Vivons Heureux Numéro 1, Quiz 10: on doit y être arrivés

What does “réels” mean?

“Réels” in French is the plural form of “réel,” an adjective that translates to “real” or “actual” in English.

Basic Meaning:

• Literal Sense: In its most basic use, “réels” refers to things that physically exist or are factual. It is the opposite of imaginary, fictitious, or theoretical.
  • Example: “Les effets réels de la médication” (The real effects of the medication).

Broader Usage and Context:

• Authenticity: “Réels” can also imply authenticity or genuineness in a broader sense.
  • Example: “Ses émotions sont réelles.” (His emotions are real.)
• Practical or Concrete: It can describe situations, results, or conditions that are practical, concrete, or tangible.
  • Example: “Les conséquences réelles d’une décision” (The real consequences of a decision).

Mathematics:

• Real Numbers: In mathematics, “réels” refers to “real numbers” (les nombres réels), encompassing all rational and irrational numbers. This is in contrast to imaginary or complex numbers.

Cultural and Linguistic Notes:

• Versatility: Like in English, the concept of what is “real” or “réel” can be philosophical and is often subject to context and interpretation.
• Use in Expressions: The word appears in various expressions and phrases, such as “en temps réel” (in real-time).

What does “millards” mean?

Understanding large numbers in French can be a bit challenging for English speakers due to some differences in terminology and structure. Let’s look at the main large numbers in French:

1. Mille (1,000): “Mille” is straightforward – it’s “thousand” in English. Unlike English, it does not add an “s” in the plural form.
2. Million (1,000,000): Similar to English, “un million” in French means “one million.” For plural, it becomes “millions” (e.g., “deux millions” for two million).
3. Milliard (1,000,000,000): This is where it differs. “Milliard” in French is “billion” in English. Note that in French, a billion is a thousand million.
4. Billion (1,000,000,000,000): The French “billion” equals a trillion in English. It’s a million million.
5. Billiard (1,000,000,000,000,000): Corresponds to a quadrillion in English (fifteen zeros).
6. Trillion (1,000,000,000,000,000,000): This equals a quintillion in English (eighteen zeros).

It seems to me that -lion endings correspond to even sets of 000. -liard endings correspond to odd sets of 000. While I’ve realized this, I’m not sure it’ll help as I have to remember that the English billion is 3 sets of 3 (9 0’s), therefore it’s an odd set of 000, therefore it should be an -liard ending. … Maybe I’ll just have to memorize!

In French, whether “milliard” (billion) is pluralized depends on the quantity it’s describing. Like most nouns in French, “milliard” changes to its plural form, “milliards,” when referring to more than one billion. Here’s how it works:

1. Singular: When referring to a single billion, you use the singular form:
   • “Un milliard” (one billion).
2. Plural: When referring to more than one billion, you use the plural form:
   • “Deux milliards” (two billion),
   • “Quelques milliards” (a few billion),
   • “Plusieurs milliards” (several billion).

It’s important to note that the pluralization affects only “milliard” and not the accompanying numeral. For instance, “deux milliards” (two billion) but “deux million” (two million) because “million” remains invariant in French.

What does “on doit y être arrivés” mean?

The phrase “on doit y être arrivés” translates to “we must have arrived there” or “we should have arrived there” in English.

This phrase can be used in situations where the speaker is uncertain but believes that the destination or goal has been reached. For example, it might be said during a journey upon reaching a place that looks like the intended destination, but where the speaker isn’t entirely sure if it’s the correct place.

Contextual Examples:

• Travel: “On doit y être arrivés, regarde la carte.” (We must have arrived, look at the map.)
• Project or Goal: In a metaphorical sense, it could be used for reaching a non-physical goal or milestone: “Avec tout le travail qu’on a fait, on doit y être arrivés.” (With all the work we’ve done, we should have reached it.)

“On doit y être arrivés” is a French phrase meaning “we must have arrived there” or “we should have arrived there,” indicating the speaker’s belief that they or their group have likely reached a certain destination or goal.

This clip is from the “Vivons Heureux” podcast

“Vivons heureux avant la fin du monde” is an intriguing French podcast that delves into themes of happiness and existentialism in the face of life’s transience.

Produced with a blend of humor and depth, the podcast explores the idea of living joyfully and meaningfully, even with the awareness of life’s inevitable end. Each episode features discussions, interviews, and stories that examine different aspects of happiness and human experience, encouraging listeners to embrace the present moment. Its thoughtful and often lighthearted approach makes it an excellent listen for those interested in personal growth, philosophy, and living a fulfilled life.

For French learners, it offers a rich resource to improve comprehension skills while engaging with contemporary and thought-provoking topics.