What does “ce sont d’abord” … “ensuite” mean? You know it already, but how does it sound in a clip of French in real life? Hear it in today’s clip and practice your French listening skills.
This clip is from Passerelles Episode 1. Listen and fill in what you hear below. Read more and find a translation below. Listen to the full episode here.
This audio sample and transcription is from Passerelles ep. 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode
First … then
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The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Ce sont d’abord les Égyptiens et ensuite les Latins qui commencent à fêter les anniversaires individuels, à marquer le jour de naissance.
It was first the Egyptians and then the Latins who began to celebrate individual birthdays, to mark the day of birth.
The above translation from Deepl. Source
What does “ce sont d’abord” mean?
“Ce sont d’abord” is a common French phrase that can be translated to “first and foremost” or “these are primarily.” It is used to introduce a list of primary or fundamental elements or to emphasize the most important aspects of a situation or topic. The phrase “ce sont d’abord” is often followed by a list of items or ideas that hold significant importance in the context being discussed.
For example:
- “Dans ce projet, ce sont d’abord la créativité et l’innovation qui priment.” (First and foremost, creativity and innovation are paramount in this project.)
- “Pour réussir en affaires, ce sont d’abord le travail acharné et la persévérance qui comptent.” (To succeed in business, first and foremost, hard work and perseverance matter.)
The phrase “ce sont d’abord” is a useful expression to highlight key elements or prioritize aspects when explaining or discussing different topics. It adds clarity and emphasis to the most important points the speaker wants to convey.
In everyday conversations, you might notice that French speakers frequently employ expressions like “ce sont d’abord” to give prominence to crucial aspects of a discussion. This linguistic feature not only adds emphasis but also contributes to the elegance and precision often associated with the French language.
Additionally, using expressions like “ce sont d’abord” showcases the French culture’s appreciation for clarity and structure in communication. French speakers tend to be meticulous about presenting ideas in a well-organized manner, and such phrases aid in making conversations more coherent and effective.
Overall, mastering phrases like “ce sont d’abord” can help learners of French express their thoughts more eloquently and engage in captivating discussions with native speakers. Understanding the nuances of common expressions is a valuable aspect of language learning, and it enables learners to appreciate the cultural aspects intertwined with the language.
What does “et ensuite” mean?
“Et ensuite” is a versatile and practical phrase used extensively in everyday French speech. It allows speakers to smoothly transition from one event to the next while maintaining clarity and coherence in their narration or description. Whether in casual conversations or more formal settings, this phrase is widely used to provide structure and organization to discussions.
Understanding “et ensuite” is essential for following and participating in conversations. It allows you to follow the flow of events and grasp the sequence of actions or ideas being presented.
Practicing the use of “et ensuite” in different contexts will help learners become more fluent in telling stories or recounting events in French. Fun fact: French speakers often use a variety of transition words like “et ensuite” to add rhythm and style to their speech, making their storytelling more engaging and captivating.
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What does “ce sont d’abord” … “ensuite” mean? You know it already, but how does it sound in a clip of French in real life? Hear it in today’s clip and practice your French listening skills.
