Start here from any level and improve your French listening skills! This clip from the Manger podcast is 36 words in 11 seconds, how many can you hear? Choose your level and fill in the blanks of our transcription quiz!
This clip is from Manger Episode 1. Listen and fill in what you hear below. Read more and find a translation below. Listen to the full episode here.
The above audio sample and transcription is from Manger ep. 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
Get some fresh air
I know this expression is pretty cut and dry, but it’s always interesting to see expressions across languages that are the same. Maybe from the same origin or simply the same because humans just do that naturally. Even though it is common sense what it means, I wanted to highlight it. As I’m learning French one of my go to verbs when I’m not sure which verb to use is prendre. It really seems versatile, and here is yet another example.
What’s opening up for you in this clip?
The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Mais merci de poser la question. Alors au 19ème siècle, un sanitarium c’était un établissement où les gens allaient prendre l’air, se reposer, faire des thalassos et manger sainement quand ils se sentaient un peu patraques.
But thank you for asking the question. So in the 19th century, a sanitarium was an establishment where people went to get some fresh air, rest, spa treatments and healthy food when they were feeling a bit under the weather.
The above translation from Deepl. Source
What does “faire des thalassos” mean?
“Faire des thalassos” is a French expression that means “to go to a thalassotherapy center” or “to undergo thalassotherapy”. Thalassotherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses seawater and other marine products such as algae and mud for therapeutic purposes. Thalassotherapy centers offer various treatments and services, such as massages, hydrotherapy, and mud baths, with the aim of improving health and well-being.
The word “thalassotherapy” comes from the Greek words “thalassa”, meaning “sea”, and “therapeia”, meaning “healing”. The practice has been around for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans using seawater and marine products for medicinal purposes.
In modern times, thalassotherapy has become a popular form of alternative medicine, especially in France, where there are many thalassotherapy centers along the coast. These centers offer a range of treatments and services, often combined with a relaxing seaside holiday.
There are no direct antonyms to “faire des thalassos”, but it can be contrasted with other forms of relaxation or self-care, such as going to a spa, getting a massage, or practicing yoga.
Overall, “faire des thalassos” is a popular French expression that refers to a specific type of alternative therapy that uses seawater and other marine products for therapeutic purposes. It is often associated with seaside relaxation and holidays.
What does “sentaient un peu patraques” mean?
The phrase “ils se sentaient un peu patraques” is a French expression that is used to describe a feeling of being unwell or not quite oneself. It can be translated to “they were feeling a bit under the weather” in English.
The origin of the word “patraque” is uncertain, but it is thought to come from the Latin word “patracare,” which means “to be sick.” In French, the word “patraque” has been used since the 16th century to describe someone who is unwell or feeling off.
Here are some examples of how the phrase might be used in context:
- Après avoir mangé cette pizza, nous nous sentions un peu patraques. (After eating that pizza, we were feeling a bit under the weather.)
- Ils ont attrapé un virus et se sentent tous un peu patraques. (They caught a virus and are all feeling a bit under the weather.)
As for antonyms, some possible options might be “en forme” (in good shape) or “en pleine santé” (in good health).
One interesting tidbit about the word “patraque” is that it is not a commonly used word in modern French. It is more likely to be encountered in literary works or in older texts. Nonetheless, the phrase “se sentir patraque” is still commonly used in spoken French to describe feeling unwell.
What does “prendre l’air” mean?
“Prendre l’air” is a common French expression that literally means “to take the air” or “to get some fresh air”. It is used to describe the action of going outside, often to clear one’s mind, relax, or simply to get some exercise.
The expression can be used in a variety of contexts, such as going for a walk or hike, spending time in nature, or simply sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air. It can also be used in a figurative sense, meaning to take a break from something or to escape a difficult situation for a short time.
Here are a few examples of how “prendre l’air” can be used in context:
- Je vais prendre l’air pendant une heure et je reviens. (I’m going to get some fresh air for an hour and then I’ll be back.)
- J’ai besoin de prendre l’air après une longue journée de travail. (I need to get some fresh air after a long day of work.)
- Il est parti prendre l’air pour réfléchir à la situation. (He went outside to clear his mind and think about the situation.)
- On va prendre l’air en allant faire une randonnée ce weekend. (We’re going to get some fresh air by going on a hike this weekend.)
In French, the word “air” can also mean “mood” or “temperament.” So, “prendre l’air” can also be used to mean “to change one’s mood” or “to cool off.”
The phrase “prendre l’air” can also be used in a sarcastic way. For example, if someone is annoying you, you might say “je vais prendre l’air” as a way of saying “I need to get away from you.”
In some parts of France, there is a tradition called “prendre le frais” which is similar to “prendre l’air.” It involves going for a walk or sitting outside in the evening to enjoy the fresh air.
Overall, “prendre l’air” is a versatile and commonly used expression in French that can refer to a variety of outdoor activities and situations.
What does “ce truc du” mean?
“Ce truc du” is a colloquial expression that can be translated to “this thing of” or “this thing about”. It is often used in spoken French to introduce a topic or to refer to a specific behavior or habit.
For example: “Ce truc du matin où je ne peux pas me réveiller facilement” (This thing about the morning where I can’t wake up easily).
It is a common filler expression used in informal conversations, similar to “you know” or “like” in English. It can also be used to express uncertainty or vagueness about a particular topic, such as “ce truc du marketing, je ne suis pas sûr de le comprendre vraiment” (this thing about marketing, I’m not really sure I understand it).
Overall, “ce truc du” is a versatile expression that can be used in a variety of contexts to introduce a topic, express uncertainty, or simply as a filler word.
.
What did you love about this?
Comment below with your feedback! Tells us what you think. Send a note or leave a comment below. We appreciate the feedback. Also, we’re always looking for partners to build this site and grow the content available.
