Boost your French listening skills with this short clip from the Transfert podcast! Set your level and fill in the blanks as you listen. Do you know what “avant que ça n’arrive” means? Pick it up here in this clip and improve your French listening comprehension with French in real life.
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.
before it happens
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?
C’était le plus beau jour de ma vie. Non, le plus beau jour de ma vie, c’est le jour de mon mariage. J’en pleurais avant que ça n’arrive et je peux en pleurer encore aujourd’hui.
It was the happiest day of my life. No, the happiest day of my life was my wedding day. I cried about it before it happened and I can still cry about it today.
The above translation from Deepl
What does “avant que ça n’arrive” mean?
The phrase “avant que ça n’arrive” in French is a correct and commonly used expression, but its translation and meaning might be a bit different than you expect. It doesn’t mean “before it didn’t arrive.” Instead, it translates to “before it happens” or “before it occurs.”
Here’s a breakdown:
- “Avant que”: This means “before” in English.
- “Ça”: This is a casual or informal way to say “this” or “it.”
- “N’arrive”: The verb “arriver” means “to happen” or “to occur” in this context (not “to arrive” as in arriving at a place, which is another meaning of “arriver”). The “ne” before the verb is an example of the literary or formal use of the “ne” explétif, a negative particle used in certain subordinating clauses in French. It doesn’t make the phrase negative but is used for grammatical harmony.
So, “avant que ça n’arrive” is used to refer to an event or a situation that hasn’t occurred yet but is anticipated. It’s a standard phrase in French, especially useful for discussing preventive actions or expressing concern about a future event.
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
Welcome to Bitesize French, where fast spoken French is finally accessible! We break podcasts into short clips, like lively chats in French that fit into your day. They’re perfect for anyone, from advanced students to those just starting. Join us and enjoy French, one short clip at a time. Let’s learn together!
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.
I created the Bitesize French project because I wanted to understand more than just my teacher and youtubers who cater to learners. I wanted to understand the French I hear in France. I hope you can benefit as much as I am. Become a supporting member for access to all clips.
Boost your French listening skills with this short clip from the Transfert podcast! Set your level and fill in the blanks as you listen. Do you know what “avant que ça n’arrive” means? Pick it up here in this clip and improve your French listening comprehension with French in real life.
