension with Podcasts
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Make the most of the site:
- Daily Podcast Listening: Start your day with a French podcast from our collection. Choose episodes that align with your interests to keep it engaging.
- Active Listening Practice: As you listen, try to pick out key phrases and vocabulary. Use our daily quizzes to test your understanding and reinforce learning.
- Repeat and Shadow: Listen to the same podcast segment multiple times. Try to mimic the pronunciation and intonation to improve your spoken French.
- Note-taking: Jot down new words or phrases you encounter. Review these notes regularly to enhance vocabulary retention.
- Reflect and Respond: After each episode, summarize the main points in French, either in writing or aloud. This helps in consolidating your learning and improving your expressive skills.
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Improve your ear for fast spoken French (not just what your teacher says!). Take on this short clip from the Transfert podcast. Set your level and fill in the blanks with what you hear. Here are some words that stood out to me: “me rechercher” & “laisser passer”. What are you doing for your French…
