RFI Mondoblog: Apprendre à se valoriser N° 1

The above audio sample and transcription is from RFI’s Mondoblog. The above is for educational purposes only. Find the full audio here.

se valoriser

The content on this site has been predominantly “Hexagonal“, or from France. I want to expand to Francophones globally. Today’s content comes from RFI’s Mondoblog, from a speaker in Togo, West Africa.

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The snippet in English

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What does “ne suffit pas” mean?

Ne suffit pas means is not enough or does not suffice—used to say that something falls short of what’s needed.

Un simple sourire ne suffit pas à régler le problème (A simple smile isn’t enough to solve the problem).

It’s neutral and widely used, appearing in everything from casual speech to formal writing. In France, it’s often used rhetorically or critically (ça ne suffit pas de promettre – promising isn’t enough); in Quebec, usage is the same, though tone may be softer in personal contexts; in Francophone Africa, ne suffit pas is common in public discourse or everyday frustration, often highlighting gaps in resources or action (la bonne volonté ne suffit pas – goodwill alone isn’t enough).

What does “surtout” mean?

Surtout means especially or above all—used to emphasize what’s most important, notable, or urgent.

Mange bien, surtout pendant l’hiver (Eat well, especially during winter).

It’s neutral and very common, fitting in both spoken and written French. In France, it often appears at the start of clauses for emphasis (surtout ne fais pas ça – above all, don’t do that); in Quebec, usage is identical, though it may carry more emotional weight in speech; in Francophone Africa, surtout is frequently used to highlight priorities or warnings, often in contexts of advice or moral teaching (surtout, respecte les anciens – above all, respect your elders).

What does “parler de soi” mean?

Parler de soi means to talk about oneself—used when someone shares personal experiences, feelings, or opinions.

Il n’aime pas parler de soi en public (He doesn’t like talking about himself in public).

It’s neutral and reflective, common in personal development, therapy, or interviews. In France, parler de soi often suggests introspection or vulnerability, and can carry social weight in contexts that value modesty.

What does “se valoriser” mean?

Se valoriser means to value oneself, to highlight one’s strengths, or to promote one’s worth—often used in personal development, career contexts, or social situations.

Il a appris à se valoriser au travail (He learned to value himself at work).

It’s neutral to positive, with a self-affirming tone that implies taking initiative to be seen, respected, or appreciated. In France, se valoriser is encouraged in education and job-seeking as part of self-confidence; in Quebec, the term is used similarly, often tied to self-esteem or empowerment; in Francophone Africa, it may appear in NGO, youth, or professional programs aimed at boosting self-worth in contexts where modesty or hierarchy may discourage self-promotion.

What does “plutôt” mean?

Plutôt means rather, quite, or instead—used to express preference, moderation, or contrast, depending on context.

Je prendrais plutôt un thé (I’d rather have a tea)

C’est plutôt intéressant (It’s quite interesting)

Va plutôt là-bas (Go there instead)

It’s neutral and very common, fluid in both speech and writing. In France, plutôt often softens opinions or redirects choices politely; in Quebec, usage is identical, though intonation can make it sound more assertive; in Francophone Africa, plutôt is widely used, sometimes emphasized in advice or correction (choisis plutôt ceci – choose this instead), especially in teaching or mentoring contexts.

What does “laissez les autres” mean?

Laissez les autres means let others or leave the others—used to encourage stepping back or allowing others to act.

Laissez les autres parler aussi (Let others speak too).

It’s neutral and context-driven, polite in tone but can carry firmness depending on delivery.

What does “personne ne” mean?

Personne ne means nobody or no one—used to say that no one performs the action, and when personne comes at the start of a sentence and is followed by ne, it always means nobody.

Personne ne comprend ce qu’il dit (Nobody understands what he’s saying).

But personne alone doesn’t always mean nobody—it can also mean anyone in certain negative constructions:

Je n’ai vu personne (I didn’t see anyone / I saw no one)

Il n’y avait personne dans la salle (There was no one in the room)

So:

✅ Personne ne = nobody does something
✅ Ne… personne = didn’t see anyone / no one was present
❌ Personne meaning nobody cannot be used alone without ne or a clear negative structure.
✅ Personne when used alone always means a person.

In France, personne ne is standard for emphasis in speech or writing; in Quebec, the pattern is identical, though in very casual speech, y’a personne qui… (there’s no one who…) might appear; in Francophone Africa, the structure is also respected, especially in formal or written French.

What does “on rate des” mean?

On rate des means we miss (some) or we fail (at some)—used when something is missed, skipped, or not successfully achieved.

On rate des occasions si on ne tente rien (We miss opportunities if we don’t try).

It’s neutral and conversational, often used in reflection or criticism. Rate is from rater, meaning to miss or fail, and when followed by des, it refers to plural, countable things (events, chances, trains, etc.). In France, it’s commonly used in daily speech; in Quebec, same usage, though manquer may also be used depending on the region (on manque des trucs); in Francophone Africa, rater is widely understood and used, often with a stronger emotional tone when referring to missed opportunities or social moments.

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