Express how you feel

To feel good : se sentir bien.

I feel good when talking to you.
= Je me sens bien quand je parle avec toi.


to be proud of = être fier de

Mary is very proud of her son.
= Marie est très fière de son fils.


to be exhausted = être épuisé
to be tired = être fatigué.

He is so tired to have worked all night long.
= Il est tellement fatigué d'avoir travaillé toute la nuit.


to be cold = avoir froid.

I am cold in this room.
= J'ai froid dans cette chambre.


to be hot = avoir chaud.

I am hot during summer.
L'été, j'ai chaud.


to like = aimer / apprécier

He likes Molly like no one.
= Il aime Molly comme personne.


to face the truth = se rendre à l'évidence.

It is time to face the truth, it will be hard to see Paul again.
= Il est l'heure de se rendre à l'évidence, il sera difficile de revoir Paul.


to be happy = être heureux

She is happy to go to Italy.
= Elle est heureuse de partir pour l'Italie.


to be scared = avoir peur

I am scared of spiders.
= J'ai peur des araignées.


to be alone = être seul
to feel lonely = se sentir seul

You feel so lonely right?
= Tu te sens seul n'est-ce pas?


Don't be afraid of the dark.
= N'aies pas peur du noir.

Don't go.
= Ne pars pas. /Ne t'en vas pas.


to feel secure = se sentir en sécurité. (se sentir protégé)

I feel secure when with you.
= Je me sens en sécurité avec toi.


to feel bad = se sentir mal.

I feel bad for her.
= Je me sens mal pour elle.


to be true = être honnête (être vrai)

I am true when with you.
= Je suis vraie quand je suis avec toi.


Life is full of unpredictable things, just keep faith in yourself.
-> La vie est pleine d'imprévus, mais garde confiance en toi.

Meals - Les repas

Les repas

breakfast = le petit déjeûner
lunch = le déjeûner
dinner = le dîner

to have breakfast = prendre son petit déjeûner / petit déjeûner

a meal = un repas
a dish = un plat

milk = du lait
fruit juice = du jus de fruit
a drink = une boisson
hot chocolate = un chocolat chaud
a coffee = un café
tea = du thé
slice bread = une tartine
some bread = du pain
some butter = du beurre
cereals = des céréales


dessert = le dessert

yoghurt = un yaourt
fruits = des fruits
cheese = du fromage
a cake = un gâteau
an ice cream = une glace
some chocolate = du chocolat


les couverts :

a spoon = une cuiller
a fork = une fourchette
a knife = un couteau

a napkin = une serviette
a plate = une assiette

mineral water = l'eau (minérale)
alcohol = l'alcool
a bottle = une bouteille

the entree = l'entrée
principal meal = le plat principal
dessert = le dessert


some fish = du poisson
some meat = de la viande
seafood = des fruits de mer
eggs = des oeufs (pronounciate E (eu) in french)

add seasoning to = Assaisoner
salt = du sel
pepper = du poivre

In the bathroom

the bathroom = la salle de bain
the washbasin = le lavabo
the bathtub = la baignoire
a shower = une douche

to have/take a shower = se doucher / prendre une douche
to take a bath = prendre un bain
to wash = se laver
to shave = se raser

toilet articles :
a towel = une serviette
a toothpaste = un tube de dentifrice
a toothbrush= une brosse à dents
a soap = un savon
a shower gel = un gel douche
a shampoo = un shampooing
a deodorant = un déodorant
a shaving cream = une crème (mousse) à raser
a hairdryer = un sèche cheveux
a bathrobe = un peignoire
a mirror = un miroir
a brush = la brosse
toilets = les toilettes

Goodmorning !

Let's see some vocabulary and expressions we use when we get up from bed in the morning ;-)


goodmorning = bonjour
a room = une chambre
a bed = un lit
un réveil = an alarm clock
sheets = des draps
a blanket = une couverture
a pillow = un oreiller
pyjamas = un pyjama
chest of drawers = une commode
a cupboard = une armoir / un placard
a desk = un bureau


clothes = des vêtements
pants = un pantalon
a tee-shirt = un T-shirt
a skirt = une jupe
a shirt= une chemise
underwears = des sous-vêtements
glasses = des lunettes
a sweater = un pull
a tank top = un débardeur / un haut
socks = des chaussettes
tights = des collants
a coat = un manteau
a jacket = une veste


verbs :
to wake up = se réveiller
to get dressed = s'habiller
to be sleepy = avoir envie de dormir
to sleep = dormir
to go to bed = aller au lit / aller se coucher
to dream = rêver
to have a dream = faire un rêve



"Is Michelle still sleeping? She is going to be late for school. I have to wake her up".
-> Est-ce que Michelle dort encore? Elle va être en retard pour l'école. Je vais la réveiller.

"Michelle ! your alarm clock already rang twice !"
-> Michelle ! Ton réveil a déjà sonné deux fois !

"Mom I know, I was just still relaxing a little bit before going to shower.."
-> Maman je sais, je me reposais juste un petit peu avant d'aller me doucher.

"By the way, do you know where are my new black pants I bought two days ago?"
-> Au fait, sais-tu où se trouve le nouveau pantalon noir que j'ai acheté il y deux jours.

"They are in your cupboard. When you get dressed, come and have breakfast downstairs"
-> Il est dans l'armoir. Une fois que tu t'es habillée, descends prendre ton petit déjeuner.

" By the way mom, I had weird dreams last night. "
-> Au fait maman, j'ai fait des rêves bizarres la nuit dernière.

"I guess it is all about the scary movies you watch before going to bed. Stop losing time talking and be quick Michelle."
-> J'imagine que c'est à cause des films d'horreur que tu regardes avant d'aller te coucher. Arrête de perdre du temps et dépêche toi Michelle.

What's next?

In the first postings, we learnt, globally, a few useful expressions you might hear or use when talking in french. Then, we saw verbs you can't avoid in daily life situations, and what we will see next is many daily life situations we all live such as going to bed, or having lunch.

Through the next situations, you will be introduced to new vocabulary and expressions, new verbs and dialogues to understand better how things work. :-)

I hope to see you there !

Verbs of movement

to come in = entrer

to go out = sortir


to go = aller / partir

to come = venir

to go back = retourner / repartir

to come back = revenir


to bring = amener / apporter

to blow away = emporter

to carry away / take along = emmener


to walk = marcher

to run = courir

to swim = nager


to go upstairs / get in (the car) = monter les escaliers / monter dans la voiture

to go downstairs /to get off (the car) = descendre les escaliers / descendre de voiture


to turn around = tourner

to jump = sauter

to fall = tomber

to get up = se lever (from a chair, or in the morning in bed) / se relever (after you fell)


to drive = conduire

to ride horseback = monter à cheval


to look around / to turn around = se retourner


to slide = glisser

to swing = se balancer


to turn round = tourner

turn a page = tourner une page

The five senses verbs

To be able to make simple sentences when knowing a little vocabulary, I think it is important to know some verbs.


[1 speak, talk = parler

say = dire ]


2 hear = entendre

listen = écouter


3 see = voir

look = regarder

watch = regarder (a movie, TV..)


4 taste = goûter


5 smell = sentir


6 touch = toucher

caress = caresser



Let's use them in some sentences ok.


1 I have to talk to her immediately.
-> Je dois lui parler immédiatement.

I can speak italian
-> Je sais parler italien.

What are you saying?
-> Qu'est-ce que vous dites ?



2. I can hear you, no need to scream.
-> Je peux t'entendre, tu n'as pas besoin de hurler.

You should listen to your parents.
-> Tu devrais écouter tes parents.



3. I saw a beautiful butterfly yesterday.
-> J'ai vu un joli papillon hier.

I am looking at you because I never want to forget you.
-> Je te regarde car jamais je ne veux t'oublier.

I am watching a western on TV right now.
-> Je suis en train de regarder un western à la télévision.



4. I am tasting her delicious dessert.
-> Je goûte son dessert délicieux.


5. She smells the roses he offered her.
-> Elle sent les roses qu'il lui a offert.


6. Do not touch this!
-> Ne touche pas à ceci !

He is caressing her hair.
-> Il caresse ses cheveux.

Exercise 4

The last expressions we saw from now are the following ones :


Avoir l'habitude de Vs S'habituer à -> Be used to Vs Get used to

Est-ce que ça vous plaîrait de (or other expression) + verb infinitif ? -> How about?

Je ferais mieux de -> I had better



Let's translate these sentences :


1. Paul was used to go home directly after school, but because he got used to play basketball with his friends after class he is always late and his parents are angry at him.


2. How about spending the rest of the day with Lydie and Paul?


3. We had better leave now if we do not want to have trouble with your sister.



Correction :


1. Paul avait l'habitude de rentrer directement chez lui après l'école, mais depuis qu'il a pris l'habitude de jouer au basket ball avec ses amis après les cours, il est toujours en retard et ses parents sont en colère contre lui.


2. Que diriez-vous de passer le reste de la journée avec Lydie et Paul?


3. Nous ferions mieux de partir maintenant si nous ne voulons pas avoir d'ennuis avec ta soeur.




Vocabulary :


go home = rentrer à la maison / rentrer chez soi = je rentre chez moi, tu rentres chez toi, il rentre chez lui ...


to be late = être en retard

to be angry at someone = être en colère contre quelqu'un

spend the day with = passer la journée avec

to have trouble with = avoir des ennuis avec / avoir des problèmes avec

Exercise 3

Let's work on the following expressions we learnt :



Combien de fois par... / Comment aimez-vous ... / Etre sur le point de...

How often...? / How do you like ... / Be about to..



Let's start !!



1. How often do you practice basketball?

2. How often does Paul go to the doctor for his allergy?



3. How do you like to work?


4. When I entered the room, Gina was about to leave with Marc.







Correction



1. Combien de fois par semaine exerces-tu le / (fais-tu du) basketball?

2. Combien de fois par mois Paul va-t-il chez le docteur pour ses allergies?

Here, you could omit to add the detail (per week/per month...)because we can't know the nature of his allergy and how long it is treated..so you could just say :
Combien de fois Paul va-t-il chez le docteur pour ses allergies?


3. De quelle façon aimez-vous travailler? / Comment aimez-vous travailler?

4. Au moment où je suis entrée dans la pièce, Gina était sur le point de partir avec Marc.

Vocabulary :

au moment où = à l'instant où

But we can simply say "Quand" or "Lorsque"

"Quand je suis entrée dans la pièce..."

"Lorsque je suis entrée dans la pièce..."

a room = une chambre (generally a room with bed..), une pièce (it is any kind of room)

go to the cinema = aller au cinema

BUT

go to the doctor = aller chez le docteur

Exercise 2

Let's translate some sentences including the other 4 expressions :

Avez-vous déjà... / J'ai envie de ... / J'espère... /Je veux...
Have you ever... / I feel like +ing.. / I hope... / I want ...


Let's start !

1.Have you ever cooked this kind of dish before?

2. Have you ever tried to learn five pages of your geography courses by heart?

3. We feel like watching this western on television tonight.

4. Dana feels like screaming everytime she is over stressed with her homework.

5. Helen hopes that someday she will be able to live her life fully and simply.

6. Do you want me to tell you what is right or wrong?

7. I want Jerry to smile always even when he feels like crying from stress or overworking sometimes.




Correction :


1. Avez-vous déjà cuisiné ce genre de plats auparavant?

2. Avez-vous déjà essayé d'apprendre par coeur cinq pages de vos leçons de géographie ?

3. Nous avons envie de regarder ce western à la télévision ce soir.

4. Dana a une envie de crier à chaque fois qu'elle est stressée par ses devoirs.

5. Helen espère qu'un jour elle pourra vivre sa vie pleinement et simplement.

6. Voulez-vous que je vous dise ce qui est juste ou non?

7. Je veux que Jerry sourit tout le temps même s'il a parfois envie de pleurer à cause du stress ou du fait qu'il soit surmené.



Vocabulary :


dish = un plat

a course = une leçon, un cours

to learn something by heart = apprendre quelque chose par coeur

on TV = à la télévision.

homework = des devoirs

fully = pleinement (adverbe de plein)

simply = simplement (adverbe de simple)

overworked = être surchargé de travail, être surmené

du fait que + subjonctif = du fait qu'il soit..(soit= être au subjonctif)
other expressions which leads to the subjonctif tense -> pour que, afin que ...

Exemple :
J'ai fait cela pour que tu puisses voyager sans souci. (puisses = pouvoir au subjonctif)

sometimes = parfois

to cry = pleurer

stress = le stress

Exercise 1

Hi !!


Are you ready for this exercise session? Here, you will have to translate all by yourself, sentences using the first expressions we saw which are :



Il y a ; C'est ; C'est...de (Il est...de) ; C'est...pour ; C'est .. à





First you will have to translate a few sentences including the expressions above.


Keep in mind that a translation is not a "word per word" translation but the idea has to be respected through this work, so even if your translation is not the best one, as long as you respect this point, you still win :-)



It is also a great way to learn new vocabulary and expressions !



To have a more precise correction seen from a french person, I will make a correction of course, at the end of this posting! So be patient and don't rush to the solution when you doubt your work !! ;-) ok?



N.B : Also, I put an English-French translator you probably noticed on the right side of the page. You have to choose "French" after pressing the button situated above "GO".
Use it when you really have no clue about a word meaning, not knowing some vocabulary is not a drama, everything can be learnt, so be patient and ...GOOD LUCK !!! ^^



Let's try it!!!





1. There is a tall and cute girl waiting for you at the entrance.



2. There are many employees dissatisfied with today's meeting.



3. I think it is time for you to grow up a little bit and be responsible for your actions !



4. The english teacher is very strict, so it is difficult for children to express themselves as they wish, or ask a question when they need to do so.



5. I had no idea about what to write and fortunately I found you ; it is so kind of you giving me a hand for this exposee I have to give back to my professor this evening.









Correction :



1. Il y a une grande et jolie fille qui vous attend à l'entrée.



2. Il y a plusieurs employés mécontents de la réunion d'aujourd'hui.



3. Je crois qu' il est temps pour toi de grandir un peu et d'être responsable de tes actes!



4. Le professeur d'anglais est très strict, donc il est difficile pour les enfants de s'exprimer comme ils le souhaitent ou bien de poser une question lorsqu'ils en ressentent le besoin.



(I know this sentence is hard, but please bear with me, it is full of precious information, I will explain more precisely in the vocabulary section )



5. Je ne savais pas quoi écrire et heureusement je t'ai trouvé ; c'est si gentil à toi de m'aider pour cet exposé que je dois remettre à mon professeur ce soir.





It is one translation but many are possible. If you wish to know weither your correction is correct or not, do not hesitate to write to me on my personal mail adress :

leeloutte@gmail.com







Vocabulary / Expressions :



1. at the entrance = à l'entrée

cute = mignonne (for a girl), jolie

tall = grande



2. to satisfy = satisfaire

dissatisfy = dissatisfaire exists but we use : être mécontent, être non satisfait.



3. to grow = grandir (physically)

to grow up = grandir (morally) , so the same verb for two different expressions in english..



it is time for me to = il est temps pour moi de



to be responsible for one's actions = être responsable de ses actes




4. to express as you wish = t'exprimer comme tu le souhaites, t'exprimer comme tu le veux (vouloir), t'exprimer comme tu l'entends (entendre), t'exprimer librement (freely)

ask a question = poser une question

to need = avoir besoin de .. / ressentir le besoin de..

5. to have an idea about something = avoir une idée au sujet de quelque chose /

But in our example, we use : ne pas savoir quoi faire (not knowing what to do) because using the other expression would be "heavy" to say.

fortunately = heureusement / unfortunately = malheureusement

it is kind of you = c'est gentil à vous (à toi)

to give someone a hand for = donner un coup de main à quelqu'un pour.. = aider quelqu'un

In our sentence we have "c'est gentil à toi de m'aider.." . You may think the verb is "m'aider" including "m' ". But it is the verb "aider" only.

" m' " is replacing "moi" : C'est gentil à vous d'aider moi. (but we can't say that)

to give back = remettre, rendre (when someone lend you something)

the evening = le soir

the morning = le matin

the afternoon = l'après-midi

What will be our next goal?

Throuthough our previous lessons, I tried to explain how french expressions work and I wanted you to assimilate them slowly.

Now, to be able to use them more naturally, and to keep them in mind, it is necessary to do some exercises using those expressions we learnt.

The next postings will be a good training session so let's try it !!!

:-)

I had better ...

Let's set a rule for this expression :


I had better+verb =je + faire au conditionnel présent (je ferais ,tu ferais, il ferait, nous ferions, vous feriez, ils feraient) mieux de + verbe à l'infinitif


I had better leave you alone.

-> Je ferais mieux de te laisser tranquille.



You had better tell them the truth.

-> Tu ferais mieux de leur dire la vérité.


Vocabulary :

the truth = la vérité

Leave me alone = Laisse moi tranquille

alone (in I'm alone) means = seul (e)

How about?

In french, we have numerous expressions to express this idea : How about?

Let's look at them together :


How about going to a night club tonight?

-> Est-ce que ça vous dit d'aller en boîte de nuit ce soir?

= Est-ce que ça vous dit de+ verbe à l'infinitif


How about playing poker?

Est-ce qu'une partie de poker vous tente?

= Est-ce que...... vous tente?


How about having a coffee somewhere?

-> Est-ce que ça vous plairait d'aller prendre un café quelque part?

= Est-ce que ça vous plairait de + verbe à l'infinitif


When the expression "How about" is used in that case :

How about this idea?

In french we will use this :

Que pensez-vous de cette idée?

=Que pensez-vous de + noun


Other useful expressions including "How about":

How about me?!
= Et moi alors?
OR
= Qu'est-ce que vous faites de moi?

Westlife - Have you ever been in love (Song)

Here is a song I translated for you. If you wish you can try to translate it first and then compare with my correction. I really like this song and the lyrics are long, so a good opportunity for our work ..I hope you will like it too :-)

powered by ODEO

In the morning light

A la lumière du jour,

Half awake and half asleep

A moitié réveillé et à moitié endormi

Have you ever laid there thinking

Vous êtes-vous déjà allongé là en pensant

Was it all a dream?

N'était-ce qu'un rêve?

But you reach out and she's there Every moment, everywhere

Mais vous tendez la main et elle se trouve là à chaque moment n'importe où

Have you ever been in love?

Avez-vous déjà aimé?

Have you ever felt How far a heart can fall

Avez-vous déjà ressenti à quel point un coeur peut battre

Have you ever stayed up waiting

Vous est-il déjà arrivé de languir

For a telephone call

Pour un coup de téléphone

Just to hear them say hello

Simplement pour les entendre dire bonjour

Cause you miss each other so

Car vous manquez l'un à l'autre terriblement

Have you ever been in love?

Avez-vous déjà aimé?

Have there been times to laugh

Y a-t-il eu des moments de rire

And times you really want to cry

Et des moments où vous ne vouliez que pleurer

Finding reasons to believe her cause you'd die a little if she lied

Lui trouvant des raisons de la croire car vous mourriez presque si elle mentait

And when in times of doubt

Et pendant les moments de doute

Have you ever tried to work it out

Avez-vous déjà essayer d'arranger les choses

But still she leaves you wondering What it's all about

Mais elle vous laisse encore vous demander de quoi tout cela était-il question

And when she's far away

Et quand elle est loin

Have you ever felt the need to stray

Avez-vous déjà ressenti le besoin de vous égarer

And tried and then discovered

Puis essayer et ensuite se rendre compte

It just doesn't pay

Que ça ne sert à rien

Cause with her, you can be true

Car avec elle, tu peux être vrai

And with her, you can be you

Et avec elle, tu peux être toi

Have you ever been in love?

Avez-vous déjà aimé?

CHORUS /REFRAIN

And when the night comes down

Et quand la nuit tombe

Can you call your house a home

Peux-tu vraiment te sentir chez toi

Do you dream you're still together

Rêvez-vous que vous êtes encore ensemble

And wake up alone

Pour vous réveiller tout seul

Have you ever been in love

Avez-vous déjà aimé

The way that I'm in love

De la façon dont moi j'aime

Have you ever been in love?

Avez-vous déjà aimé?

Have you ever been in love?

Avez-vous déjà aimé

Be used to Vs Get used to

Be used to = avoir l'habitude de + verbe à l'infinitif


She is used to go there once a week.

-> Elle a l'habitude d'aller là-bas une fois par semaine.



Get used to = "prendre l'habitude de"/ " s'habituer à "/ "s'attacher à " / "prendre goût à"


He got used to his new job.

-> Il s'est habitué à son nouveau métier.


I am afraid to get used to them someday.

-> J'ai peur de m'y attacher un jour.

-> J'ai peur d'y prendre goût un jour

here just like in a previous post "Some Grammar 1", the particule "y" is used to replace some information we don't want to repeat.

Here, "y" replace "à eux" = "to them" : J'ai peur de m'attacher à eux.

But it is much better saying "m'y attacher"


"prendre goût à quelque chose " = "getting used to but also almost "getting addicted to".
So a strong feeling right?


If you have more questions, I will try my best and help you.

Will Vs Be going to

will = aller au futur


He will go to Paris with her.

-> Il ira à Paris avec elle.


be going to = aller au présent + Verbe à l'infinitif


He is going to sleep in a minute.

-> Il va dormir dans une minute.


In english, WILL is used to express the future, BE GOING TO the near future.

In french, the verbe in the future tense indicates the future, and ALLER (present) + verbe à l'infinitif indicates the near future too.


The rule above is always true, but you can also use the verb in present tense to indicate the future in french. Look at the example below :

I am leaving for Australia in a week.

-> Je pars pour l'Australie dans une semaine. (pars = partir au présent)

I am going to the cinema in an hour.

-> Je vais au cinéma dans une heure. (vais = aller au présent)


So as you see you have many ways to express the future, being the near or far future. :-)

be about to

Be about to = être sur le point de


I was about to leave.

-> J'étais sur le point de partir.


He is about to go to the cinema with his friends.

-> Il est sur le point d'aller au cinéma avec ses amis.


être surt le point de + verbe à l'infinitif.

How do you like ?

How do you like ?


How do you like coffee?

-> Comment aimez-vous votre café?

Answer : Je l'aime avec du sucre. (I like it with sugar)


But there is a difference in the following example :

How do you like your new coat?

Answer -> Oh, I like it very much !

In french we won't say : Combien aimes-tu ton nouveau manteau?
or "Comment aimes-tu ton nouveau manteau?

Answer : "Oh je l'aime beaucoup !"

Here, the english expression can not be translated directly in french, it is a very "english" expression.

We will say simply : "Votre nouveau manteau vous plaît-il?

Why "il" in the end of the sentence while we can simply ask :"Est-ce que vote nouveau manteau vous plaît?"

Because the particule "il" is used to insist.

How often?

How often? = Combien de fois par jour (a day)/ par semaine (a week)/ par mois (a month)/par an (a year)


In english, there is no need to ask How often a day?.... for people to answer to the question and add the details (once a day, ..) in their answer :

How often do you go to the swimming pool?

-> Oh, I go to the swimming pool every two days.


In french, we often need to add the detail in the question :

Combien de fois par semaine vas-tu à la piscine?

-> Je vais à la piscine deux fois par semaine.


Why do we need to add the details (how often a day, a week...) in french ?

Because "Combien de fois" alone is reservated for the english expression " How many times ? "

-> Combien de fois faut-il que je te répète cela?
= How many times do I have to repeat you that?


Of course, in daily life french people do not always respect this grammar perfectly and still understand each other, but when learning a language, I think it is important to speak the language correctly.



How many? = Combien de ..

How many people attend to this meeting?

-> Combien de gens participent à cette réunion?


How much ? = Combien coûte ..?

How much is this book?

-> Combien coûte ce livre?



Vocabulary :

swimming pool = la piscine

attend to = participer à

a meeting = une réunion (de travail)

un rendez-vous = an appointment but can also mean a date

I have an appointment with the doctor today = Aujourd'hui j'ai un rendez-vous chez le doctor.

I have a date with Pierre = J'ai un rendez-vous avec Pierre

Text n°2 : Let's try it !

Let's translate another text...


I saw a red and beautiful coat this morning at the Mall. I generally am not mad about red clothes, but I have to admit that this one was particularly attractive and it suits me very well.
The only inconvenient is its price. Effectively, the coat is pretty expensive and I can not afford to buy it now. Pierre saw a nice black sport car in the street! He couldn't stop telling me he wants one like this, so that things would be easier with girls! I think the car is much more expensive than the coat I like! So, I think Pierre has a lot of work in front of him, if he wants to own a car as expensive! :-)

Translation :

1. I saw a red and beautiful coat this morning at the Mall.

-> J'ai repéré un beau manteau rouge ce matin au centre commercial.


2. I generally am not mad about red clothes, but I have to admit that this one was particularly attractive and it suits me very well.

-> D'habitude, je ne suis pas folle de vêtements rouges, mais je dois admettre que celui-ci était particulièrement attirant et il me va très bien.


3. The only disadventage is its price.

-> Le seul inconvénient est le prix.


4. Effectively, the coat is pretty expensive and I can not afford to buy it now.

-> En effet, le manteau est assez cher and je ne peux pas me permettre de l'acheter maintenant.


5. Pierre saw a nice black sport car in the street!

-> Pierre a vu une belle voiture de sport noire dans la rue.


6. He couldn't stop telling me he wants one like this, so that things would be easier with girls!

-> Il n'a pas arrêté de me dire qu'il en veut une comme celle-ci, comme ça les choses seraient plus faciles avec les filles!


7.I think the car is much more expensive than the coat I like!

-> Je pense que la voiture est beaucoup plus chère que le manteau qui me plaît!


8.So, I think Pierre has a lot of work in front of him, if he wants to own a car as expensive! :-)

-> Donc, je pense que Pierre a énormément de travail devant lui, s'il veut posséder une voiture aussi chère!



Explanations / Grammar :


1. the Mall = un centre commercial (I remember when my aunt told me 'let's go to the Mall'...I was just like :"Huh? Where?" lol I didn't know that term. In france we use : centre commercial meaning "the centre of all business", selling colthes, food...

one interesting point : order of adjectives in a sentence!

a red and beautiful coat : un beau manteau rouge

In english, colors are before the name. In french it is the contrary, we can not say : un rouge manteau. We say, un manteau rouge.

Other adjectives in general are used before : a tall guy = un grand garçon
a nice car = une belle voiture

But for adjectives like "generous, smart.." in french you find them after the name :
un garçon généreux, une fille intelligente, un homme sympathique...
while in english you find them before the name...

I will search more carefully if there is a rule for adjectives, but let's keep those information in mind for now...


2. be mad of/about : être fou de quelque chose! ou être fou de quelqu'un (be mad of something or someone)
suit : aller (for clothes : Ce chapeau te va bien! (this hat looks good on you, suits you)


3. The disadventage is its price : we say "le" (the) because we don't need to insist on the possession, we know it is the price of the coat ^^

4. It is pretty cool ! = C'est plutôt cool !
But, It is pretty expensive = c'est assez cher.
I dependes on the case, but both are correct actually..c'est plutôt cher is correct too but I prefer using "assez"

To afford to = se permettre de (je me permets de, tu te permets de, il se permet de..)


6. I can"t stop crying = je ne peux pas m'arrêter de pleurer

can't stop + ING = ne pas pouvoir s'arrêter de + Verbe à l'infinitif

I can't stop loving you = je ne peux pas m'arrêter de t'aimer.


7. le superlatif :

plus....que = more... than

I am taller than you = je suis plus grande que toi.
He is more intelligent than her = Il est plus intelligent qu'elle.

moins...que = less...than

Je suis moins stressée que toi = I am less stressed up than you.


Le comparatif

as ....as = aussi...que

Elle est aussi belle que ma soeur. = She is as beautiful as my sister.


8. want to do something = vouloir faire quelque chose

want to = vouloir +verbe à l'infinitif


If you have more questions, please let me know.

Some grammar 1

On this posting, I will insist on a grammar point I know a lot of foreigners find difficult to master.

Where did you go yesterday?

->Où es-tu allée hier?

I went to see my friend yesterday in Paris.

-> Je suis allé voir mon amie hier, à Paris.

Here, nothing is special "grammatically speaking. But they are necessary to understand the sentences below gramatically speaking :-)


When did you go to Paris?

->Quand es-tu allée à Paris?

I went there on the afternoon.

-> Je suis allée là-bas dans l'après-midi.

OR :

-> J' y suis allée dans l'après-midi.

As you see, for not repeating "in Paris" all the time when already know this information, in french like in english we can use "there" : "là-bas".

Or something more "frenchie" : y

Je suis allée à la piscine = I went to the swimming pool

Ah tu y es allé! = Ah you've been there!

Tu y es allé = Tu es allé à la piscine.


Can you see something in that dark?

Tu vois quelque chose dans ce noir? = Tu y vois quelque chose ?


Ca fait longtemps que je ne suis pas retourné voir ma soeur à Paris.
= Ca fait longtemps que je n'y suis pas retourné voir ma soeur.


Keep in mind this scheme :

Subject +Verb+Object Complement+ place complement = Subject + Y + Verb+ Object Compl.


I hope this grammar point will be clearer now, i hope i was clear ;;
..it is not easy for you when you don't have an equivalent in your language, but it will simplify your french talking once you master it! :-)

I want..

Want + Noun : vouloir +nom


I want a coke.

-> Je veux du coca.



Want + To + verb = vouloir + Verbe

I want to know who you are.

-> Je veux savoir qui vous êtes. (tu es)



Want You To + Verb : Vouloir que tu (vous) + Verbe Subjonctif

I want you to be happy all the time.

-> Je veux que tu sois heureux tout le temps. (sois = être au subjonctif)


I want you to listen to me.

-> Je veux que vous m'écoutiez. (écoutiez = écouter subjonctif)



Remarque : about the first sentence

I want a coke.

English language uses a determinant for drinks in that case, but in french we use "de" or "du"
Je veux du coca.

Un, une, are reservated for things you can actually count, like apples ..
Je veux une pomme.

But coke is not "countable" . But we have the same thing with english when we talk about water : I want some water = Je veux de l'eau.


just a little detail.. ;-)

I hope ...

To hope that = espérer que + verb


I hope that everything is going to be alright.

-> J'espère que tout ira bien. (ira from the verb aller, future tense)


I hope he will remember me.

-> J'espère qu'il se souviendra de moi.

here, we have the same case we saw with "de"+voyel = d'
que + voyel = qu'



To hope to = espérer + Verbe

I hope to get a job soon.

-> J'espère trouver un emploi bientôt.


I hope to be able to tell him my heart someday.

-> J'espère pouvoir lui dire ce que je ressens pour lui un jour.


Now the negation :

I hope I didn't wake you up.

-> J'espère que je ne t'ai pas réveillé.

-> J'espère ne pas t'avoir réveillé.

Those two expressions above are the same, the second one being more "graceful" and shorter too.

with "He" : Il espère ne pas t'avoir réveillé.

I feel like...

I feel like going to the cinema.

-> J'ai envie d'aller au cinéma!


I feel like eating an ice cream.

J'ai une envie de glace!


J'ai envie de + Verb

J'ai une envie de Verb or Noun.


But be careful, using J'ai une envie de + noun is not a generality

"J'ai une envie de plage" is not what we say. (I feel like going to the beach)

"J'ai une envie de partir à la plage". is correct.


But when talking about what you like (food generally) it works well. :-)

When using the negation :

I don't feel like going there.

-> Je n'ai pas envie d'aller là-bas.


avoir envie de..

ne pas avoir envie de..


Try making sentences on your own now, and if you are not sure, ask me :-)

Have you ever been..seen..heard ?

Have you ever been in Italy before?

-> Etes-vous déjà allé en Italie auparavant?


Have you ever been in love?

-> Avez-vous déjà été amoureux (se) ?


Have you ever heard of Tom Hanks?

-> Avez-vous entendu parler de Tom Hanks?


Have you ever seen an extraterrestre?

-> Avez-vous déjà vu un extraterrestre?

Text n° 1 : let's try !

Between the lessons, let's translate an english text into french! Because this blog is open for everyone and i don't know everyone's level, just let's try translating some sentences, and let's explain them after it is done, ok?

I am inventing a text..


Three days ago, my friend came and visit me.
I haven't seen her in a long time.
She brought some chocolates with her, although she knows she doesn't have to.
It was a great surprise because she was in Africa and told me she couldn't come before next week!
Nothing has changed about her, her sense of humor, her dynamism .. We spent the entire day laughing and talking about the past, but also about what we intend to do now. I was very glad to see her again. She left again for Africa a few days after.



1. Three days ago, my friend came and visit me.

-> Trois jours plus tôt, mon amie est venue me rendre visite.


2. I haven't seen her in a long time.

-> Cela fait très longtemps que je ne l'ai pas vue.


3. She brought some chocolates with her. She knows she doesn't have to.

-> Elle a apporté des chocolats avec elle. Elle sait qu'elle n'y est pas obligée.


4. It was a great surprise because she was in Africa and told me she couldn't come before next week!

-> Ce fut une énorme surprise car elle était en Afrique et m'avait dit qu'elle ne pourrait pas venir avant la semaine d'après.


5. Nothing has changed about her, her sense of humor, her dynamism ..

-> Rien n'a changé à son sujet, son sens de l'humour, son dynamisme..


6. We spent the entire day laughing and talking about the old times, but also about what we intend to do about our life now.

-> Nous avons passé la journée entière à parler du bon vieux temps, mais également de ce que nous avons l'intention de faire de nos vies à présent.


7. I was very glad to see her again.

-> J'étais très heureuse de la revoir à nouveau.


8. She left again for Africa a few days after.

-> Elle est repartie pour l'Afrique quelques jours après.


Explanation :

1. Trois jours plus tôt = Il y a trois jours


2. this sentence can not be translated keeping the same order in the english sentence.

........ in a while / in a long time. = Cela fait longtemps que........


3. She knows she doesn't have to = literrally : Elle sait qu'elle n'a pas à le faire.

But it sounds not really nice, nor polite actually, a bit "agressive"


4. la semaine d'après = la semaine qui suit = la semaine prochaine


5. à son sujet = about her or he
à ton sujet = about you
à mon sujet = about me
.....


6. intend to : avoir l'intention de ...


7. again : encore..but here "à nouveau" is a better translation.
BUT
It's me again! = C'est encore moi -> better than "c'est moi à nouveau"


8. leave for :partir pour..
BUT
leave again for : repartir pour..


I hope it was clear enough... i try to explain things with my own spirit and sentences, so if it is not very clear, please let me know :-)

It is... for...to and It is.. of..to

It is dangerous for you to be here.

-> Il est dangereux pour toi d' être ici.


It is kind of you to accept my will.

->Il est très gentil à vous d' accepter ma demande.


Just like in english, we have different expressions for the two expressions above.


But many people tend to translate "of" by "de".

Which is not wrong in other cases, but here, "of" is "à".


Example where "of" is "de".

What kind of present do you like?

-> Quel genre de cadeau aimes-tu? (aimez-vous)



Vocabulary / Synonyms :

un genre de = une sorte de

un présent = un cadeau

a will = un voeu (but = une demande, like a request in that case)

It is ..to

It is ...to = C'est...de


It is difficult to say no.

-> C'est difficile de dire non.


But we can also say : Il est difficile de dire non. "C'est" and "Il est" are same expressions in cases where you don't know who is the subject. In "it is difficult to say no", it does not refer to anyone. In french, it is the same :-)


It is nice to be here again.

C'est bon d' être ici à nouveau.

Here, "de" becomes "d' ".

It is because you have a voyel after "de". Or it would be : "C'est bon de être ici à nouveau."

But this is not the right way to write it, nor to pronounce it.


So, "de" becomes "d' " after a voyel.



To feel the natural, try to pronunce it loudly : "de être" Vs "d'être".

The second is best right? ;-)

It is

It is a good thing.

-> C'est une bonne chose.

C'est = Cela est, Ceci est.

But it is correct and more natural using "c'est" in that case.


It is up to you!

-> C'est toi qui vois !


Synonyms :

- it is up to you = "c'est comme tu veux", "c'est comme tu le sens", "A toi de voir"..

There is - There are

In english, for this case "there is - there are" , you have to think about weither what's next is singular or plurial.

But in french you have a unique expression : Il y a...

"Il" : can be a pronun of he or it. But here, it does not refer to a human being nor a thing.
Let's say it is used when we want to express an idea and don't know what the subject is..like in "It is raining" = Il pleut. (pleut of the verb pleuvoir)

Example :

There is a nice car outside.

-> Il y a une belle voiture dehors.


There are a lot of people today!

Il y a une tonne de monde aujourd'hui!

As you see, "Il y a" remains the same, plurial or not.

Vocabulary/ synonims:

une tonne de = beaucoup de.

nice = sympathique, beau (belle) for a thing, gentil (gentille) for a human or animal

Who can those courses benefit to?

It is always very difficult to tell who can your classes be a help for..for I am quite certain that it will help many of you who want to speak french better.

Many people have a good level in French, but unfortunately, refer too much to english being the international language but also close to french language concerning words order.
But we will see that it is also different from french.

I know it is never easy starting learning a foreign language, because not knowing where to start and if what we start learning will be a great help for daily life.

But remember, these courses will not teach you "how to speak french fluently" but will help you ameliorating it, by some translation and comparaison work.

Let's start our new lessons with daily life expressions!

I hope you'll have fun! :-)