The audio sample and transcription is from RFI’s Revue de Presse Hebdomaires Français 25 May 2025 Episode. We do not own this content, nor do we pretend to.
The above audio sample and transcription is from RFI’s Revue de Presse Hebdomaires Français 25 May 2025 Episode. We do not own this content, nor do we pretend to. The above is for educational purposes only. Find the full text and audio here or on Google Podcasts or Apple Podcasts.
tellement méritée
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The snippet in English
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À Cannes hier soir, Jafar Panahi a reçu une Palme d’or « tellement méritée », s’exclame le Parisien-Dimanche, au-dessus de la photo du réalisateur iranien, souriant, derrière ses lunettes noires qu’il n’a pas quittées de la cérémonie. « Plusieurs fois emprisonné dans son pays, Jafar Panahi a été récompensé pour un grand film politique et bourré d’humour », ajoute le Parisien-Dimanche.
At Cannes last night, Jafar Panahi was awarded a Palme d’Or “so richly deserved”, exclaims Le Parisien-Dimanche, above a photo of the Iranian director, smiling from behind his dark glasses, which he wore throughout the ceremony. “Jafar Panahi, who has been imprisoned several times in his own country, has been rewarded for a great political and humorous film”, adds Le Parisien-Dimanche.
Translated with Deepl.
What does “Palme d’or” mean?
Palme d’or literally means golden palm—a palm-shaped gold award.
In everyday French, it’s a metaphor for the highest honor or top prize in any context.
Il mérite la palme d’or de la mauvaise foi
(He deserves the gold medal for bad faith).
🎬 at Cannes:
At the Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d’or is the most prestigious award, given to the best film in the official competition.
It was introduced in 1955, and the palm symbol honors the city of Cannes, whose coat of arms features a palm tree.
Example: Le film a remporté la Palme d’or à Cannes en 2023
(The film won the Palme d’or at Cannes in 2023)
What does “tellement méritée” mean?
Tellement méritée means so well deserved—used to strongly affirm that someone truly earned praise, success, or recognition.
Cette récompense est tellement méritée (This award is so well deserved).
It’s emphatic and positive, common in both speech and writing. In France, it’s often used sincerely or warmly to congratulate someone (victoire tellement méritée).
What does “au-dessus” mean?
Au-dessus means above or over—used to describe physical position, ranking, or even superiority.
Le tableau est accroché au-dessus du canapé (The painting is hanging above the couch).
It’s neutral and spatial, but also used figuratively.
Physical location: Il habite juste au-dessus de chez moi (He lives just above me)
Higher in rank/level: Elle est au-dessus de lui dans la hiérarchie (She ranks above him)
Figurative superiority / detachment: Je suis au-dessus de ces disputes (I’m above these arguments)
🗣️ Usage: In France, au-dessus is used both literally and figuratively in everyday speech.
💡 Not to confuse with dessus (on top of), which focuses more on contact, while au-dessus implies hovering or no contact.
What does “bourré d’humour” mean?
Bourré d’humour means full of humor or packed with humor—used to describe someone or something (like a film, book, or speech) that’s very funny or rich in comedic content.
Ce film est bourré d’humour (This movie is full of humor)
It’s informal and expressive, often used with enthusiasm. It always carries a positive and lively tone.
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The audio sample and transcription is from RFI’s Revue de Presse Hebdomaires Français 25 May 2025 Episode. We do not own this content, nor do we pretend to. The above audio sample and transcription is from RFI’s Revue de Presse Hebdomaires Français 25 May 2025 Episode. We do not own this content, nor do we…
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