Improve your ear for French with this clip of French in real life. Understand more than just your teacher’s French. Take it on and hear a word that can be both verb and noun. Set your level and fill in the blanks 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.
to smile
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 là, il me regarde, il me fait un grand sourire et il me dit « Je pense que quand ma situation financière sera améliorée, j’envisagerai de une proposition en mariage. »
And then he looks at me, gives me a big smile and says, “I think when my financial situation improves, I’ll consider a marriage proposal.”
The above translation from Deepl
What does “sourire” mean?
As a verb, “sourire” means “to smile” in English. It refers to the action of smiling.
Examples as a Verb:
- “Elle sourit quand elle est heureuse.” (She smiles when she is happy.)
- “Nous sourions en voyant le bébé.” (We smile upon seeing the baby.)
Usage as a Noun:
“Sourire” can also be used as a noun in French, meaning “a smile.”
Examples as a Noun:
- “Il me fait un grand sourire.” (He gives me a big smile.)
- “Son sourire illumine la pièce.” (Her smile lights up the room.)
Context:
When used as a verb, “sourire” describes the action of smiling. As a noun, it refers to the smile itself. The context of the sentence usually makes it clear whether “sourire” is being used as a verb or a noun.
Related Expressions:
- “Un sourire forcé” (a forced smile)
- “Sourire aux anges” (to smile blissfully, literally “smile at the
angels”)
Cultural Notes:
In French culture, the distinction between “sourire” as a verb and as a noun is subtle but important. A “sourire” (noun) is often perceived as more than just a facial expression; it can convey a person’s inner state or intention. For example, “il me fait un grand sourire” not only indicates that someone is smiling broadly but also implies a sense of warmth or welcome.
In Summary:
“Sourire” in French can function both as a verb (“to smile”) and as a noun (“a smile”). As a verb, it describes the action, and as a noun, it refers to the smile itself. This dual use reflects the nuanced and expressive nature of the French language, where a single word can capture both an action and its manifestation.
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.
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- Note-taking: Jot down new words or phrases you encounter. Review these notes regularly to enhance vocabulary retention.
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Improve your ear for French with this clip of French in real life. Understand more than just your teacher’s French. Take it on and hear a word that can be both verb and noun. Set your level and fill in the blanks as you listen!
