Kristin Espinasse's Blog, page 81
December 25, 2013
A Deeply Meaningful French Word
Stripped of decorum, this old shed still offers shelter against the biting wind.
Have you ever heard an old word as if for the first time? Your ears ring and you are seized bymeaning--when a humble oldmotcauses a lump in your throat.
mangeoire (mahn-zhwar) noun, feminine
1. trough, manger (animals) ; feeding dish (birds)
2.crèche(Christ child's crib)
Audio FileHear today's French word and proverb: Download mp3 orWav
Cheval affamé nettoie sa mangeoire.
A starving horse cleans its trough.
December 20, 2013
A Christmas story filled with French words
I have a little gift for you today. The gift of language. Today's word of the day--make that "words" of the day, for there are many here--is in the story below. You'll also learn about this photo--snapped December 19th in the town of Bandol.
France and Monaco Rentals:short-term holiday rental properties throughout France.Click here for pictures.
A Day in a French Life... by Kristin Espinasse
Driving round and round the seaside town of Bandol, I heard a faint mumbling beneath my breath:
"But of co...
December 18, 2013
laquelle
Holiday progress report: I haven't begun to look for the santons (pictured last year)--and the box of ornaments is still waiting to be unpacked. Doubtful things will come together this season, but I do know where to find the recipe for this cake! Meantime, a story for you today about writing... and how to tell all those stories you've got up your sleeve--in one fell swoop!
laquelle (lah-kel)
: which
Laquelle is the feminine form of "lequel."
la raison pour laquelle = the reason for which
dans la...
December 16, 2013
how to say sunset in French?
Parasol pines and the sunset over the Mediterranean.Has a friend forwarded you this French word journal? Click here to receive your own free subscription.
coucher du soleil (kew-shay-dew-sow-lay)
: sunset
Audio file: listen to Jean-MarcDownload MP3orWav file
Ce soir à Bandol, le coucher du soleil est à 16h56.
Tonight in Bandol, the sunset is at 4:56 p.m.
A Day in a French Life... by Kristin Espinasse
I felt guilty taking Smokey for the walk this time--after all, it was Braise's turn. Ideally I could...
December 13, 2013
grele
Un vrai bonnard. Don't miss this inspiring story about a winemaker's comeback following a devastating storm. Pictured: Raimond de Villeneuve. Photo montage from Google images.
la grêle (grel)
: hail
Audio File: Listen to Jean-Marc:Download MP3orWav file
Un orage de grêle détruit en deux minutes deux années de récolte de raisins. A hail storm destroys in two minutes two years worth of grapes.
Mas la Monaque-Rent this beautifully restored 17-century farmhouse. Click here for more pictures.
A Day in...
December 11, 2013
How to say a "check-up" in French?
The golden light to the left is the sunset hitting the coastal fence. The golden light to the right is Smokey, enjoying our late afternoon walk.
Has a friend forwarded you this post? Receive your own free subscription to French Word-A-Day. Click here.
une visite de contrôle
: an inspection, check-up, follow-up visit
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc:Download MP3or
Chez le dentiste, j'ai passé une visite de contrôle.
At the dentist's, I had a check-up.
Exclusive French made clothesnow available to pu...
December 9, 2013
how to cheer someone up in French
We weathered the storm in Phoenix. More, in today's letter. (Pictured, my niece "Ray-Ray".)
New rental in Provence! La Baume des Pelerins, in Sablet--spacious, comfortable the perfect place to return to after a busy day’s sightseeing, bicycling or hiking.
remonter le moral
: to lift one's spirits, to cheer somebody up
Audio File: listen to the following words:Download MP3orWav file
A Phoenix, je suis allée rendre visite à ma soeur pour lui remonter le moral.I went to Phoenix to visit my sister a...
December 6, 2013
What is "miaulement"? + a new Paris tip on what to see in the city!
Thank you for the generous "welcome back" following Wednesday's post. I am touched to the core--or coeur--by your encouraging words and warm reception! These flowers are for you, en vous remerciant! Picture taken in Ile Saint Louis, Paris.
France and Monaco Rentals:short-term holiday rental properties throughout France.Click here for pictures.
le miaulement
: miaowing (or le cri du chat)
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's word:Download MP3orWav file
Depuis le couloir, j'ai entendu...
December 4, 2013
Bonjour. It's good to be back!
Last month's sabbatical began in Paris... More in today's letter.
Exclusive French made clothesnow available to purchase on-line.Thomas Hulston Collections.
We will be back to the regular format of French Word-A-Day soon. Meantime, there's a letter waiting for you, just below, and a few ways to say 'hello.'
You know the word for "hi" in French. Here are some other oft-heard salutations. Have fun changing up your greetings next time you see a friend.
salut (hi!)
coucou (hey there!)
Yabla French Vi...
October 31, 2013
Blog hiatus + special story... and see you in December
An artist's residence in the seaside town of Bandol.
Un mois sabbatique. Some talk of a sabbatical year, but one month may just be enough to recharge these batteries after 11 years of online journaling.
In November, I'll follow a gentle rule: no emails, no blogging. Thanks for helping me stick to it.... If you have sent me a note in 2011 or 2012 and not received a reply, I am so sorry. I wanted to respond,but I slipped behind. Please don't take it personally. I'd feel even worse than I already...
