Learn French with this song, a clip from Aya’s 40%. It’s 7 seconds long with 16 words. How much can you understand? Transcribe and find out!
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Learn French with a song snippet! This clip is from Aya Nakamura’s “40%”. We do not own the rights to this song, nor do we pretend to own them. Listen to this sample and transcribe what you hear. Find the full song here.
The above audio sample and transcription is from Aya Nakamura’s “40%”. Songwriters: Aya Danioko 40% lyrics © Warner Chappell Music France, Soc Sony ATV Allegro Music Publishing France, Blue Sky Publishing, Perspective Productions, Label 67, Universal Music Publishing Group. We do not own the content, we are using it for educational purposes. Listen to the entire song here.
You like my problems…
It took a little googling to figure this one out. Not sure if I got it, but those two slang words in one were surprising.
That’s when I came dictionnairedelazone.fr and their tool for slang. They highlight songs that are even faster and rapped with “timiniks” in them.
In Aya’s Youtube channel she translates “timiniks” as “the way I mess with you”.
That fits better with the song, but doesn’t seem to fit with the slang dictionary above. Then again, slang is in itself always changing and on the move.
Makes me think I need to dive into more rap. Then again, if I was learning English I’m not sure I’d be working to understand Desiigner or the latest mumble rap. But, it couldn’t hurt right? As long as I’m not trying to base my speaking on it.
I obviously don’t want to sound like Aya, but it’s fun to try to piece together what she’s saying, and then struggle through what she means. And when slang is in the mix, it’s that much harder more interesting!
How much of this snippet are you understanding?
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I struggle with hearing individual words in English songs, in my native tongue. It takes a couple listens to really get it..
The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Tu kiffes mes timiniks (yeah)
Il m’a dit “baby mama, pardon”
Fais doucement, j’pète les plombs
You dig my timiniks (yeah)
He told me “baby mama, sorry”
Be gentle, I’m going crazy
The above French & English text from Aya Nakamura’s Youtube. Source. Songwriters: Aya Danioko 40% lyrics © Warner Chappell Music France, Soc Sony ATV Allegro Music Publishing France, Blue Sky Publishing, Perspective Productions, Label 67, Universal Music Publishing Group
What does “tu kiffes mes timiniks” mean in English?
As with all slang, this expression has multiple meanings and is evolving:
“Tu kiffes mes timiniks” is a slang expression in French. It’s not something you’ll learn in class. When I first made this post, most sources stated it means “Do you like my style” or “Do you like my outfit” in English. “Kiffer” is a slang word that comes from the verlan (a French language argot) and means to like or to enjoy something. “Timiniks” is not a commonly used word, it’s a slang term that refers to the person’s clothing or style.
Lately, in French slang it also means: Mockery, trouble, drama, nonsense, or playing games. It can refer to unpleasant confrontation, useless attitude, or someone being overly dramatic Related to: simagrées, chichis, embrouille
In the context of these lyrics, I would translate this as “you dig my drama” or “you dig my playing games”.
Common French usage:
Sans timinik (No drama / No messing around / No problem) → A chill way to say: No worries, No fuss, Don’t make it a thing
Arrête ton timinik. (Stop your nonsense / Quit messing around.) → Telling someone to drop the attitude or stop being fake/difficult
Culturally: This word is an example of verlanized, North African–influenced French slang that’s increasingly part of youth and banlieue French. You’ll hear it in:
- Rap lyrics
- Casual speech
- Social media
- Urban French dialogues
Keep in mind: This word carries street credibility, and like many borrowed Arabic terms (kiffer, bled, zarma, haram), it’s expressive, punchy, and situational. However, its use is not considered appropriate in most settings. Consider it informal and colloquial language, not for use in formal or professional settings.
What other words did I look up in this snippet?
Find keywords for this snippet below
Tu kiffes
timiniks
fais doucement
j’pète les plombs – literally to blow a fuse, lose one’s mind, lose reason.
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