Manger ep. 1, Quiz 42: en fait

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in fact

As we’re learning a language, how important are the filler words that native speakers use? Of course, you want to be able to hear the language and understand it through those fillers… even if they happen to be swear words as I shared in the about us page!

But should you be using these filler words? You’ll sound like a native speaker, that’s for sure. And maybe all your native speaker friends use those words… your speaking will have them too.

Ask any teacher, though, and they’ll say nope, no how, no way. Don’t use them. But maybe in speaking everyday they’re ok. If you’re on stage or giving a presentation, then avoid them. If you’re out in French in real life, well then go ahead. That’s my two cents.

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?

The above translation from Deepl. Source

What does “plus” mean?

In the given quote, the word “plus” is used in the phrase “ont vraiment commencé à faire plus partie.” In this context, “plus” means “more” or “increasingly.” Let’s break down the phrase:

• “Ont commencé” is the conjugated form of the verb “commencer” (to start or to begin) in the third-person plural. It indicates that the action of starting or beginning is being performed by multiple subjects.
• “À faire” means “to make” or “to do.”
• “Plus” means “more” or “increasingly” in this context. It implies a change or evolution over time.
• “Partie” means “part” or “component.”

When combined, the phrase “ont vraiment commencé à faire plus partie” conveys the idea that something (in this case, breakfast cereals) has increasingly become part of a specific aspect or category (in this case, breakfast) over time.

Here’s an example to illustrate the usage:

“Les smartphones ont vraiment commencé à faire plus partie intégrante de nos vies ces dernières années.” (Smartphones have increasingly become an integral part of our lives in recent years.)

It’s interesting to note that the use of “plus” emphasizes the growing significance or inclusion of something within a specific domain or category. It suggests a shift or change in the perception or role of the mentioned element.

Overall, the word “plus” in the given phrase emphasizes the increasing involvement or integration of breakfast cereals as part of the breakfast routine, particularly for children during the 1980s.

What does “en fait” mean?

In the given quote, the phrase “en fait” is used to mean “in fact” or “actually.” It serves as an explanatory or clarifying element in the sentence. Let’s examine its usage:

• “En” is a preposition that can have various meanings, but in this case, it functions as a marker of manner or circumstance.
• “Fait” means “fact” or “done.”

When combined, the phrase “en fait” provides additional information or clarifies a point that is being made. It suggests that the following statement is presenting a fact or an actual situation.

Here’s an example to illustrate the usage:

“J’aime beaucoup les romans policiers. En fait, j’en lis presque un par semaine.” (I really enjoy detective novels. In fact, I read almost one per week.)

It’s worth noting that “en fait” is a common phrase used in spoken and informal French to provide additional details or emphasize the accuracy of a statement. It adds a sense of certainty or authenticity to what is being said.

In the given quote, “en fait” is used to emphasize that breakfast cereals became more ingrained in the breakfast routine and were predominantly consumed by children during the 1980s, reinforcing the factual nature of the statement.

Overall, “en fait” serves to clarify and emphasize a point, providing an additional layer of information or confirming the accuracy of what is being said.

What does “plutôt” mean?

In the given quote, the word “plutôt” is used to mean “rather” or “more so” in English. It serves to express a preference or a tendency towards something. Let’s delve into its usage:

• “Plutôt” is an adverb that indicates a choice or preference between different options.
• It can also indicate a higher degree or a stronger inclination towards something.

Here’s an example to illustrate the usage:

“Je préfère les plats salés plutôt que sucrés.” (I prefer savory dishes rather than sweet ones.)

In the given quote, “plutôt” is used to convey that breakfast cereals were more commonly consumed by children rather than being a typical part of adults’ breakfast. It highlights the preference or inclination towards children as the main consumers of breakfast cereals during the 1980s.

Overall, “plutôt” adds a comparative or preferential aspect to the statement, emphasizing a specific choice or tendency in relation to the subject being discussed.

Yes, the use of “plutôt” in this context is common in French language. It is frequently used to express preferences, tendencies, or comparisons. Whether it is used in formal or informal settings, it is a versatile word that allows speakers to convey nuances in their statements. You may encounter it in various contexts, such as expressing personal preferences, indicating choices, or highlighting a stronger inclination towards one option over another.

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