Improve your French listening skills with French music. While not super fast, it is filled with imagery and metaphors. Can you catch everything? Take a listen and improve your French listening comprehension with us.
Learn French with a pop song snippet! This clip is from the song “Les amants parallèles” by Vincent Delerm; songwriters: Clement Ducol / Vincent Delerm; Les amants parallèles lyrics © Lili Louise Musique Sarl. Listen and fill in what you hear below. Read more and find a translation below. Find the full song here.
The above audio sample and transcription is from the song “Les amants parallèles” by Vincent Delerm; songwriters: Clement Ducol / Vincent Delerm; Les amants parallèles lyrics © Lili Louise Musique Sarl. We do not own the content. Find the full song here.
in the streets
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 nous vivons en parallèle
Et la ville nous sépare un peu
Nous nous croisons dans les tunnels
La ligne 13, la ligne 2
And we live in parallel
And the city separates us a little
We pass each other in the tunnels
Line 13, line 2
English translation by Deepl. Check it.
What does “nous nous croisons” mean?
The phrase “Nous nous croisons” translates from French to “we cross paths” or “we run into each other” in English. It’s used to describe a situation where two or more people meet or encounter each other, typically in a casual or unplanned manner.
Usage and Context:
- Casual or Incidental Meetings:
- Often implies unplanned or spontaneous encounters.
- Example: “Dans la ville, nous nous croisons souvent par hasard.” (In the city, we often run into each other by chance.)
- General Social Interactions:
- Can be used to describe brief interactions or meetings in various settings, like on the street, in a hallway, or at an event.
Grammatical Structure:
- Reflexive Verb Form:
- “Nous nous croisons” uses the reflexive form of the verb “croiser,” meaning both subjects are performing the action towards each other.
Cultural Notes:
- In French, the use of reflexive verbs like “se croiser” is common in everyday language, especially to describe mutual or reciprocal actions. The phrase captures the often serendipitous nature of social interactions.
In Summary:
“Nous nous croisons” means “we cross paths” or “we run into each other” in French, typically used to describe casual or unplanned encounters between people. It’s a reflexive verb phrase that reflects the commonality of spontaneous meetings in social contexts.
What does “la ligne 13, la ligne 2” mean?
“La ligne 13, la ligne 2” refers to two specific lines of the Paris Metro system: Line 13 and Line 2. These are subway lines that serve various stations across Paris.
Context in the Paris Metro System:
- Line 13 (Ligne 13):
- One of the lines in the Paris Metro, known for its north-south route through the city. It connects various districts and is notable for its busy traffic, particularly during rush hours.
- Line 2 (Ligne 2):
- This line runs mostly along the northern boundary of the city center, known for its elevated tracks and scenic views over parts of Paris.
Cultural and Urban Significance:
- The Paris Metro lines are integral to daily life in Paris, serving as a primary mode of transportation for Parisians and visitors alike.
- Mentioning specific metro lines can evoke particular urban atmospheres or experiences characteristic of those routes or areas they serve.
In Summary:
“La ligne 13, la ligne 2” refers to two lines of the Paris Metro, each with its unique route and characteristics. These lines are more than just transportation routes; they are part of the daily life and urban fabric of Paris, often referenced in cultural contexts to evoke specific aspects of the city.
Discover the Rhythms of French with Music: Enhance Your Learning Experience
Music, with its catchy melodies and repetitive structures, is a powerful tool for language learners. It not only entertains but also reinforces linguistic patterns, making it easier to grasp and remember new vocabulary and phrases.
Why Learn French with Music?
- Cultural Immersion: French music offers a window into the rich tapestry of French culture, traditions, and history. By exploring different genres – from classic chansons to contemporary pop – you gain deeper insights into the French way of life.
- Memorable Vocabulary: Lyrics in songs are often catchy and repetitive, aiding in memorization. Music acts as a mnemonic device, making retention of new words and phrases more effective.
- Pronunciation Practice: Singing along with French songs is a fun way to improve your accent and intonation. It helps in mimicking native speech patterns and rhythms.
- Emotional Connection: Music evokes emotions, making the learning experience more engaging and memorable. You’re more likely to recall phrases associated with emotions stirred by a song.
- Diverse Learning: Through songs, you’re exposed to a variety of dialects, slangs, and expressions used in everyday French, broadening your understanding of the language.
Why Practice Transcriptions with Music to Improve Listening in French?
- Enhanced Listening Skills: Transcribing lyrics sharpens your listening abilities. It challenges you to distinguish words and phrases within the flow of music, improving your auditory comprehension.
- Contextual Learning: Understanding the lyrics within the context of a song helps in grasping the nuances of French language usage, such as idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.
- Active Engagement: The process of transcription is an active learning exercise. It encourages you to focus intently on the language, enhancing concentration and retention.
- Grammar and Structure Exposure: Analyzing song lyrics exposes you to different grammatical structures and sentence constructions, contributing to a deeper understanding of French grammar.
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