Kristin Espinasse's Blog, page 17
March 10, 2022
Fate, Love, and Dogs: Our golden retriever is “un battant”
These are our dog’s parents. That’s “Sam” on the left and Breizh, right. They lived life to the fullest and are over the rainbow bridge now. We hope to keep their son, Smokey, on this side of that colorful arc-en-ciel for as long as possible. Read on, in today’s post.
Today's Word: un battant
: fighter, warrior, survivor
French Audio/Listening: Click the following link to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in the following story. Then scroll down to the vocabulary list to check yo...
March 2, 2022
Lunch in Arles, "Séjour" in Camargue, wild horses and a cool rancher's hut
Les flamants roses--pink flamingos in the Camargue. More photos from our weekend in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer on my Instagram (please follow for upcoming entries), and all our recommended addresses are at the end of this post.
Today's Word: un hébergement
: accommodation, lodgings
French Audio/Listening: Click the following link to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in the following story. Then scroll down to the vocabulary list to check your French comprehension.
February 24, 2022
Sacoche: How to say "Man Purse" in French + update on Mr. Sacks
Notice the leather satchel on the ground: meet Mr. Sacks, Jean-Marc's lovable sidekick. This picture is from my Instagram where I've been carefully choosing photos & pairing them with interesting French words. Follow me on Instagram for more.
Today's Word: la sacoche (sah-kohsh)
: handbag, saddlebag, purse, bag
from the Italian saccoccia, or "little pocket"
Audio/Listening: Click the following link to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in the following story. Then scroll down to ...
February 18, 2022
To chill or relax in French + allergy season in France
Photo of Port des Capucines from my Instagram where I have been posting a daily photo and French word all week. Be sure to hit the follow button on my Instagram for the daily updates.
Today's Word: décompresser
: relax, chill, chill out
Audio/Listening: Click the following link to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in the following story. Then scroll down to the vocabulary list to check your French comprehension.
Click here to listen to soundclip
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi ...
February 11, 2022
Chapeau bas and Froissé (do you know this emotion in French?) + Ski Lessons from Mom
Wishing you a Joyeuse St. Valentin today, as this journal won't go out on Valentine's Day. In the meantime, please follow me here on Instagram. Merci!
Today's Word: chapeau bas
: hats off!, bravo!
When we say "chapeau bas!" we recognize the merit or the value of someone
Audio/Listening: Click the link below to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in the following story. Then scroll down to the vocabulary list to check your French comprehension.
February 2, 2022
La Chandeleur: Candlemas, Santons, Crepes (and a Sobriety update...)
Brushes, paint, and clay figurines at a santon maker's in Marseilles. Read today's story about a few French traditions taking place on February 2nd. And don't miss a very personal update in the post note.
Today's Word: la chandelle (shahn-del)
: candle
Hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French word for candle in today's proverb: Download Chandelle.wav
Le jeu n'en vaut pas la chandelle.
The game is not worth the candle. (It’s not worth it).
A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
All...
January 28, 2022
Manger son Chapeau + Change a habit not a spouse :-)
The expression "manger son chapeau" comes from "avaler son chapeau" which is from the English "I'll eat my hat if..." Have you ever said this, dear reader? Ever had to eat humble pie? Enjoy today's story, and please help get the word out about this journal by sharing it with a friend. Merci!
Today's Expression: Manger son chapeau
: to eat humble pie
Audio/Listening: Click the link below to hear Jean-Marc pronounce the French words in the following story. Then scroll down to the vocabulary...
January 22, 2022
January 21, 2022
S’épancher: to pour out one's heart + Another grocery store encounter
A flower shop in Sospel, France. The hearts in the fleuriste's window hint at today's word. The story below reveals the full meaning. Enjoy two sound files in today's post and thank you for sharing this journal with a friend.
Today's Word: s'épancher
: to pour out one's heart
Example Sentence and Sound File
Retenir ses larmes, voilà bien, selon moi, le comble du " charnel " ; car lorsqu'on refuse à son coeur de s'épancher, le chagrin ne s'ancre-t-il pas en nous, pesant comme un fardeau? ...
January 14, 2022
Les Étrennes: This French new year's custom will have you digging in your pockets
Photo of les boîtes à lettres taken in Marseilles at Les Arcenaulx. Thank you, Jean-Marc, for recording two sound files for today's post (the second is found below the vocabulary list). Note: if you are experiencing déjà vu reading the following column--tout va bien--the story is being revived from the archives.
TODAY'S WORD: LES ETRENNES
: New Year's gift, tip, bonus
étrenner = to wear or use for the first time; to be first in the line of fire
