Passerelles ep. 1, Quiz 88: rester secret

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What does “fait un vœu” mean?

The phrase “fait un vœu” translates to “make a wish” in English. It’s commonly used in the context of birthdays or other special occasions where making a wish is a tradition.

1. Special Occasions:
   • Birthdays: Similar to the tradition in many other cultures, in French-speaking regions, it’s common to make a wish before blowing out the candles on a birthday cake.
   • Star Gazing: Upon seeing a shooting star, it’s a common folklore to ‘make a wish’.
   • Wishing Wells: When visiting a wishing well, individuals might ‘make a wish’ as they throw a coin into the water.
2. Literary or Figurative Usage:
   • The phrase may also appear in a more literary or figurative sense to imply a desire for something to happen, even outside of traditional wish-making scenarios.
3. Imperative Form:
   • “Fait un vœu” is in the imperative mood, instructing someone to make a wish.

Grammatical Structure:

• “Fait” is the imperative form of the verb “faire” (to make/do) for the second person singular.
• “Un vœu” is a noun phrase that means “a wish.”

Related Phrases:

• Exaucer un vœu: This phrase means to grant a wish.
• Vœu pieux: This phrase refers to a pious wish or a wish that is unlikely to be fulfilled.

Cultural Notes:

While the tradition of throwing coins into fountains to make wishes exists, it may not be as prominently recognized or practiced in France as it is in Italy. However, some tourists or individuals might engage in the practice, especially in picturesque or historical fountains.

The tradition of tossing coins into fountains dates back to ancient times. The practice might have originated from the historical belief in the power of water as a conduit to the divine. Over time, various cultures have developed their own versions and interpretations of this tradition.

In Summary:

The phrase “fait un vœu” directly translates to “make a wish” in English and is often used during special occasions like birthdays or whimsically upon seeing a shooting star. This phrase carries a sense of tradition and hope for the fulfillment of desires.

What does “rejoint cette tradition” mean?

The phrase “rejoint cette tradition” translates to “joins this tradition” or “joined this tradition” in English. Let’s break down the phrase:

• Rejoint:
  • This is the third person singular present indicative form of the verb “rejoindre,” which means to join, rejoin, or meet up. In this context, it means to become a part of or to align oneself with something, such as a tradition or a common practice.
• Cette:
  • This is a demonstrative adjective, which translates to “this” in English. It is used to specify or point out the tradition being referred to.
• Tradition:
  • The noun “tradition” has the same meaning in both French and English, referring to a long-established custom or belief that has been passed down through generations.

The phrase “rejoint cette tradition” implies that someone or something is becoming part of, or aligning with, a specified tradition. This phrase is used to highlight the adherence or the continuation of traditional practices or beliefs.

Examples:

In a historical context, this phrase could be used to describe a group or individual adopting or continuing a particular tradition.

• “La nouvelle génération rejoint cette tradition en célébrant le festival chaque année.” (The new generation joins this tradition by celebrating the festival every year.)

In a cultural scenario, it can be used to express the adoption of a cultural tradition.

• “Le restaurant rejoint cette tradition en servant un plat spécial chaque Noël.” (The restaurant joins this tradition by serving a special dish every Christmas.)

In Summary:

The phrase “rejoint cette tradition” signifies the act of joining or continuing a specified tradition. It’s a straightforward phrase that can be used in various contexts to highlight the adoption or perpetuation of traditional practices.

What does “ton souhait” mean?

The term “souhait” translates to “wish” or “desire” in English. It represents a hope or desire for something to happen or be the case.

Example:

• Mon souhait est de voyager plus cette année. (My wish is to travel more this year.)

Usage in the Phrase

In the phrase “Quoi ton souhait pour cette année?” (What’s your wish for this year?), “souhait” is used to inquire about someone’s desires or goals for the upcoming year.

Grammatical Construction

In this phrase, “ton souhait” serves as the object of the question, where “ton” is the possessive adjective referring to “your” and “souhait” is the noun referring to “wish.”

Synonyms

• Désir
• Envie

Related Phrases

• Faire un souhait – Make a wish
• Souhaiter quelque chose à quelqu’un – To wish something for someone

Idiomatic Expression

• À souhait: This phrase literally translates to “at wish” but is used idiomatically to mean “to one’s heart’s content” or “as desired.”
• Example: Elle a mangé à souhait. (She ate to her heart’s content.)

In Summary

The word “souhait” refers to a wish or desire, used in the phrase “Quoi ton souhait pour cette année?” to inquire about someone’s wishes for the upcoming year. It is a common way to discuss goals or desires in French.

What does “rester secret” mean?

The phrase “rester secret” translates to “remain secret” or “to stay secret” in English. It’s a combination of the verb “rester” and the adjective “secret.” Here’s a breakdown of the elements in this phrase:

• Rester:
  • “Rester” is a verb that means to stay, remain, or keep in a certain state. It’s often used to describe the continuation of a particular state or condition over a period of time.
• Secret:
  • “Secret” is an adjective used to describe something that is hidden, unknown, or not revealed to others. It carries the same meaning as the English word “secret.”

The phrase “rester secret” carries the implication that something will continue to be hidden or not revealed to others. It’s commonly used to express the need or desire for confidentiality or discretion regarding certain information or actions.

Contextual Usage:

• Legal or Professional Context:
  • The phrase might be used in legal or professional settings to describe confidential information that must not be disclosed.
  • Example: “Les détails de l’accord doivent rester secrets jusqu’à la signature officielle.” (The details of the agreement must remain secret until the official signing.)
• Personal Context:
  • On a personal level, it could be used to express a desire to keep certain matters private.
  • Example: “Il a insisté pour que leur relation reste secrète.” (He insisted that their relationship remains secret.)
• Literary or Dramatic Context:
  • In literature or drama, the phrase could be employed to create suspense or to highlight characters’ hidden agendas.
  • Example: “Son passé doit rester secret pour protéger ceux qu’il aime.” (His past must remain secret to protect the ones he loves.)

Comparisons:

• Similar Phrases:
  • Other phrases conveying a similar meaning include “garder le secret” (keep the secret) or “demeurer secret” (remain secret).

In Summary:

The phrase “rester secret” denotes the continuation of confidentiality or the act of keeping something hidden over time. Its usage spans professional, personal, and literary contexts, showcasing the necessity or desire to maintain secrecy.

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