Comme Une Française 1

Question 1

Rédiger

Answer 1

—write (écrire, rédiger, noter, composer, tracer, mettre en musique)
—draft (rédiger, préparer, dresser, esquisser, dessiner, incorporer)
—draw up (dresser, rédiger, faire, ranger, instrumenter, tirer à sec)

Question 2

Entraîner

—mener, conduire, guider, diriger, balayer

Answer 2

—to lead, to guide, to direct, to point the direction

Question 3

nowhere—nulle part

anywhere—nulle part, quelque part, n’importe où

no place—nulle part

Answer 3

nowhere—nulle part

anywhere—nulle part, quelque part, n’importe où

no place—nulle part

Question 4

J’étais censé rencontrer quelqu’un.

Je devais rencontrer quelqu’un hier soir.

Rencontrer = Avoir rendez-vous avec

Answer 4

I was supposed to meet someone.

I was supposed to meet someone last night.

Question 5

Surveillez les vagues : elles sont imprévisibles.

Answer 5

Pay close attention to the waves; they are unpredictable.

Question 6

Les voyageurs peuvent choisir leur siège.

Son siège (headquarters) se trouve à Londres.

Instantanément je me suis assis dans l’ancien siège.

Cormier est un choix intéressant pour le siège (Chair).

Un siège (siège) pourrait s’éterniser indéfiniment.

Answer 6

Passengers are free to choose their own seats.

Its headquarters is located in London.

Instantly I sat in my old chair.

Dr. Cormier is an interesting choice for the chair.

I’m afraid a siege could drag on indefinitely.

Question 7

Optez pour une croisière au coucher…

Silhouette de château au coucher du soleil en Irlande.

Après avoir profité des photos, c’était l’heure du coucher.

Peut être qu’on devrait aller se coucher.

C’était le moment pour moi d’aller me coucher.

Answer 7

Opt for a sunset cruise…

Silhouette of castle at sunset in Ireland.

After enjoying the photos, it was bedtime.

Maybe we should call it a night.

It was time for me to get some sleep.

Question 8

J’ai mis la plupart de mes affaires dans un garde-meuble (storage).

Mais j’ai encore des trésors au garde-meuble.

J’ai tant de détails à régler … faire mes sacs, mettre des trucs au garde meuble.

Answer 8

Put most of my stuff in storage.

My good pieces are in storage.

I have so many loose ends to tie up… packing, putting stuff into storage.

Question 9

Je crains d’avoir été distraite (absent-minded).

Peut-être étiez pressé ou légèrement distrait (distracted).

Il est très distrait (forgetful) par nature.

Answer 9

I’m afraid I’m getting absent-minded.

Perhaps you were in a hurry or slightly distracted.

He is very forgetful by nature.

Forgetful, distracted, absent-minded

Question 10

Des antécédents familiaux

Answer 10

Family (medical) history

Question 11

On peut digérer notre repas maintenant.

Laissez-moi le temps de digérer (digest or process) cela.

Elle ne pouvait les digérer (stomach them), tu vois.

Et j’ai bien du mal à digérer (swallow) ses mots.

Answer 11

Okay? Now we can digest our food.

Let me have some time to digest this.

She couldn’t stomach them, you see.

His words are hard to swallow.

Digest, process, stomach, swallow, take in, assimilate, accept

Question 12

Bref, repos et dépaysement (change of scenery) garantis.

Answer 12

In short, guaranteed rest and change of scenery.

Question 13

Allumer <=> éteindre

On pourrait allumer quelques bougies (candles=chandelles) et lire.

Laisser refroidir et allumer (turn on) le grilloir.

C’est utile pour ne pas allumer (turn on or off) accidentellement l’appareil (camera).

Answer 13

Well, we could light some candles and read.

Allow the mixture to cool and turn on the broiler.

This is rather useful because the camera won’t immediately turn on or off when the button is pressed accidentally.

Light, turn on, ignite, power on, start, kindle

Question 14

J’étais fonctionnaire fédérale pendant 29 ans.

Si un ou une fonctionnaire obtient une cote « dépasse les exigences », il ou elle a droit à 10 jours de congé.

Je suis tellement fière d’être un(e) fonctionnaire.

Answer 14

I worked for 29 years as an employee of the federal government.

If an employee receives an “exceeds” rating, he or she is entitled to 10 days of leave.

I’m so proud of being a public servant.

Fonctionnaire : Staff member, employee, official, civil servant, public servant, officer

Question 15

Je suis vraiment une bonne enseignant(e).

Answer 15

Look, I’m a really good teacher.

Question 16

J’attendais juste l’instant (the moment) idéal…

A l’instant (at that instant), un amour extraordinaire remplit mon coeur.

Answer 16

I was just waiting for the perfect moment.

At that instant, an extraordinary love filled my heart.

Question 17

Je suis censé accorder une entrevue (interview).

J’ose espérer que notre entrevue (meeting) restera secrète.

Answer 17

You know, I’m supposed to go to an interview right now.

I would hope this meeting will be held in confidence.

Question 18

J’adorerai oublier (would love to forget) tout cette histoire.

On ne peut pas oublier (overlook) ce qui s’est passé.

Mon arrière-grand-père voulait oublier le passé (leave the past behind).

Mais je ne veux oublier personne (leave anyone out)

Answer 18

I would love to forget about this whole thing.

We can’t overlook what happened.

Great-Grandpa Benjamin wanted to leave the past behind.

But I do not want to leave anyone out.

Question 19

C’est pourquoi les gens commencent à se geler (to freeze) les mains.

Allons trouver un meilleur endroit pour se geler (to get stoned).

Answer 19

That’s why people begin to freeze their hands.

All right, look, let’s just find a better place to get stoned.

Question 20

Je voudrais me rendre chez moi (return home) si possible.

Je voulais te rendre (give back) tes affaires.

Il désirait vous rendre (return) cette montre.

Trouvez les instructions sur comment vous pouvez vous rendre chez nous (reach us).

Cela peut suffire à rendre (make, render) cette option inapplicable.

Answer 20

If it’s okay with you, I’d like to go home for a few days.

I wanted to give you your stuff back.

He wanted to return this watch to you.

Find instructions about how you can reach us.

This, alone, may make it a non-feasible option.

Make, go, visit, render, pay, give, return, reach

Question 21

Il doit y avoir moyen de se renseigner (find out).

Se renseigner (inquire) à la réception.

Il faut toujours se renseigner (inform yourself) et vérifier la composition des produits.

Les passagers concernés sont invités à se renseigner (check) auprès de leur compagnie aérienne.

Answer 21

There must be a way to find out.

Enquire at reception.

Concerned passengers are invited to check with their airline.

You must always inform yourself and verify the composition of different products.

Enquire, find out, check, learn more, ask, get information, inform yourself

Question 22

Nous avons tenu de vastes consultations auprès de (among) ministres provinciaux.

Nous pouvons être auprès de (near) vous rapidement.

Jesse a travaillé pendant de longues années auprès de (alongside) son père.

Et maintenant ma place est auprès de (beside) ma sœur.

Answer 22

We have been having extensive consultations among ministers with our provincial colleagues.

We can be near you in case of need.

Jesse has been working alongside his dad for numerous years.

And now I belong beside my sister.

Near, alongside, beside, next to, close to, compared to, with, among

Question 23

Quelqu’un pourrait glisser et se faire mal (get hurt).

Answer 23

Someone could slip and get hurt.

Question 24

Des millions de personnes n’ont pas pu se tromper (be wrong).

Et il peut se tromper parfois (go wrong).

Un témoin peut se tromper (be mistaken) ou se parjurer.

Sinon c’est trop facile de se tromper (make mistakes).

Answer 24

Millions of people cannot be wrong.

And it can go wrong sometimes.

A witness may be mistaken or lie under oath.

Otherwise it is too easy to make mistakes.

Be wrong, go wrong, be mistaken, make mistakes, mistake, say, err

Question 25

L’accusation entend appeler (intend to call) 56 témoins.

Pour toute question, appeler (call) notre service après-vente.

Les organisations peuvent appeler (appeal) des décisions.

On pourrait l’appeler contre (call her after) ta grand-mère.

Answer 25

The Prosecution intends to call 56 witnesses to testify.

Please call our Customer Service Department for any issues you may have.

Organizations can appeal the decisions.

I was thinking, we should name her after your grandmother.

Call, name, appeal, draw, contact, phone, invoke

Question 26

Beaucoup de monde commence à le remarquer (notice).

Je voudrais remarquer (note) deux éléments du récit.

En conclusion, je ferai remarquer (point out) que ces accords ne sont évidemment pas parfaits.

Answer 26

Quite a lot of people are beginning to notice.

I would like to note two elements in the account.

I would point out in conclusion that obviously these agreements are not perfect.

Note, notice, point out, remark, observe, comment, spot, mark

Question 27

Mes enfants doivent apprendre à obéir (obey) et écouter.

Plutôt que d’obéir (comply), il quitte son travail.

Elles doivent obéir aux (follow) mêmes règles.

Tu dois toujours obéir à (listen to) ta mère.

Answer 27

My children have to learn to obey and to listen.

Rather than comply, he quits his job.

No, they have to follow the same rules.

You always listen to your mother.

Obey, follow, comply, abide, listen

Question 28

Nous devons punir ces intruses pour leurs farces puériles.

Vous devez punir (discipline) un des joueurs.

Nous ne voulons pas punir (sanction), mais aider.

Il va me punir (ground me) pour toujours.

Tu dois les punir (sentence them).

Answer 28

We must punish those intruders for their childish pranks as well.

You need to discipline one of your players.

We do not wish to sanction but rather to assist.

He will, like, ground me forever.

You must sentence them.

Punish, discipline, sanction, ground, penalize, chastise, sentence

Question 29

Il peut éventuellement exiger (require) une garantie financière.

Elle croît que je devrais exiger (demand) une augmentation.

À sa discrétion, exiger (request) une indemnisation des dommages.

Les collèges peuvent aussi exiger (charge) des frais supplémentaires.

Answer 29

He may or may not require a financial guarantee.

She thinks that I should just go in and demand a raise.

At discretion, request compensation for damage.

Colleges may also charge additional fees.

Require, demand, request, charge, ask, call, insist, claim

Question 30

Il peut ou non = He may or may not

Il a déclaré que, le moment venu de mettre en œuvre une mesure ou une décision, il peut ou non consulter les syndicats.

Answer 30

When it comes to the implementation of an action or decision, he stated that he may or may not consult with the unions.

Question 31

Nous serons aussi doux que quiconque pourrait demander (ask for).

Cliquez ici pour découvrir comment demander (request) un remboursement.

Un homme peut pas demander (ask for) plus.

Nous allons continuer à demander (seek) réparation.

Je commençais à me demander (wonder) si vous étiez toujours intéressé.

Pour demander (claim) ou vérifier le statut de votre demande.

Answer 31

We’ll be as gentle as anyone could ask for.

To learn how to request a refund, click here.

A man can’t ask for more than that.

We’ll continue to seek redress.

Started to wonder if you were still interested.

To claim or check the status of your claim.

Ask, request, ask for, seek, wonder, claim, apply for, require

Question 32

J’aimerais entendre vos réponses et commentaires.

Nous espérons entendre d’autres propos (hear more speeches) aussi réfléchis.

Malheureusement, on n’arriva pas à s’entendre (no one could agree).

Le gouvernement ne semble pas l’entendre de cette oreille (doesn’t seem to get it).

On ne sait jamais, tu pourrais entendre (overhear) quelque chose.

Answer 32

I would love to hear your answers and comments.

We look forward to hearing more such thoughtful speeches in the future.

Unfortunately, no one could agree.

The government does not seem to get it.

You never know what you might overhear.

Hear, agree, listen, understand, mean, say, get, listen to, overhead, heed

Question 33

Je peux toujours vous conseiller (counsel) officieusement.

Elle sait écouter, communiquer et conseiller (advise).

Le conseiller (advisor) indépendant relèvera du ministre des TPSGC.

Vous êtes détective, pas conseiller (counselor) matrimonial.

Answer 33

I can still counsel you from the side.

She knows how to listen, communicate and advise.

The independent adviser will report to the Minister of PWGSC.

You’re a detective, not a marriage counsellor.

Counsel, advise, counsellor, advisor

Question 34

Nous vous encourageons fortement à assister à (attend) cette présentation.

Ainsi, vous pouvez assister à (participate in) ces séances.

Nous sommes là pour assister à (witness) quelque chose d’historique.

Les visiteurs peuvent maintenant y assister (see or watch), à l’intérieur du bâtiment.

Answer 34

We urge you to attend.

You can participate in these sessions.

We’re here to witness something historical.

Visitors can now watch the training indoors.

Attend, witness, see, watch, go to, participate in l, come to, take part in

Question 35

Je pense pouvoir casser cette fenêtre.

Je voudrais pas casser votre concentration.

Tu étais supposé casser (break up) avec elle.

On va devoir casser (crack) le chiffrement.

Ne pas écraser, casser ou mâcher (crush, break or chew).

Vous avez eu années pour casser (bust) cette bague de l’espion.

Answer 35

I’m thinking I can break this window.

I don’t want to break your focus.

You were supposed to break up with her.

We’ll need to crack its considerable encryption.

Do not crush, break or chew.

You’ve had years to bust this spy ring.

Break, crack, smash, break up, bust, snap, break down, kick

Question 36

Nous interrompons ce programme pour vous apporter (to bring you) un bulletin spécial.

Veuillez apporter (bring) vos serviettes de piscine.

Il souhaite toutefois apporter (to make) quelques précisions.

Nous souhaitons apporter (to make) notre contribution à cette tâche.

Answer 36

We interrupt this program to bring you a special news bulletin.

Please provide your own towels for around the pool.

However, he wished to make a number of further comments.

We are willing to make our contribution to its activities.

Bring, provide, make, give, contribute, offer, deliver, add

Question 37

Une occasion unique de s’instruire (learn) et d’observer les animaux.

Il a été envoyé en France par son père pour s’instruire (become educated).

Answer 37

It is a unique opportunity to learn and observe animals.

He was sent to France by his father to become educated.

Learn, become educated

Question 38

Elle semble vouloir effacer son passé.

Voici comment effacer (erase or wipe) complètement un disque dur.

Answer 38

She seemed to want to erase her past.

This is how to completely erase a hard drive.

Erase, clear, delete, remove, wipe, obliterate

Question 39

Nous devons réellement constater (see) par nous-mêmes la situation sur place.

Analysons quelques chiffres pour constater (see) la différence.

Donnons-nous l’occasion de le constater (find out).

Il nous serait important de constater (note) leur appui.

Et ce sont des choses importantes à constater (realize).

Answer 39

We really need to see for ourselves what the situation is like on the ground.

Let’s crunch a few numbers to see the difference.

Give us a chance to find out.

It is important that we note their support.

It is important to realize this.

See, find, note, notice, observe, show, witness, realize

Question 40

Possibilité de se reposer (rest or relax) dans le jardin.

Permettez-être ce mythe pour se reposer (put to rest) immédiatement.

Il était le meilleur endroit possible pour se reposer (sit) et travailler pendant des heures.

Ruth ne pouvait pas quitter sa belle-mère vieillissante qui n’avait personne sur qui se reposer (to rely on).

Answer 40

It is possible to relax in the garden.

Let be put that myth to rest right away.

Ruth couldn’t leave her aging mother-in-law who had nobody to rely on.

It was the best possible place to sit and work for hours.

Rest, relax, rely, sit, unwind, take a break

Question 41

Ça pourrait sembler (seem) fou, mais…

Sans vouloir sembler (seem) inhospitalier, je me sens exténué.

Elles peuvent sembler (appear) authentiques pour l’œil inexercé.

Je ne veux pas sembler (sound like) m’excuser.

Answer 41

Well, this may sound crazy, but…

I don’t want to seem inhospitable, but I am feeling very tired.

They can appear very convincing to the untrained eye.

I don’t want what I’m saying to sound like I’m making excuses.

Seem, sound, appear, look, feel, sound like

Question 42

Brochure destinée aux enfants dont les parents décident de se séparer (separate) ou de divorcer.

Ils décident de se séparer (split up) et de prendre des routes séparées pour éviter les soupçons.

Premièrement, les habitants d’une province doivent avoir exprimé une volonté claire de se séparer (cecede).

Answer 42

Written for children whose parents separate or divorce.

They decide to split up and take separate routes to avoid suspicion.

First, the citizens of a province must express a clear will to secede.

Separate, split up, part, break up, secede, part ways, leave

Question 43

Ajoutez des labels pour les trier (sort) facilement.

Je vous laisse trier (sort out) ses affaires.

J’essaie de trier (sort through) les données de la Santé publique.

Answer 43

Add labels to easily sort them.

I’ll leave you to sort out her things.

I’m trying to sort through this data from Public Health.

Sort, sort out, sort through, screen, filter, separate

Question 44

Je ne savais pas lire, écrire ou épeler.

Answer 44

I couldn’t read, write or spell.

Question 45

Ça prend juste de temps à se soigner (heal).

Guérir = to heal

Elle refuse de se soigner (be treated) et la blessure s’infecte.

Contrairement au VIH, l’hépatite C peut se soigner (be cured).

Answer 45

It just takes time to heal.

She refused treatment and the wound became infected.

Unlike HIV, hepatitis C can be cured.

Heal, be treated, be cured, medicate, self-medicate

Question 46

Vous devez savoir raconter (tell) l’histoire.

Contactez-nous pour nous raconter (share) votre expérience.

Permettez-moi de raconter (recount) aux députés ce qui s’est vraiment passé.

Je n’ai rien à raconter (say).

Answer 46

You need to know how to tell a story.

Please, contact us to share that experience.

Let me recount for members what actually happened.

Tell, share, recount, say, talk about, narrate, relate

Question 47

Leurs auteurs risquent de menacer (threaten) notre sécurité nationale.

Je n’essayais pas de vous menacer (to make a threat).

Voler, arnaquer, nuire et menacer (steal, cheat, harm and menace) les autres.

Arnaquer = tricher

Cela suffit pour menacer (endanger) toute une partie de la ville.

Tu ne peux pas menacer (jeopardize) ta carrière pour ça.

D’une religion qui s’établit pour menacer (menace) le gouvernement et l’ordre.

Answer 47

The perpetrators of these leaks may threaten our national security.

I wasn’t trying to make a threat.

Steal, cheat, harm, and intimidate others.

But that is enough to endanger whole sections of the town.

You can’t jeopardize your career over this.

A religion which sets itself up to menace government and order.

Threaten, threat, endanger, jeopardize, menace, intimidate

Question 48

Je vais devoir vous jeter (throw you) dehors.

Interdiction de jeter (throw) tous déchets sur la chaussée.

Je voudrais jeter (take) un deuxième coup d’oeil à votre appartement.

Grâce à l’éducation, nous pouvons jeter (build) des ponts entre les croyances et les cultures.

Ne pas jeter (discard) l’huile dans les ordures domestiques.

Answer 48

I’m going to have to throw you out.

It is forbidden to throw any waste on the roadway.

I would like to take a second look at your apartment.

Through education we can build bridges between different faiths and cultures.

Do not discard oil with household waste.

Throw, take, lay, discard, cast, throw away, build, dispose

Question 49

Allumer <=> éteindre

Pouvez-vous éteindre (turn off) la lumière ?

Veuillez éteindre (turn off) téléphones portables.

Les premières tentatives d’éteindre (extinguish) l’incendie ont échoué.

Intel vient depuis les appels j’éteindre (put out).

Vous pouvez également éteindre (switch off) totalement l’écran.

Ils devaient trouver une meilleure solution pour éteindre (quench) le feu.

Answer 49

Can you turn off the light?

Please turn off all cell phones and pagers.

Immediate attempts to extinguish the fire failed.

The intel just came in from the calls I put out.

Optionally, you can also switch off the display completely.

They required a better solution to quench the fire.

Turn off, extinguish, put out, switch off, shut down, quench, shut off

Question 50

C’est naturel pour elle de s’inquiéter (be worried)

Je pense qu’il y a matière à s’inquiéter (concern).

il n’a a pas matière à s’inquiéter (alarm).

Answer 50

You know, it’s natural for her to be worried.

I believe there is cause for concern.

There’s no cause for alarm.

Worry, concern, alarm

Question 51

Nous rentrons à l’hôtel exténué (exhausted).

Vous pourriez aussi vous sentir déprimé, seul et exténué (depressed, alone and exhausted).

Un frisson d’espoir et le monde exténué (weary world) se réjouit.

Il en revint exténué (worn out) et gravement malade.

Weary, worn out=épuisé(e)

Answer 51

We come back to the hotel, exhausted.

You may also feel depressed, alone and exhausted.

Exhausted, tired, worn out, weary

Question 52

Cela fournirait également l’occasion (opportunity) d’examiner cette question.

Nous avons eu l’occasion (occasion) d’en débattre en cette Chambre à plusieurs reprises.

L’entrevue est l’occasion (chance) de se connaître mutuellement.

Pratiquement tous les Canadiennes et Canadiens reçoivent des chèques du gouvernement à l’occasion (from time to time).

Answer 52

That would also provide an opportunity for this issue to be discussed.

We have had occasion to debate it several times.

The interview is a chance for us to get to know each other.

Virtually all Canadians get government cheques from time to time.

Opportunity, occasion, chance, from time to time

Question 53

Même si : alternative to although

In addition to “quoique”, “bien que” and “malgré”, you can still find other ways to say “Although” in French, or imply a similar meaning. And they’re more commonly used in spoken French!

For example, you can use:
Même si (followed by the indicative), which means “Even if”

Je t’aime, même si tu es loin de moi. = I love you, even if you’re far away from me.

Mais (= “But”)

Je mange du fromage mais pas du roquefort. = I eat cheese, but not roquefort cheese.

Cependant / Néanmoins (= “However”) – These are much more formal

Gérard habite à Paris. Cependant, il vient fêter Noël à Strasbourg, avec nous.= Gérard lives in Paris. However, he comes to celebrate Christmas in Strasbourg with us.

Question 54

1) Enthousiasme

Incroyable !
Fantastique !
Magnifique !

For everyday enthusiasm, like hearing a piece of good news, you could also use the common:

Oh super ! = Wonderful!
C’est génial ! = It’s great!

Je suis si contente ! = Je suis tellement contente !

Question 55

2) Reconnaissance et félicitations

Oh merci ! = Oh, thank you!
Oh c’est trop gentil ! = Oh, that’s too nice!

Bravo !
Félicitations ! = Congratulations!
Je suis trop contente pour toi ! = I’m so happy for you!

Je suis impressionné(e). = “I’m impressed.”
C’est très beau. = “It’s very beautiful.” (for art, a panorama, a room)
C’est très joli. = “It’s very pretty.” (for a dress, jewelry, flowers…)
C’est très bon. = “It’s very good.” (for food only)

Question 56

3) Cheerful Agreement

C’est une super idée ! = That’s a great idea!
Bonne idée ! = Good idea.
Ce serait génial ! = That would be amazing!
Ce serait trop bien ! = That would be amazing.
Ce serait fantastique ! = That would be fantastic!

J’ai hâte ! = I can’t wait.
J’ai hâte de te voir ! = I can’t wait to see you!
J’ai hâte que tu viennes ! = I can’t wait for you to come by!
J’ai hâte d’être là. = I can’t wait to be here.
J’ai hâte que tu sois là. = I can’t wait for you to be here.

J’adorerais ça ! = I’d love that!
Ce serait génial si tu venais dîner à la maison ! = That would be awesome if you came to have dinner at my place!

Question 57

9) Faux Amis: Déception/Deception

The verb decevoir, the noun déception, and the adjective déçu all have to do with being disappointed or disillusioned, and not actually deceived.

Question 58

1) “Aimer” (alone) someone = to love (romantically or in your family). By itself, it’s very powerful!

It’s a strange verb, really: the more you add to it, the less powerful it becomes. If you add an adverb to “aimer (quelqu’un)” (= to love someone), it becomes “to like” or at least a bit less than “to love.”

In French, we don’t “love” easily: “Aimer” (on its own) is used much less in French than “love” is in English. In French, it’s more subtle.

But still: “Aimer” someone = romantic/family love.
Michel aime Jeanne.
= Michel is in love with Jeanne. (Nothing less!)

It can be used in some literary (or ironic) meaning for a very strong friendship bond, on par with family ties, but you need the exact right context to make it sound casual.

Answer 58

Aimer + adverb + someone = to like (ie adverbs take down the intensity).

Je t’aime (I love you) > Je t’aime beaucoup (literally “I love you a lot” = I like you a lot) > Je t’aime bien (literally “I love you well” = “I like you”)

Paul aime beaucoup Pierre. → He likes him a lot.
Marc aime énormément Pierre. → He likes him a lot, enormously.
Marie aime bien Jeanne. → She likes her.

Question 59

2) Other verbs to translate “love” and “like”:

Adorer : I love cheese. → J’adore le fromage (“Aimer” is more a “background” feeling – “J’adore” has a meaning of “being delighted,” actively enjoying something. There’s no meaning of “adoration” or devotion, it’s just a way of speaking.)

I love swimming. [that’s my favorite hobby] → J’adore nager.

You really like cheese. → Tu aimes beaucoup le fromage

Answer 59

Apprécier : I like Pierre a lot. → J’apprécie beaucoup Pierre. (It’s a neutral, friendly way – almost like an assessment of personality, rather than a personal connection.)

Plaire : Pierre me plait (beaucoup) → I “like” Pierre, I might be romantically interested in him. In context, the romantic angle can disappear: “Pierre me plaît” might mean “I like what I see in Pierre,” as a “gut-feeling” assessment of his potential, his use, or his character.

NOTE: Plaire” inverts subject and object.
“Paul aime bien Pierre”(“Paul” subject, “Pierre” object) = “Pierre plaît à Paul” (“Pierre” subject, “Paul” object) = Paul likes Pierre

I’m interested in Marie. → Marie me plait.

Question 60

1) Déjà = Already

Il a déjà payé l’addition. = He’s already payed the bill.
Tu es déjà là ? = Are you already there?

Here, déjà means “already.” Or “sooner than expected.” The opposite is pas encore = not yet.

Tu es déjà là ? = Are you already there?
Non, je ne suis pas encore là. = No, I’m not here yet.

Question 61

2) Déjà = Before

Déjà can also mean “before,” or “at least once,” “ever.”

Tu es déjà allée à New York ? = Have you been to New York before ? // Have you ever been to New York?

This meaning is really close to “already,” but here, the opposite would be jamais (= never.)

Non, je n’y suis jamais allée. = No, I’ve never been there

J’ai déjà vu ce film. = I’ve already seen this movie.

Question 62

3) Déjà = At least

Déjà can mean “at least,” especially in the expression C’est déjà ça. = at least there’s that // So that’s a start.

Maintenant tout le monde est là, c’est déjà ça.
= Everybody’s here now, at least. // Everybody’s here now, so that’s at least one good thing.

Or C’est déjà bien. = It’s a good start., Ce n’est déjà pas mal. = It’s not too bad, at least.

In a sentence, it can make something like:
Il parle français et anglais, c’est déjà pas si mal. = He speaks French and English, so that’s not too bad at least, that’s not too bad for a start, at least it’s not too bad.

Question 63

4) Déjà = Again?

On parlait de quoi, déjà ? = What were we talking about, again?
Tu sais où il habite, déjà ? = Do you know where he lives, again?

When you’re lost in a real French conversation, you can use …déjà ? to mean “Can you repeat please?” / “I forgot, sorry?” at the end of a sentence. Basically, it’s like adding “Again?” as a question.

(Comme une Francaise)

Question 64

5) Déjà = First of all

Using Déjà as “first of all” is also really idiomatic.

On peut déjà entrer, on verra s’il y a de la place pour nous. = First of all, we can go in, we’ll see if there’s enough room for all of us. / We can start by going in, then we’ll see if there’s enough room for us.

It’s for saying “let’s cut to the chase, let’s stop talking about what-ifs and start by acting.” Except it’s a single small adverb.

This meaning can be more assertive:
Déjà, tu me parles pas comme ça ! = First of all, you don’t speak to me like that!

(Comme une Francaise)

Question 65

6) Déjà Examples

Tu t’en vas déjà ? = “Are you leaving already ?”

Tu t’en vas quand, déjà ? = “When are you leaving, again?”

Déjà, tu t’en vas ! = “First of all, get out of here!”

J’ai déjà mangé des escargots. = I’ve eaten escargots before.

Je te l’ai déjà dit. = I’ve told you already.

C’est quoi ton nom, déjà ? = What’s your name, again?

Il est neuf heures. / Quoi ? Déjà ? = It’s nine. What? Already?

Question 66

1) Let’s and Let’s Not

Let’s dance! = Dansons !
Let’s not dance. =
(Ne) dansons pas.

Pas la peine de danser. = It’s not worth it to dance.
Danse pas. = Don’t dance.
Et si on dansait ? = What if we danced?
Allez, on danse. = Come on, let’s dance.

→ “On” + verb in the present is a good, general way to translate an informal “Let’s”

Question 67

2) “Let’s go”

Allons-y !
On y va !
C’est parti !

It’s a good way to cheer someone on or encourage your group. These three expressions can also generally be used for “Let’s do it!”

Question 68

3) “Let’s”

– We could go dancing.
– Let’s!

For that situation, you can use the French:

Oui, super !
Bonne idée ! = Good idea!
Ça marche ! = Works for me! / I agree with that plan!
Faisons comme ça ! = Let’s do it this way then!

– Et si on allait dîner ?
– Oui, super !

– What if we had dinner?
– Let’s!

Question 69

1) Quand même: Insisting on a contradiction

Il est sympa, mais quand même, il parle beaucoup.
= He’s nice, but even so, he talks too much.

Je suis Française, et je fais quand même parfois des erreurs en français !
= I’m French, and yet I sometimes make mistakes in French!

Tu veux pas manger tes légumes ? Eh bah tu les manges quand même !
= You don’t want to eat your vegetables? Well, you’ll eat them anyway!

Merci quand même ! = Thanks anyway!

(Merci quand même can also be used sarcastically, as in “Thanks for nothing!”)

Quand même is close to other French synonymes, such as:
– Cependant / Toutefois = However (formal)
– Malgré / En dépit de (quelque chose) = Despite (something)
– Pourtant = Yet (“Despite this”)
– Tout de même = Even so, anyway…

Question 70

2) Quand même: Disapproval and Doubt

Quand même can be used to express disapproval.

Tu ne vas pas traverser l’Atlantique à la nage, quand même ? = You’re not going to swim across the Atlantic Ocean, are you? […Because that sounds crazy.]

Quand même, arriver avec une heure de retard, c’est pas sympa. = Showing up an hour late, that’s not nice. […And it’s outside the limits of politeness]

It’s a subtle way to say “All reasonable people agree with me.”

This meaning of “Quand même” comes up a lot in the negative: “Quand même pas.”

Le train est arrêté, qu’est-ce que je peux faire ? Je vais quand même pas faire de l’auto-stop ! = The train is stopped, what can I do? I’m not going to start hitchhiking [“… Because that would be outside the limits of what I can accept.”]

Tu n’as quand même pas mangé tout le camembert, si ? = You didn’t eat the whole camembert cheese, did you? [“…Because that would be extraordinary, and improper.”] // Tell me you didn’t eat the whole camembert cheese!

(Comme une Francaise)

Question 71

3) Quand même: Surprise, Outrage, Empathy

“Quand même” can be used to insist on different emotions, or to emphasize your emotions. Such as:

La surprise / L’admiration (= surprise, admiration): :
– Alors ça, quand même ! Je ne m’y attendais pas !
= Oh wow! I wasn’t expecting that!

– Ah ouais, quand même, c’est impressionnant !
= Oh wow! Alright, yeah, that’s impressive!

L’incompréhension (= incomprehension, bewilderment):
– J’ai encore une pub Facebook pour un truc dont on a parlé hier au téléphone. Quand même, c’est bizarre.
= Once again, I got a Facebook ad for something we talked about yesterday on the phone. I have to say, that’s weird. [Implied contradiction: I can’t help but think that’s weird even though it could still be a coincidence.]

La colère, l’indignation (= anger, outrage):
– Quand même ! Il peut pas t’envoyer un message ? Ça lui prendrait deux minutes!
= That’s too much! (That’s outrageous!) He can’t text you? It would take him two minutes!

Pour rassurer quelqu’un (= to make someone feel better):
C’est pas grave, tu as quand même fait de ton mieux…
= That’s OK, at least you gave your best…
= That’s OK, you gave your best anyway…

→ “Quand même” can express empathy or understanding; it’s the implied contradiction between “I don’t need to like them but at least I still find good things in them” or “It’s a bad situation but at least there’s something good in it.”
J’aime pas Michel mais quand même, il est super drôle.
= I don’t really like Michel but still, he’s really funny.

You can also use au moins / mais au moins = at least / but at least.

(Comme une Francaise)

Question 72

1) “Allez” en Interjection : L’encouragement

“Allez Paul !” means “Go Paul!” in a cheerleading way!

D’abord, “Allez” peut être un encouragement.
Par exemple dans une compétition sportive :

Allez les Bleus !

Attention, on ne conjugue pas ! Même s’il n’y a qu’une personne ! C’est invariable.
Allez Paul !

“Allez” means “Come on! Let’s…”

Pour encourager à faire une action :
Allez, tout le monde danse !

Question 73

2) “Aller” en Interjection : Les Autres Usages

a) “Allez” is used to beg someone.
Allez, raconte-moi !

b) Exasperation and frustration.
Oh, allez, je viens de perdre ma troisième partie de Scrabble.

c) “Allez” when you’re unsure, when you make a decision on the fly.
Je vais vous prendre… allez, disons deux baguettes. Merci !

d) If you hear “Allez” a lot, it might be time to hang up or leave (signal subtil pour finir quelque chose ou lancer un changement).

Marquer la fin d’une conversation, par exemple avec votre voisin dans la rue : Allez, à bientôt !

Marquer la fin d’une soirée : Allez, il est tard, on va partir. (Ou Allez, on va y aller.)

Question 74

When “bon” is after the noun, it’s often a moral judgement:

Michel est un homme bon.
Michel is a good, kind man.

Question 75

C’est pas une flèche

C’est pas une flèche = “Il n’est pas très rapide” = “Il est un peu lent” = “Il n’est pas très intelligent.” = Il n’est pas très malin !

– Il est sympa Michel, mais c’est pas une flèche.

Answer 75

•C’est pas une lumière
•Il a pas inventé la poudre -> la poudre à canon
•Elle a pas inventé l’eau chaude
•Il en tient une couche = He has a problem

Ironic, condescending: “Il est bien brave” -> Be careful if you hear it, it’s not really a compliment!

Question 76

Le résultat a dépassé mes attentes (expectations).

Découvrons ensemble vos attentes (expectations) de demain.

Nos équipes sont mobilisées pour répondre au mieux à vos attentes (needs).

Elle peut être organisée selon vos attentes (requirements).

Answer 76

The result was so much better than my expectations.

Together we can explore your expectations for tomorrow.

Our teams are committed to best meet your needs.

Rooms can be adjusted according to your conference requirements.

Expectations, needs, requirements

Question 77

Désolé, la raison de mon retard c’est que je m’en fou d’être à l’heure.

Sorry. The reason I’m late is I could give a shit about being on time.

Je m’en fiche = I don’t care. -> mildly slang, almost common language

Je m’en fous = I don’t give a damn (shit) -> Very popular slang.

Question 78

S’occuper = to busy oneself, to keep yourself busy.

Une occupation = a hobby, something you do to busy yourself.

(We’d rather use un travail, un emploi or un métier for anything professional.)

Question 79

1) Faux Amis: Actuellement / Actually

Actuellement means “now”, “right now” or “currently.”

It looks like the English word: actually (which really translates to en fait, in French. We pronounce the “t” at the end.)

La machine est en panne actuellement. = “This machine is out of order right now.”

En fait, je suis allée au cinéma. = “Actually, I went to the cinema.”

Question 80

2) Faux Amis: Excité / Excited

Excité means “aroused.” This is an embarrassing mistake in French!

To translate the English word “excited,” you can say passionné or enthousiaste.
You can also say “I’m excited” by using the French idiomatic expression J’ai hâte de [faire quelque chose] (= I’m looking forward to [doing something], I can’t wait to [do something])

J’ai hâte d’aller voir ce concert ! (= “I’m looking forward to going to this show. / I’m excited about going to the show.”)

Question 81

3) The French translation for “to chit-chat” (for small talk) could be:

•faire connaissance (= “to meet, to get to know more about each other”)

•échanger des banalités (= literally to exchange trivialities)

•parler de la pluie et du beau temps (= “talking about the weather” – that’s how to make small talk in French!)

Question 82

4) Faux Amis: Envie / Envy

Une envie means “a desire,” like “a want” or “a craving.”
It’s often used as the verb avoir envie (= “to want”, but in an almost impersonal way – not really a goal, but a small involuntary craving.)

J’ai envie d’une glace.
(= I want an ice cream / I feel like having an ice cream, right now.)

“Envy” in English would be la jalousie in French.

We do sometimes (very rarely) use the word l’envie as “envy”, but only in very specific situations.

Je suis jalouse de Michel, il a une glace. (= I’m jealous of Michel / I envy Michel, he has an ice cream.)

Question 83

5) Faux Amis: Compréhensif / Compréhensive

Compréhensif doesn’t mean “comprehensive” !
The English word “comprehensive” is “complet” in French.

On the other hand, compréhensif (or its feminine compréhensive) means “understanding and sympathetic.”

Sa mère a été très compréhensive avec lui.
= “His mom was very understanding with him.”

And compréhensible means “understandable.”

Il a eu une réaction compréhensible. = “He had an understandable reaction”

Answer 83

Cette approche permet un examen complet et détaillé.

There is a very comprehensive and extensive approach to it.

Question 84

6) Faux Amis; Éventuellement / Eventually

Éventuellement means “possibly.”

Finalement means “eventually.”

On peut arriver mardi éventuellement, si on se dépêche. = “We can possible arrive on Tuesday, if we hurry”

Finalement, je suis arrivé.
= “Eventually, I got here.”

Question 85

7) Faux Amis: Sensible / Sensible

In French, sensible means “sensitive.”

If you mean the English adjective “sensible,” you can use raisonnable.

C’est une idée raisonnable.
= “That’s a sensible idea.”

C’est un garçon sensible.
= “He’s a sensitive boy.”

Question 86

8) Faux Amis: Commander /Command

In most everyday uses, commander doesn’t mean “to command.” Instead, it most often means “to order,” as in:

Je vais commander des pizzas. = “I’m going to order some pizzas.”

More often, “to command” is actually ordonner or donner un ordre (= “giving an order.”) For instance:

Le général ordonne à ses troupes de partir. = The general commands his troops to leave.

Question 87

Ce serait génial (awesome), merci beaucoup.

Tu seras génial à ton entretien (great at your interview).

Oh, Cooper sera un père génial (great).

Il y aura ce chanteur/compositeur génial (amazing) qui y jouera.

Answer 87

That’d be amazing, thanks so much.

Besides, you’re gonna do great in your interview.

Oh, Cooper’s gonna be a great dad.

There’s this amazing singer/songwriter playing.

Great, awesome, amazing, brilliant, cool, good, fantastic

Question 88

Nous allons passer un super Noël.

Les installations sont super propre et l’emplacement est super.

C’est pas super comme idée.

C’est super bon !

Okay per ML

Answer 88

This is going to be a great Christmas.

Facilities are super clean and the location is great.

That’s not the best idea.

Super, great, good, really, pretty, dead, premium, neat

Question 89

Ways to say « oui »

Oui, oui

Tout à fait (formel)
Absolument (formel)

When you want to express “Yes, I’d appreciate your offer,” you can use “Volontiers.”

On the other hand, when someone is asking you a favor, you can answer “Avec plaisir” (“with pleasure”).

“Bien sûr” and “évidemment” are commonly used to mean “of course.”

“Certainement” is a more unusual term for “certainly.” It also has overtones of “probablement,” “probably.”

You can also used “ça marche.”

“D’accord” (“Agreed”) is a formal synonym, and is also commonly used in our day-to-day lives.

“Je suis d’accord” has a slightly different meaning (“I agree (with what you’re saying)”), “Je suis d’accord” can be as rewarding as any compliment!

“Si” is a special word in the French language. It doesn’t really exist in English.

It’s used to answer a negative question or sentence, and to flip the assumption towards positivity. To express “On the contrary, I do”.

« Tu n’as pas fait la vaisselle ?
– Si ! »

“You didn’t wash the dishes?”
“I did!”

Question 90

« Ben bon pour toi » vs « bien fait »

Au lieu de « bien fait » in French Canada, the colloquial expression is «ben bon», pronounced that way and not «bien bon». Some would add «pour toi»… Ben bon pour toi (per Mona LeBlanc)

Il dit qu’il connaît un prêtre qui est ben bon (real good) avec les jeunes.

Selon moi, un mélange entre un gnocchi et un fusilli, c’est ben bon (super good).

Ouais, ben bon (good) voyage.

Answer 90

He says he knows a priest who’s real good with teenagers.

In my opinion, a mixture between gnocchi and fusilli, it’s super good.

Yeah, well, have a nice trip.

Question 91

Ça pourrait être sympa (fun) d’essayer ensemble.

C’est sympa (nice), (I like it) merci beaucoup.

Ça serait sympa (great) que tu viennes.

Mais ça aurait été sympa (great) de nous prévenir.

Okay per ML

Answer 91

I thought it’d be fun if we tried out together.

That’s nice, I like it, thank you very much.

It’d be great if you could make it.

It just would’ve been nice to have gotten a heads-up about what was coming.

Question 92

J’étudie ce sujet, c’est pour mon mémoire (term paper).

Je rédigeais un mémoire.

Answer 92

I’m studying it in college and it’s for my term paper.

I was doing a term paper.

Question 93

Je suis déterminée à m’instruire par moi même.

Je suis résolue à accroitre la part de bonheur de ma vie.

Je ne céderai pas ! Je suis décidée à m’y rendre. Mais attention,

je suis bien décidée à me rattraper l’an prochain !

Answer 93

I am determined to educate myself.

Je suis résolu à accroitre la part de bonheur de ma vie.

I will not flinch, I am determined to go.

But I am determined to fight for the award next year!

Question 94

Une chouette = An owl (as a noun) : Chouette ! = Nice! Cool! (as an adjective)

Mais j’arrivais à la chouette partie (good part).

J’ai passé une chouette (lovely) soirée avec les amis.

Literally “owl” … okay per ML

Answer 94

But I am just getting to the good part.

I spent a nice (lovely) evening with my friends.

Question 95

Super, je crève de faim.

Je crève de peur.

Je crève de chaud.

Je crève de froid.

Okay per ML

Answer 95

Good. I’m starving.

I’m terrified.

It’s hot as hell. 

I’m freezing to death.

Question 96

Il est brave

Answer 96

He’s a good egg (ML)

Brave = courageux en France mais pas en Canada français

Question 97

Il est pas laide

Answer 97

He’s very good looking (ML)

Question 98

French Filler Words (France)

Des tics de langage = language tics

1. Euh
2. Tiens = Oh! That’s surprising, unexpected.

Tiens, il pleut = “Oh, it’s raining.”

3. Tu Vois (= “You see?” / “See?”) can simply mean “please understand what I’m saying.”

J’ai pas le temps là, tu vois ! = I don’t have time for this right now, you see!

4. Bon (= “Good” / “Well”) can be used as a regular adjective (as in “un bon gâteau” = a good cake)… or as a filler word. Just like “Well.” There’s often a meaning of “Well, that’s enough, let’s end this conversation.”

Bon, on y va ? = Are we finally going to go?
Ah bon ? = Oh, really?
Ah bon. = Oh, OK.

5. Eh bien is a very short filler expression that means : “Well…”

It’s rarely used, actually. But its variations are very popular. Everyday French conversation often uses “Bah” / “Ben” (pronounced “bin” with nasal vowel “in”).

These common filler words are informal, degraded pronunciations for “eh bien.”

For example:
Bah… oui. = Well, yeah, obviously.
Ben non. = Well, no.

6. Quoi (= “What”) is used a lot. A lot.

→ Quoi ? = What? What did you say?
→ N’importe quoi… = Nonsense. / Whatever.

And as a pure filler, in informal spoken French, it can mean something like “come on!” or “that’s all.”

J’ai juste fait une erreur, quoi… = I only made a mistake, that’s all…
Mais écoute-moi, quoi ! = Come on, listen to me!

7. Voilà (= “There it is” / “That’s it.”)

Voilà, c’est ça. = Yes, that’s it.
On a décidé comme ça, et voilà. = We made that decision, and that’s all.

Et voilà, now you can use and understand everyday French filler words !

(Excerpted from Comme une Française)

Question 99

Je pourrais enseigner n’importe quoi (anything) à cet enfant car elle est curieuse de tout.

Je finirai par résoudre le mystère simplement en faisant n’importe quoi (whatever).

Vous devez éviter en cliquant sur les annonces n’importe quoi (no matter what).

Le genre de personne qui écrit n’importe quoi (nonsense) sur internet.

Désolé, je dis n’importe quoi (rubbish).

NOTE: N’importe quoi (on it’s own) or C’est n’importe quoi means Bullshit.

Answer 99

I could teach this kid anything because she is curious about everything.

I then will eventually solve the mystery merely by just kind of doing whatever.

You should avoid clicking on the ads no matter what.

One of those people who write nonsense on the Internet.

Sorry, I’m talking rubbish.

Anything, whatever, no matter what, any old thing, give me a break, nonsense, rubbish

Question 100

Je croise les doigts (et les orteils) pour toi.
Bonne chance !