Boost your French listening skills with this clip of French in real life. Straight from the Transfert podcast, this one is fast and filled with native turns of phrase: qui’s and que’s and tough pluperfect. Take a listen, set your level and fill in the blanks with what you hear!
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.
that much
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 c’est ce qui nous euh fait apprécier tant que ça le bonheur que l’on a trouvé et que l’on travaille euh tous les deux euh à le protéger ce bonheur-là, mais j’aurais pu avoir une vie totalement différente euh si euh s’ils n’avaient pas menti.
And that’s what makes us appreciate the happiness we’ve found and that we’re both working to protect it, but I could have had a totally different life if they hadn’t lied.
The above translation from Deepl
What does “tant que ça” mean?
The phrase “tant que ça” in French translates to “that much” in English. It’s used to question or express doubt about the extent, degree, or intensity of something.
Usage and Context:
- Expressing Surprise or Doubt: Often used to express surprise or skepticism about the amount, degree, or intensity being discussed.
- Example: “Tu l’aimes tant que ça ?” (Do you love him that much?)
- Seeking Clarification: Can be used to seek confirmation or clarification about the extent of something.
- Example: “Est-ce que ça te dérange tant que ça ?” (Does it bother you that much?)
Variations:
- The phrase can be adapted to different contexts or questions, but the core idea of questioning the extent or degree remains consistent.
Cultural Notes:
- In French conversation, phrases like “tant que ça” are commonly used to probe or clarify the extent of feelings, opinions, or impacts. It reflects the nuanced and expressive nature of the language, where speakers often seek to understand the depth or intensity of a situation.
In Summary:
“Tant que ça” means “that much” in French and is used to question or express doubt about the degree or extent of something. It’s a phrase often used in conversations to express surprise, seek clarification, or confirm the intensity of feelings, opinions, or situations. The usage is typically informal and conversational, reflecting the subtleties of interpersonal communication in French.
What does “le bonheur” mean?
“Le bonheur” in French translates to “happiness” in English. It is a noun that refers to the state or feeling of being happy or content.
Usage and Context:
- Emotional State: Used to describe a feeling of joy, contentment, and satisfaction.
- Example: “Le bonheur est important dans la vie.” (Happiness is important in life.)
- Philosophical and Cultural Discussions: Often a subject in philosophical, psychological, and cultural discussions about what constitutes a fulfilling life.
- Idiomatic Expressions: Common in various expressions, such as “à la recherche du bonheur” (in search of happiness).
Variations:
- “Heureux” / “Heureuse”: These are the adjective forms, meaning “happy” for masculine and feminine subjects, respectively.
What does “tous les deux” mean?
The phrase “tous les deux” in French translates to “both” or “the two of us/them” in English. It is used to refer to two people or things, collectively.
Usage and Context:
- Referring to Two Entities: “Tous les deux” is used when talking about two people or objects, emphasizing that something pertains to or involves both parties.
- Example: “Nous irons tous les deux.” (We will both go.)
- Inclusive: It includes both entities in the action, situation, or description.
- Example: “Ils ont réussi, tous les deux.” (They both succeeded.)
Variations:
- “Toutes les deux”: The feminine form, used when referring to two female entities or gendered objects.
- Example: “Elles sont venues toutes les deux.” (They both came, referring to two females.)
What does “s’ils n’avaient pas menti” mean?
- “S’ils”:
- “Si” = “If” (conditional conjunction used to begin a conditional phrase).
- “Ils” = “They” (third person plural pronoun).
- Together, “s’ils” means “if they.”
- “N’avaient pas”:
- “Ne…pas” = Negation markers in French, placed around the verb to negate it.
- “Avaient” = “Had” (imperfect tense of the verb “avoir,” which is “to have” in English).
- In combination, “n’avaient pas” translates to “had not.”
- “Menti”:
- “Menti” is the past participle of the verb “mentir,” which means “to lie.”
- It completes the verb phrase “n’avaient pas menti,” meaning “had not lied.”
When put together, “s’ils n’avaient pas menti” translates to “if they had not lied.” This phrase is in the pluperfect tense, used to express a condition in the past that did not happen. It is often used in hypothetical or counterfactual statements, reflecting on how things could have been different if the condition (in this case, not lying) had been met.
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 clip of French in real life. Straight from the Transfert podcast, this one is fast and filled with native turns of phrase: qui’s and que’s and tough pluperfect. Take a listen, set your level and fill in the blanks with what you hear!
