Improve your French listening skills with this clip of French in real life. Real life often combines the mundane and esoteric – coming home from the store, and defeat – both in shopping and in your own closet. Take a listen and see how much you can fill in to the transcript!
Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
this time
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?
Alors ce coup-ci, on repart sans rien acheter. J’ai résisté, les filles sont frustrées, mais on rentre à la maison les mains vides. En arrivant je décide de regarder les choses en face.
So this time, we leave without buying anything. I resisted, the girls are frustrated, but we go home empty-handed. When we arrive, I decide to face the facts.
The above translation from Deepl
What does “ce coup-ci” mean?
“Ce coup-ci” is a French expression that translates to “this time” in English. It is used to refer to the current instance or occasion, often implying a contrast with previous instances or occasions. The expression is commonly used in spoken French to specify or emphasize the particularity of the current situation or moment in comparison to others. Here’s a more detailed look at its meaning and usage:
Usage and Context:
- Emphasizing the Present or Current Instance: “Ce coup-ci” is used to highlight or distinguish the current situation from past or future ones.
- Example: “Ce coup-ci, je ne ferai pas la même erreur.” (This time, I won’t make the same mistake.)
- Contrast with Previous Instances: It often implies a comparison or contrast with previous times, suggesting a change or a different approach.
- Example: “J’ai échoué les autres fois, mais ce coup-ci, je réussirai.” (I failed the other times, but this time, I will succeed.)
Cultural Notes:
- Conversational Tone: While “ce coup-ci” is informal, it’s widely used in everyday French conversations. It’s less common in formal writing but might appear in dialogues or direct speech.
- Similar Expressions: Related to “ce coup-ci” is “cette fois-ci,” which also means “this time” and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. Another contrasting expression is “la prochaine fois” (next time), which looks forward to a future instance.
What does “les mains vides” mean?
“Les mains vides” is a fixed expression in French that translates to “empty-handed” in English.
Meaning and Usage:
- Literal Use: When someone physically arrives or leaves a place without carrying any items or gifts. It often implies a breach of expectation, such as showing up to a social gathering without bringing anything for the hosts or the event.
- Example: “Il est arrivé à la fête les mains vides.” (He arrived at the party empty-handed.)
- Figurative Use: More broadly, the phrase can symbolize failure, lack of results, or the absence of contributions or achievements.
- Example: “Après des mois de négociations, ils sont repartis les mains vides.” (After months of negotiations, they left empty-handed.)
Cultural and Linguistic Notes:
- Social Expectations: In French culture, as in many others, arriving “les mains vides” to a gathering or event can be seen as impolite or inconsiderate, reflecting broader social norms about hospitality and generosity.
- Expression of Outcome: The expression is also commonly used to comment on the outcome of efforts or endeavors, highlighting situations where expectations are not met or goals are not achieved.
What does “regarder les choses en face” mean?
“Regarder les choses en face” is a French expression that translates to “to face things” or “to look at things squarely” in English. It is used to convey the idea of confronting reality directly, acknowledging the truth of a situation, or facing facts without avoidance or denial.
Meaning and Usage:
- Confronting Reality: The expression is often used in situations where someone needs to acknowledge the truth or reality of a situation, even if it’s difficult or unpleasant.
- Example: “Il est temps de regarder les choses en face et d’admettre que le projet a échoué.” (It’s time to face facts and admit that the project has failed.)
- Acceptance and Honesty: It also implies the need for acceptance and honesty with oneself and others, suggesting that understanding and progress can only come from acknowledging the truth.
What does “en arrivant” mean?
“En arrivant” is a French phrase that translates to “upon arriving” or “on arrival” in English.
Grammatical Structure:
- “En” + Gerund: “En arrivant” is formed by the preposition “en” followed by the gerund form of the verb “arriver” (to arrive). In French, the gerund is formed by adding “-ant” to the verb stem, and it’s used to indicate an action that is happening simultaneously with or as a condition of another action.
Usage and Context:
- Describing Simultaneous Actions: “En arrivant” is often used to describe an action that takes place at the same time as the arrival or immediately thereafter.
- Example: “En arrivant à la maison, j’ai vu que la porte était ouverte.” (Upon arriving at home, I saw that the door was open.)
- Setting the Scene: It can be used to set the scene or provide background information in narratives or descriptions.
- Example: “En arrivant, ils ont remarqué une foule devant le bâtiment.” (On arrival, they noticed a crowd in front of the building.)
This clip is from the “Vivons Heureux” podcast
“Vivons heureux avant la fin du monde” is an intriguing French podcast that delves into themes of happiness and existentialism in the face of life’s transience.
Produced with a blend of humor and depth, the podcast explores the idea of living joyfully and meaningfully, even with the awareness of life’s inevitable end. Each episode features discussions, interviews, and stories that examine different aspects of happiness and human experience, encouraging listeners to embrace the present moment. Its thoughtful and often lighthearted approach makes it an excellent listen for those interested in personal growth, philosophy, and living a fulfilled life.
For French learners, it offers a rich resource to improve comprehension skills while engaging with contemporary and thought-provoking topics.
Improving your French Listening Comprehension with Podcasts
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Improve your French listening skills with this clip of French in real life. Real life often combines the mundane and esoteric – coming home from the store, and defeat – both in shopping and in your own closet. Take a listen and see how much you can fill in to the transcript!
