Improve your French listening skills with this clip of French in real life. This is from Transfert (1.22 73). Listen and fill in what you hear! These words stood out to me: “au fin fond”, “tout le monde”, and “se passe”. How much of the clip can you hear? Take a listen and improve with…
Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Transfert s01ep22. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
The above audio sample and transcription is from Transfert s01ep22. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
in the very depths
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The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Elle habitait au fin fond de la Bretagne, tout le monde connaît tout le monde, tout le monde sait ce qui se passe dans les familles et et c’était la dernière chose qu’on voulait.
She lived deep in Brittany, everybody knows everybody, everybody knows what goes on in families and that was the last thing we wanted.
The above translation from Deepl
What does “au fin fond” mean?
“Au fin fond” translates to “in the very depths” or “in the farthest part” in English.
Usage and Interpretation
- This phrase is used to describe a location that is extremely remote, distant, or deeply situated within a certain place.
- It conveys the idea of being far away from the central or most accessible parts.
Examples
- “Au fin fond de la forêt” (In the very depths of the forest)
- “Il habite au fin fond de la campagne” (He lives in the farthest part of the countryside)
Context
- “Au fin fond” can be used both literally, to describe geographic or physical locations, and figuratively, to describe being deeply immersed in a situation or state.
- The phrase is common in descriptive narratives, both in spoken and written French.
Summary
“Au fin fond” means “in the very depths” or “in the farthest part” in French. It’s used to describe a location or situation that is extremely remote, distant, or deeply situated. This phrase can be applied to physical locations, like remote areas, or metaphorically, to indicate being deeply embedded in a particular condition or circumstance.
What does “tout le monde” mean?
“Tout le monde” translates to “everyone” or “everybody” in English.
Usage and Interpretation
- This phrase is used to refer collectively to all people in a specific group or context.
- Unlike in English, where “everyone” is singular, “tout le monde” is treated as a plural concept in French.
Examples
- “Tout le monde est ici.” (Everyone is here.)
- “Tout le monde doit respecter les règles.” (Everybody must follow the rules.)
Context
- “Tout le monde” is versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, including casual conversations, formal speeches, or written text.
- It’s a common way to address or refer to a group of people as a whole in both spoken and written French.
Summary
“Tout le monde” means “everyone” or “everybody” in French. It’s used to collectively refer to all individuals in a specified group or context. The phrase is a staple in both informal and formal French communication and is used in various settings to denote inclusivity of all people in a group.
What does “se passe” mean?
“Se passe” translates to “happens” or “takes place” in English.
Usage and Interpretation
- “Se passe” is the reflexive form of the verb “passer,” which means “to pass” or “to happen.”
- When used reflexively, it typically refers to events or actions occurring or taking place.
Examples
- “Qu’est-ce qui se passe ?” (What’s happening?)
- “La réunion se passe dans la salle de conférence.” (The meeting takes place in the conference room.)
Context
- “Se passe” can be used in various contexts to describe events, situations, or actions occurring.
- It’s a common phrase in both spoken and written French, suitable for a wide range of situations, from casual conversations about daily happenings to formal announcements of events.
Summary
“Se passe” means “happens” or “takes place” in French. It’s used in reflexive form to describe the occurrence of events or actions. This phrase is versatile and commonly used to talk about what is happening or where something is occurring in both informal and formal contexts.
This clip is from the “Transfert” podcast
Produced by slate.fr, “Transfert” is a unique French podcast that offers an immersive listening experience. Each episode features real-life stories narrated by the people who lived them. These personal narratives cover a wide range of human experiences and emotions, providing listeners with profound insights into the lives and minds of others. The storytelling is intimate and engaging, making it an excellent resource for French language learners to improve their listening skills while connecting with compelling, authentic content.
Improving your French Listening Comprehension with Podcasts
Welcome to Bitesize French, where fast spoken French is finally accessible! We break podcasts into short clips, like lively chats in French that fit into your day. They’re perfect for anyone, from advanced students to those just starting. Join us and enjoy French, one short clip at a time. Let’s learn together!
Make the most of the site:
- Daily Podcast Listening: Start your day with a French podcast from our collection. Choose episodes that align with your interests to keep it engaging.
- Active Listening Practice: As you listen, try to pick out key phrases and vocabulary. Use our daily quizzes to test your understanding and reinforce learning.
- Repeat and Shadow: Listen to the same podcast segment multiple times. Try to mimic the pronunciation and intonation to improve your spoken French.
- Note-taking: Jot down new words or phrases you encounter. Review these notes regularly to enhance vocabulary retention.
- Reflect and Respond: After each episode, summarize the main points in French, either in writing or aloud. This helps in consolidating your learning and improving your expressive skills.
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Improve your French listening skills with this clip of French in real life. This is from Transfert (1.22 73). Listen and fill in what you hear! These words stood out to me: “au fin fond”, “tout le monde”, and “se passe”. How much of the clip can you hear? Take a listen and improve with…
