Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here. The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do…
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Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here.
Sunroof
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The snippet in English
Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?
Si vous regardez les publicités pour les automobiles, le grand argument c’est : euh il y a toujours une option de plus, un radar de recul, le toit ouvrant, le machin… et c’est une invention géniale des constructeurs : c’est que quand vous rajoutez des options, il y a toujours le l’espoir que, même si le voisin à la dernière, moi, je peux encore avoir une option de plus, hein.
If you look at car adverts, the big argument is that there’s always one more option, a reversing radar, a sunroof, etc. It’s a brilliant invention on the part of manufacturers that when you add options, there’s always the hope that even if the neighbor has the last one, I can still have one more option, eh?
The above translation from Deepl
What does “les publicités” mean?
Les publicités means advertisements or ads—messages created to promote products, services, or ideas, commonly seen on TV, online, in print, or in public spaces.
Les publicités à la télévision deviennent de plus en plus ciblées (TV ads are becoming more and more targeted).
The word is neutral and standard, used both in spoken and written French. In France, les pubs (short for publicités) are often critiqued for being intrusive or manipulative, especially around children or during prime-time TV; in Quebec, les annonces is more common in everyday speech, showing a regional variation in vocabulary even though publicités remains correct and understood.
Practice with advertisements here on French In Real Life.
What does “toujours” mean?
Toujours means always, still, or consistently, depending on context—it’s used for habitual actions (Il est toujours en retard – He’s always late), ongoing situations (Je t’attends toujours – I’m still waiting for you), or emphasis (C’est toujours pareil – It’s always the same).
It’s neutral and very common in both speech and writing. Compared to similar words: encore can also mean “still” but adds a sense of continuation (Il est encore là – He’s still there), while tout le temps stresses constant repetition (Il parle tout le temps – He talks all the time).
What does “de plus” mean?
The construction _ de plus means one more, an extra, or an additional, and it’s widely used in French for both countable and uncountable nouns. It adds something without needing a new structure—natural, versatile, and common in all registers.
un jour de plus (one more day),
rien de plus (nothing more),
quelques euros de plus (a few more euros),
une chose de plus à faire (one more thing to do).
It’s often more fluid than using supplémentaire, which is more formal. In France, this form is used constantly in spoken French.
What does “radar de recul” mean?
Radar de recul means reverse sensor or backup sensor—an electronic device in vehicles that detects obstacles when reversing, usually with beeping alerts.
Heureusement que le radar de recul a bipé avant que je touche le mur (Luckily the reverse sensor beeped before I hit the wall).
It’s a neutral, technical term, mostly used in car-related contexts. In France, it’s standard in manuals and dealerships, often paired with caméra de recul (rearview camera); in Quebec, the same term is used, though you might also hear sonar de recul informally.
What does “le toit ouvrant” mean?
Le toit ouvrant means sunroof or opening roof—a panel in a car’s roof that can tilt or slide open, usually for air or light.
Elle a ouvert le toit ouvrant pour sentir l’air frais (She opened the sunroof to feel the fresh air).
It’s neutral and technical, standard in car specs or casual talk. In France, it’s a common feature in mid-to-high-end vehicles; in Quebec, the same term is used, though toit coulissant might appear in formal contexts.
What does “invention géniale des constructeurs” mean?
Une invention géniale des constructeurs means a brilliant invention by car manufacturers, often used half-seriously or admiringly to describe a clever or convenient automotive feature.
Le toit ouvrant, c’est une invention géniale des constructeurs (The sunroof is a brilliant invention by car manufacturers).
It’s a neutral to positive phrase, common in spoken French when praising design or innovation. In France, it might carry a hint of irony or genuine admiration depending on tone; in Quebec, constructeurs could be replaced with manufacturiers in formal language, but the phrase remains idiomatic. In Francophone Africa, it may highlight clever engineering more sincerely, often reflecting high regard for modern technology.
What does “rajoutez” mean?
Rajoutez is the vous form of the verb rajouter, meaning add again or add additionally—used to insert something extra.
Rajoutez un peu de sel si nécessaire (Add a bit more salt if needed).
It’s neutral and common, slightly more casual than ajoutez, often used in speech or recipes. In France, rajouter is everyday French and sometimes implies topping up or reinforcing (il en a rajouté une couche – he laid it on even thicker).
In Quebec, usage is identical, though ajouter may sound slightly more formal. In Francophone Africa, both forms are used, with rajouter often favored in spoken French for clarity and emphasis.
What does “la dernière” mean?
La dernière means the last one or the latest one, depending on context—it can refer to the final item in a series (la dernière page – the last page) or the most recent one (la dernière chanson – the latest song).
Tu as vu la dernière ? (Did you see the latest one?), often said about news or gossip.
It’s neutral and flexible, widely used in speech and writing. In France, la dernière is a common shorthand in casual talk (especially for dramatic or surprising updates); in Quebec, the phrase is identical, though sometimes clarified with context (la dernière nouvelle); in Francophone Africa, it often refers to the latest news or event, carrying a strong sense of “what just happened.”
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. Find all clips from this podcast here.
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.
Looking for more? Discover other challenging podcasts here.
Improving your French Listening Comprehension with Podcasts
On this site, fast spoken French is finally accessible to all levels. The tool break podcasts into short clips each set to transcription fill-in-the-blank practice. My favorite practice in class is always dictées. While they can seem overwhelming at first, the confidence boost and skills payoff for doing the work pays off. They’re perfect for anyone at any level, from advanced students to those just starting.
We use podcasts and our practice exercises to make it possible for anyone, anywhere to immerse in French with fun and ease. 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.
- Read More:
- True Beginner or A1 Learners: discover tips learning with podcasts at an introductory level.
- Discover all the podcast clips on FrenchIRL organized by level.
- Top Tips: Here’s how I make the most of my own site.
I created the French In Real Life project because I wanted to understand more than just my teacher and youtubers who cater to learners. I wanted to understand the French I hear in France. I hope you can benefit as much as I have. Become a supporting member for access to all clips.
What’s opening up for you?
Comment below with what’s opening up for you with this clip. What do you love about this? What was challenging? What was easy? Share your learning progress below!
Learn French with a podcast snippet! This clip is is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do not own the content. Listen to the entire episode here. The above audio sample and transcription is from Vivons Heureux avant le fin de le monde podcast Numéro 1. We do…
Take the quiz, join the conversation.
Did you find this one challenging or easy? Did you hear something diffferent? What surprised you? What levels did you complete? Comment below and share what’s opening up for you with this quiz.
This was a tough one for me!