How to say “chills” (from emotion) in French?

A black-and-white photo for a change and some frissons in today's edition. (Picture taken five years ago in Brignoles)le frisson (frih-sohn)     : shiver; shudder, thrill Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc: Download MP3 or Wav file Je me demande si, comme moi, elle ressent des frissons en écoutant cette chanson?I wonder whether, like me, she has chills listening to this song.  A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse … Continue reading How to say “chills” (from emotion) in French?

“a sa guise” – a wonderful expression, but what does it mean?

It's a little more chaotic than usual around here today–there are workers in the living room, workers in the bathroom, workers in the trees! I chose this calming image to begin this post… up to you to choose today's story à votre guise.à sa guise (ah-sah-gheez)     : as one pleases, as he/she likes Audio File: Listen to our daughter Jackie, read today's example … Continue reading “a sa guise” – a wonderful expression, but what does it mean?

How to say kleptomaniac in French?

La Grotte – the restaurant at the end of Marseilles located dans les Calanques de Callelongue (les Goudes) un kleptomane (klepto-man)     : kleptomaniac Audio File: Listen to the sentence below: Download MP3 or Wav file Un kleptomane ne peut se retenir de dérober des objets, la plupart du temps sans aucune valeur. A kleptomaniac cannot help himself from lifting objects that are, for the most part, … Continue reading How to say kleptomaniac in French?

How to say “endangered species” in French? Plus a cultural snafu?

Today is Earth Day and we're talking about a humble old arbre also known as The True Service Tree. (Don't mind this artichoke, today's subject is still "tree", but the artichoke's red and dotted passenger seemed a good fit with Earth Day!)  espèce en voie de disparition     : endangered species Audio File: Download MP3 or Download Wav file Quels sont les arbres en voie de disparition? … Continue reading How to say “endangered species” in French? Plus a cultural snafu?

Homesickness strikes during passport renewal at the American Consulate in France

The wind and sea in Marseilles…. French Quote: Les larmes sont les pétales du coeur. –Paul EluardTears are the heart’s petals. Audio File: Reread the above quote, then listen to it here: Download MP3 or Wav file A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse Coming Home   Standing before the great iron gates of the American consulate in Marseilles, I was surprised by a barrage of … Continue reading Homesickness strikes during passport renewal at the American Consulate in France

How to say “to lose it” or “to come unhinged” in French?

One of the doors on the cathedral of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseilles. We visited there, yesterday, after renewing the kids' passports at the American consulate. See the giant gond on the right? See today's expression, below…le gond (le gohn)     : hinge sortir de ses gonds = to come unhinged, to lose it Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc: Download MP3 or Wav file Pendant la … Continue reading How to say “to lose it” or “to come unhinged” in French?

The French word for “good”… and an amusing French idiosyncrasy!

  Please share today's "Dogs of France (and Europe!)" post with an animal lover. Meantime, French learners will appreciate notes on all the "bon" expressions (bon courage, bon appétit, bon séjour) and insights into the French idiosyncracy of well wishing. Read on … but first allow me to wish you bonne lecture!, or happy reading! bon (boh(n) silent "n")      good; right, correct Audio … Continue reading The French word for “good”… and an amusing French idiosyncrasy!

What is the French word for peel or bark or rind?

Houp-là! (Whoops-a-daisy!) Today's story was supposed to be about kumquats but I got completely off track. I should change the word of the day from écorce to hotte (see the missive, below…) but no turning back now! We'll get to the "peel" story later! (photo taken in Camaret-sur-Argens. The sign reads: Send flowers to those  you love. 9 euros for delivery all over France, in … Continue reading What is the French word for peel or bark or rind?

quatre quatre (4X4) + photos of French landrover

"Traffic" in the town of Vaison-la-Romaine. A car lover will appreciate today's edition, which focuses on a unique off-road vehicle, the UMM. Thanks for forwarding the post on to a friend! quatre-quatre or 4X4 (kat-kat or kat-ruh kat-ruh) (see sound file below)     :  four-wheel drive Audio File and Example sentence: Download MP3 or Download Wav L'apiculteur est arrivé avec son 4X4 pour monter jusqu'aux restanques et … Continue reading quatre quatre (4X4) + photos of French landrover

What to do on Porquerolles Island? Que faire sur l’île de Porquerolles?

Jean-Marc and I stole away to Porquerolles island recently. Because it was play and not work, I didn't pay a lot of attention to detail or think about what could be shared in another France city guide. This is where you come in. If you have been to Porquerolles, or have researched it while planning a future trip on the southern French island, please share with … Continue reading What to do on Porquerolles Island? Que faire sur l’île de Porquerolles?