Improve your ear for French with this clip from the Balades podcast. It’s 27 words in 11 seconds, how many can you hear and understand? Improve your listening comprehension no matter your level!
This clip is from Balades Episode 3. Listen and fill in what you hear below. Read more and find a translation below. Find the full podcast here.
Press play and take the transcription quiz to practice your French listening comprehension.
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The above audio sample and transcription is from Balades ep. 3. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
Where there is
I like this expression, which seems to be where you find and where there is. I wanted this site to be a place where there is inspiration and learning, and I hope it continues to do just that. Are you finding that here?
If you’re just joining us as a beginner, I recommend you start with the first dfepisode of Balades. Follow along daily for new clips.
How did you find today’s clip compared to yesterday’s clip? I tend to be most comfortable when the clip is around 150wpm. I love Balades for my current level, around A1 (hopefully progressing to A2). Hopefully you’re enjoying these clips too. Even when there’s a fast clip, it’s still manageable. The right amount of challenge. What do you think? Join us for the next quiz.
How are you finding these shorter snippets? I’m open to any and all feedback, as always. Let me know.
The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Son mari va alors dans le jardin où se trouve une ruche. Il prend du miel et de la cire et en fait une très jolie poupée.
Her husband then goes to the garden where there is a beehive. He takes some honey and wax and makes a very pretty doll out of it.
The above translation from Deepl. Source
What does “une ruche” mean?
“Une ruche” in French translates to “a hive” in English, most commonly referring to a beehive. It’s a term that carries both literal and metaphorical meanings, depending on the context. Here’s a detailed look at its usage:
Literal Meaning – beehive:
- In its primary sense, “une ruche” is a structure where bees live and produce honey.
- It’s an essential part of beekeeping (apiculture) and plays a crucial role in the process of honey production and the life cycle of bees.
- Example: “Les abeilles ramènent le pollen à la ruche.” (The bees bring the pollen back to the hive.)
Figurative Use – a busy place:
- Metaphorically, “une ruche” can describe a place bustling with activity, similar to how bees are constantly active in a beehive.
- It’s often used to depict busy workplaces, schools, or any place where there’s a lot of activity and people working together.
- Example: “Le bureau était une vraie ruche ce matin.” (The office was a real hive of activity this morning.)
Cultural References: The beehive is sometimes used in French literature and art as a symbol of community, teamwork, and industriousness.
In Summary:
“Une ruche” primarily refers to a beehive, a structure where bees live and produce honey. Beyond its literal meaning, it’s also used metaphorically to describe any place full of busy activity. The term encapsulates both the ecological importance of beekeeping and the cultural symbolism of bees as models of industry and community.
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