Passerelles ep. 1, Quiz 39: surtout

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What does “surtout” mean?

“Surtout” is a French adverb that translates to “especially” or “above all” in English. It is commonly used to emphasize that a particular action, situation, or aspect is more significant or important than others. Here are some key points about “surtout”:

Usage: “Surtout” is often used to single out a specific element from a group and emphasize its importance. It’s used to indicate that the mentioned element takes precedence or is the primary focus.

Position in Sentence: “Surtout” usually appears at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, but it can also be placed at the end. Its position may vary based on the emphasis you want to convey.

Example Sentences:

• “J’adore la musique, surtout le jazz.” → “I love music, especially jazz.”
• “Surtout, ne pas oublier d’acheter du lait.” → “Above all, don’t forget to buy milk.”
• “Elle est une excellente cuisinière, surtout en ce qui concerne les desserts.” → “She’s an excellent cook, especially when it comes to desserts.”

Emphasizing Preferences: “Surtout” is also used to emphasize personal preferences or choices.

• “J’aime les fruits, surtout les fraises.” → “I like fruits, especially strawberries.”

Connecting Ideas: “Surtout” can be used to connect ideas and show cause and effect.

• “Il faut bien dormir, surtout si tu as une longue journée demain.” → “You need to sleep well, especially if you have a long day tomorrow.”

Nuance: While “surtout” emphasizes the importance of something, it doesn’t necessarily imply exclusivity. It doesn’t mean that other things aren’t important; it simply highlights the significance of the mentioned element.

Variations: Depending on the context, “surtout” can also be translated as “mostly,” “mainly,” or “primarily.”

Cultural Note: “Surtout” is a common adverb used in both spoken and written French. It helps to convey precision and clarity in communication by emphasizing the most important points.

In summary, “surtout” is a versatile adverb used to highlight the significance or importance of a specific element within a context. It’s a valuable tool for expressing emphasis and making distinctions in various situations.

What does “mes proches” mean?

“Mes proches” is a French phrase that translates to “my close ones” or “my loved ones” in English. It refers to the people who are emotionally close and important to you, such as family members, close friends, and significant others.

In this phrase: “Mes” means “my.”; “Proches” means “close ones” or “loved ones.”

For example:

• “Je passe du temps avec mes proches le week-end.” → “I spend time with my loved ones on weekends.”
• “La santé et le bien-être de mes proches sont ma priorité.” → “The health and well-being of my close ones are my priority.”

“Mes proches” carries a sense of emotional connection and intimacy, and it’s often used to emphasize the relationships that hold special significance in your life. It’s a warm and affectionate way to refer to the people you care about deeply.

What does “bien sûr” mean?

“Bien sûr” is a common French expression that translates to “of course” or “certainly” in English. It’s used to affirm something, express agreement, or indicate that a statement is true and expected. Here are some key points about “bien sûr”:

Usage: “Bien sûr” is used to confirm or agree with something that has been said. It’s a polite and positive way to respond when someone asks a question or makes a statement.

Politeness: This expression adds a touch of politeness to conversations. It shows that you are attentive and willing to accommodate the other person’s needs or requests.

Example Sentences:

• “Est-ce que je peux vous aider?” “Bien sûr!” → “Can I help you?” “Of course!”
• “Tu viens à la fête ce soir?” “Bien sûr, j’ai hâte!” → “Are you coming to the party tonight?” “Of course, I’m looking forward to it!”

Conversational Context: “Bien sûr” is commonly used in everyday conversations among friends, colleagues, and in more formal situations as well.

Variations: Depending on the context, you might hear variations such as “absolument” (absolutely) or “certainement” (certainly), which convey a similar sense of agreement and affirmation.

Cultural Note: “Bien sûr” is a polite and positive way to engage in conversations. It reflects French communication norms of maintaining a courteous and respectful tone.

Position in Sentence: “Bien sûr” can appear at the beginning or middle of a sentence, but it’s usually not placed at the end.

Non-Verbal Communication: In addition to spoken language, the French often use non-verbal cues like nodding or smiling when they say “bien sûr,” enhancing its affirmation.

In summary, “bien sûr” is a versatile and widely used expression that reflects politeness and agreement in French conversations. It’s an essential phrase to know for effective communication and to convey a positive and accommodating attitude.

What does “il n’est pas si différent” mean?

In the phrase “mais il n’est pas si différent comparé à un jour normal,” the word “si” plays the role of a modifier that indicates a degree of difference. Here are the key points about its usage in this context:

Meaning: In this context, “si” is used to convey the idea of “so” or “that” before an adjective or adverb to express a certain degree of difference. It often softens the comparison and suggests that the difference isn’t as significant as it might seem.

Comparison: “Si” is often used in comparative sentences to contrast a situation with what might be expected or implied.

Example Sentence: “Il n’est pas si différent.” → “He’s not so different.” This suggests that while there is some difference, it’s not extreme.

Placement: “Si” is usually placed before the adjective or adverb it is modifying.

Usage Variations: “Si” can be used with a variety of adjectives and adverbs to modify different degrees of difference. For example: “Il n’est pas si grand.” (He’s not so tall.) “C’est si facile.” (It’s so easy.)

Softening Effect: The use of “si” can soften the comparison and add a nuanced tone to the sentence. It can indicate that the difference is not drastic, making the comparison more balanced and measured.

Contextual Clues: The context of the conversation often provides additional cues about the extent of the difference being discussed.

Cultural Note: This use of “si” in comparative sentences is common in French and reflects the language’s preference for nuance and precision in communication.

In the sentence “mais il n’est pas si différent comparé à un jour normal,” “si différent” suggests that there is some difference between the current situation and a normal day, but the emphasis is on the fact that the difference isn’t extremely pronounced. This use of “si” helps convey a sense of balance in the comparison.

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