Manger ep. 1, Quiz 52: à la fois

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at the same time

We’re back in Taiwan now, and got things out of storage. Our French T’choupi books are here. I just picked up one and read it to my kids. They were fascinated by the book and at the same time, it seemed, fascinated by me speaking French. They were locked into what I was saying. I haven’t spoken much (or any) French in front of them.

6 months ago, when I last read these books, I could barely stumble through them. Today, it was a breeze. There was one sentence I wasn’t sure on the meaning, but overall I could follow along, my cite reading was smoother and pronunciation didn’t feel challenged. This is definitely anecdotal, but I can feel my French getting better with each quiz on site.

I hope your French is improving with me, too.

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The snippet in English

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The above translation from Deepl. Source

What does “au cours des” mean?

“Au cours des” is a French phrase that can be translated as “over the course of” or “during” in English. It is composed of the preposition “au” (in, at) and the noun phrase “cours des” (course of).

The phrase “au cours des” indicates a temporal period or duration during which something happens or unfolds. It refers to a span of time or a sequence of events that occur within a given timeframe.

Here are a few examples to illustrate the usage of “au cours des”:

1. “Au cours des derniers mois, j’ai voyagé dans plusieurs pays.” (Over the course of the past few months, I have traveled to several countries.)
2. “Au cours des années, cette entreprise a connu une croissance significative.” (Over the course of the years, this company has experienced significant growth.)
3. “Au cours des négociations, les deux parties ont réussi à trouver un accord.” (During the negotiations, both parties managed to reach an agreement.)

An antonym that can help illustrate the meaning of “au cours des” is “en un instant” (in an instant). While “au cours des” refers to a span of time or a sequence of events, “en un instant” implies something happening or changing instantly or in a very short period.

A notable aspect of the phrase is its versatility and frequent use in both spoken and written French. “Au cours des” allows for the expression of temporal relationships, facilitating discussions about processes, developments, or changes that occur over a specific period. It helps provide a temporal context or frame of reference to describe events, experiences, or transformations.

What does “à la fois” mean?

“À la fois” is a French phrase that can be translated as “at the same time” or “simultaneously” in English. It is used to indicate the coexistence or combination of multiple elements or qualities.

The phrase “à la fois… à la fois…” is a construction that emphasizes the simultaneous presence or occurrence of two or more contrasting or complementary aspects. It creates a sense of balance or duality in the description or characterization of something.

Here are a few examples to illustrate the usage of “à la fois… à la fois…”:

1. “Cette œuvre est à la fois fascinante et dérangeante.” (This work is both fascinating and disturbing at the same time.)
2. “Elle est à la fois calme et déterminée dans ses actions.” (She is both calm and determined in her actions.)
3. “Ce restaurant offre à la fois une cuisine raffinée et une ambiance décontractée.” (This restaurant provides both refined cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere.)

It is not necessary to repeat “à la fois” multiple times. My previous response might have created some misunderstanding. The phrase “à la fois” is typically used once, followed by a comma or another connecting word to introduce the next contrasting or complementary element. In the first example, “à la fois” is used once, and the subsequent adjectives “fascinante” (fascinating) and “dérangeante” (disturbing) are connected by the conjunction “et” (and) to express their simultaneous presence.

The repetition of “à la fois” highlights the presence of multiple qualities or characteristics, often in contrast to each other. It helps convey the idea that these contrasting aspects exist simultaneously and contribute to the overall description or understanding of the subject.

An interesting aspect of the phrase is its frequent use in French language and culture. “À la fois” is a concise way to express the coexistence or combination of different qualities, creating a nuanced portrayal of a person, object, or situation. It allows for a more comprehensive and multifaceted description, acknowledging the complexity and richness of the subject being discussed.

In summary, “à la fois” serves to emphasize the simultaneous presence of contrasting or complementary aspects, enabling a balanced and nuanced depiction of a person, object, or situation.

What does “mince” mean?

“Mince” is a French word that can be translated to English as “slim,” “thin,” or “slender.” It is an adjective used to describe someone or something that has a delicate or slender physical appearance.

“Mince” describes a person or object that is not bulky or thick but rather has a relatively small or narrow size. It can refer to a person’s physique, indicating that they have a slim or slender body shape. It can also describe objects or structures that are thin or slim in form.

Some examples:

• “Elle est mince et élégante.” (She is slim and elegant.)
• “Ce stylo a une mine mince.” (This pen has a thin tip.)

Antonyms that contrast with the meaning of “mince” include “gros” (big), “épais” (thick), or “corpulent” (plump).

“Mince” is commonly used to describe physical appearances, body shapes, or dimensions of objects. It can be used in various contexts, such as fashion, health, or general descriptions.

“Mince” can also be used informally as an interjection to express mild disappointment or frustration. For example, if something doesn’t go as planned, someone might exclaim “Mince !” as an equivalent to the English expression “Darn!” or “Shoot!”

It’s worth noting that the word “mince” can have additional meanings in different contexts. For example, it can also mean “lean” in the context of meat or “thin” in terms of consistency or texture. However, the primary meaning discussed here relates to describing a slim or slender physical appearance.

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