Improve your ear for French with this clip of French in real life from the podcast Passerelles. Do you know what “j’ai eu envie de” and “un sujet d’actualité” mean? Hear them in this clip and improve your French listening skills with us from any level.
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
I just celebrated
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The snippet in English
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L’anniversaire nous accompagne dans les transitions de la vie. J’ai eu envie de vous parler de ça parce que c’est un sujet d’actualité pour moi. Je viens de fêter mes 34 ans.
Birthdays accompany us through life’s transitions. I wanted to talk to you about this because it’s a very topical subject for me. I’ve just turned 34.
The above translation from Deepl. Source
What does “j’ai eu envie de” mean?
“J’ai eu envie de” is a French phrase that translates to “I felt like” or “I had the desire to” in English. It is a common expression used to convey a sudden or strong desire or impulse to do something.
Here are a few examples to illustrate the usage of “j’ai eu envie de” in different contexts:
- J’ai eu envie de voyager : I felt like traveling.
- J’ai eu envie de manger une glace : I had the desire to eat an ice cream.
- J’ai eu envie de me promener au parc : I felt like taking a walk in the park.
- J’ai eu envie de lire un bon livre : I had the desire to read a good book.
- J’ai eu envie de changer de carrière : I felt like changing careers.
In these examples, the phrase “j’ai eu envie de” expresses a spontaneous or sudden longing or urge to engage in a particular activity or fulfill a desire. It indicates a personal inclination or wish to do something at a specific moment.
“J’ai eu envie de” is often used to convey a sudden and spontaneous desire. It implies that the desire arose unexpectedly or in the heat of the moment. Common in spoken language: This phrase is frequently used in informal conversations and everyday speech among French speakers. It allows individuals to express their immediate wishes or cravings in a simple and relatable manner.
The phrase “j’ai eu envie de” can be combined with various verbs and activities to express a wide range of desires. It can refer to anything from food cravings to travel aspirations, hobbies, or even personal goals. The phrase emphasizes the temporary nature of the desire or urge. It suggests that the longing was specific to a particular moment and may not persist over time.
It is commonly used in French literature, music, and cinema. The phrase captures the essence of human emotions and adds depth to characters’ personalities and motivations. Polite alternatives: In more formal settings, an alternative phrase such as “j’ai eu l’envie de” or “j’ai eu le désir de” can be used to maintain a more polite tone while expressing a similar sentiment.
What does “un sujet d’actualité” mean?
“Un sujet d’actualité” in French translates to “a current topic” or “a current issue” in English. It refers to a subject or theme that is currently relevant, timely, or of interest in the present time. When someone says “un sujet d’actualité pour moi” (a current topic for me), it means that the person is referring to a topic that is personally important or significant to them at the moment. It implies that they are actively engaged in following or discussing that particular subject.
The phrase emphasizes that the topic being discussed is related to current events or recent developments. It can encompass a wide range of subjects, such as politics, social issues, technology, entertainment, or any area that is currently receiving attention or generating discussion.
When someone mentions “un sujet d’actualité pour moi,” it suggests that they have a personal interest, involvement, or connection to the topic. It may be an issue that directly affects them or aligns with their beliefs, experiences, or areas of expertise.
Current topics of interest are often discussed and debated in various forms of media, such as news outlets, social media platforms, or public forums. They can shape public opinion, influence policies, and generate conversations among individuals.
Remember, “un sujet d’actualité” refers to a current or timely topic, and when someone says “un sujet d’actualité pour moi,” they are highlighting a subject that holds personal significance or interest to them in the present moment.
What does “je viens de fêter” mean?
“Je viens de fêter mes xx ans” translates to “I have just celebrated my xx years” in English. This phrase is commonly used to express that you have recently celebrated your birthday and have reached a certain age.
Here are a few additional points to note about this phrase:
This phrase can be adjusted based on the context. For instance, if you are speaking to someone older than you, you might say “Je viens de fêter mes vingt ans” (I have just celebrated my twenties) or “Je viens de fêter mes quarante ans” (I have just celebrated my forties) to indicate a particular decade. In French culture, it is customary to avoid directly stating one’s age, especially in certain social situations. Using this phrase allows you to convey your age without explicitly mentioning the number.
Remember, “Je viens de fêter mes xx ans” is a useful phrase to express recent birthday celebrations and to indirectly indicate your age.
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Improve your ear for French with this clip of French in real life from the podcast Passerelles. Do you know what “j’ai eu envie de” and “un sujet d’actualité” mean? Hear them in this clip and improve your French listening skills with us from any level.
