Improve your ear for French in real life. Sometimes it slows way down. Take a listen to this description of a beau. Can you follow along with it all? Choose your level and fill in the blanks as you listen!
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.
on paper
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The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
1m95 (94 95), cheveux blancs, superbes yeux bleus, mince, avocat, intelligent, sur papier, deux grands enfants et euh on décide de se rencontrer.
1m94-1m95, white hair, beautiful blue eyes, slim, lawyer, intelligent, on paper, two grown-up children and we decide to meet.
The above translation from Deepl
What does “1m95” mean?
In French, “1m95” represents a height measurement and is typically written as “1 mètre 95.” It is an abbreviation of “1 mètre et 95 centimètres,” which translates to “1 meter and 95 centimeters” in English. This measurement equates to approximately 6 feet 5 inches in the imperial system.
Pronunciation
“1m95” would be pronounced in French as:
- Full Pronunciation: “Un mètre quatre-vingt-quinze.”
- Literal English Translation: “One meter ninety-five.”
The pronunciation breaks down as follows:
- “Un” (One)
- “mètre” (meter)
- “quatre-vingt-quinze” (ninety-five)
Context of Use
- This measurement is commonly used in contexts like describing a person’s height, particularly in sports or medical scenarios.
- The metric system is the standard for measurements in France and most other countries, so heights are usually expressed in meters and centimeters.
Summary
“1m95” in French, written as “1 mètre 95” and pronounced as “Un mètre quatre-vingt-quinze,” represents a height of 1 meter and 95 centimeters. It’s a standard way of expressing height in French, following the metric system, and is equivalent to about 6 feet 5 inches in the imperial system.
What does “mince” mean?
“mince” in French has several meanings depending on the context:
- Thin or Slim: Refers to a small physical thickness or narrowness, often used to describe a person’s slim physique.
- Exclamation: Used as an interjection to express mild annoyance, disappointment, or surprise, similar to saying “darn” or “shoot” in English.
Usage in Different Contexts
- Physical Description:
- When referring to a person: “Elle est très mince.” (She is very thin/slim.)
- For objects: “Ce livre est assez mince.” (This book is quite thin.)
- As an Exclamation:
- Expressed when something goes slightly wrong: “Mince, j’ai oublié mes clés !” (Darn, I forgot my keys!)
- Or to express mild surprise: “Mince, c’est déjà l’heure !” (Shoot, it’s already time!)
Contextual Use
- As a descriptor, “mince” is used in everyday language to refer to the thinness of objects or the slimness of people.
- As an exclamation, it’s a mild and somewhat polite expression, often used in situations that are not seriously problematic but mildly frustrating or surprising.
Summary
“mince” in French can mean “thin” or “slim” when describing physical attributes, or it can be an exclamation similar to “darn” or “shoot” in English. The context in which it is used—whether for describing physical traits or as a reaction to a situation—determines its meaning. As an interjection, it’s often employed in casual, everyday situations to express mild surprise, annoyance, or disappointment.
What does “sur papier” mean?
“Sur papier” translates to “on paper” in English.
Usage and Interpretation
- The phrase is often used in a metaphorical sense, similar to its usage in English. It means something might seem a certain way theoretically or when written down, but it could be different in reality.
- In French, “sur papier” can also be used literally to refer to something physically written or printed on paper.
Summary
“Sur papier” means “on paper” in French and is used similarly to the English expression, both metaphorically and literally. It can describe how something might appear in theory or in written form, as opposed to how it manifests in practice. The phrase is versatile, applicable in various contexts, from evaluating plans or ideas to referring to physical documents.
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.
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Improve your ear for French in real life. Sometimes it slows way down. Take a listen to this description of a beau. Can you follow along with it all? Choose your level and fill in the blanks as you listen!