Learn French with this song from Professor Rollet! Pascal Rollet is a professor and musician who has been composing songs that focus on a particular linguistic structure that gets reinforced in meaningful lyrics, set to sophisticated yet catchy contemporary music and instrumentals. Find the full song here.
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Learn French with this song from Professor Rollet! Pascal Rollet is a professor and musician who has been composing songs that focus on a particular linguistic structure that gets reinforced in meaningful lyrics, set to sophisticated yet catchy contemporary music and instrumentals. Find the full song here.
Learn French with this song from Professor Rollet! Pascal Rollet is a professor and musician who has been composing songs that focus on a particular linguistic structure that gets reinforced in meaningful lyrics, set to sophisticated yet catchy contemporary music and instrumentals. Find the full song here.
Expressions
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The snippet in English
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En Ă©tĂ© je suis fatiguĂ© /Â
quand il fait soleil, tu as sommeil /Â
quand il fait très beau, elle est mal dans sa peau /Â
s’il fait un peu frais, on est triste, très! /Â
en automne, nous sommes hautes comme trois pommes /Â
quand il fait nuageux, vous ĂŞtes amoureux /Â
s’il fait chaud, ils ont froid /Â
s’il fait froid, elles ont chaud! /Â
In summer I’m tired /
when it’s sunny, you’re sleepy /
when it’s very sunny, she’s uncomfortable /
if it’s a bit cool, we’re sad, very! /
in autumn, we’re as tall as three apples /
when it’s cloudy, you’re in love /
if it’s hot, they’re cold /
if it’s cold, they’re hot! /
English translation by Deepl. Check it.
What does “avoir sommeil” mean?
Avoir sommeil means to be sleepy or to feel drowsy—used to express the physical need for sleep.
Example: Je n’arrive pas à me concentrer, j’ai sommeil
(I can’t focus, I’m sleepy)
– avoir + [noun] is a common pattern in French for physical states:
avoir faim (to be hungry), avoir soif (to be thirsty), avoir froid (to be cold)
In France, avoir sommeil is standard and used at all ages. In Quebec, it’s just as common, though ĂŞtre fatiguĂ© (to be tired) is often used interchangeably. In Francophone Africa, the phrase is widely used in both spoken and written French.
What does “ĂŞtre mal dans sa peau” mean?
Être mal dans sa peau means to feel uncomfortable in your own skin—emotionally or psychologically uneasy with who you are.
Example: À l’adolescence, beaucoup sont mal dans leur peau (In adolescence, many people feel uncomfortable with themselves)
– Expresses low self-esteem, insecurity, or personal discomfort
– Opposite: être bien dans sa peau (to feel good about yourself)
In France, this phrase is common in psychology, personal development, and everyday speech. In Quebec, it’s used similarly, especially among younger speakers. In Francophone Africa, it’s understood in educated French and sometimes used to describe emotional or social exclusion.
What does “hautes comme trois pommes” mean?
“As tall as three apples” → tiny, just a little thing, barely up to your knees
Elles étaient hautes comme trois pommes quand on s’est rencontrés
(They were tiny when we first met)
It’s affectionate and often nostalgic, used for kids, animals, or anything comically small.
In France, this expression is widespread in casual or warm language, often in stories about childhood. In Quebec, it’s also understood and sometimes used, though other expressions like haut comme trois bouts de chandelle may show up. In Francophone Africa, it’s recognized by French speakers with exposure to European French media but less common in local use.
What does “il fait nuageux” mean?
Il fait nuageux means It’s cloudy—a weather expression used to describe the sky when it’s covered with clouds.
Example: Aujourd’hui, il fait nuageux à Paris (Today, it’s cloudy in Paris)
– il fait + [adjective] is a common weather pattern:
il fait beau (it’s nice), il fait chaud (it’s hot), etc.
– nuageux = cloudy (adjective from nuage = cloud)
In France, this is a standard forecast phrase. In Quebec, people might also say le ciel est nuageux. In Francophone Africa, the phrase is used, but weather expressions may vary by region or be replaced by more direct descriptions depending on language level or local norms.
Discover the Rhythms of French with Music: Enhance Your Learning Experience
Music, with its catchy melodies and repetitive structures, is a powerful tool for language learners. It not only entertains but also reinforces linguistic patterns, making it easier to grasp and remember new vocabulary and phrases.
Why Learn French with Music?
- Cultural Immersion: French music offers a window into the rich tapestry of French culture, traditions, and history. By exploring different genres – from classic chansons to contemporary pop – you gain deeper insights into the French way of life.
- Memorable Vocabulary: Lyrics in songs are often catchy and repetitive, aiding in memorization. Music acts as a mnemonic device, making retention of new words and phrases more effective.
- Pronunciation Practice: Singing along with French songs is a fun way to improve your accent and intonation. It helps in mimicking native speech patterns and rhythms.
- Emotional Connection: Music evokes emotions, making the learning experience more engaging and memorable. You’re more likely to recall phrases associated with emotions stirred by a song.
- Diverse Learning: Through songs, you’re exposed to a variety of dialects, slangs, and expressions used in everyday French, broadening your understanding of the language.
Why Practice Transcriptions with Music to Improve Listening in French?
- Enhanced Listening Skills: Transcribing lyrics sharpens your listening abilities. It challenges you to distinguish words and phrases within the flow of music, improving your auditory comprehension.
- Contextual Learning: Understanding the lyrics within the context of a song helps in grasping the nuances of French language usage, such as idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms.
- Active Engagement: The process of transcription is an active learning exercise. It encourages you to focus intently on the language, enhancing concentration and retention.
- Grammar and Structure Exposure: Analyzing song lyrics exposes you to different grammatical structures and sentence constructions, contributing to a deeper understanding of French grammar.
Try other clips from songs on site today!
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