Une bête de somme means a workhorse or a beast of burden. Back in the 12th century, “une somme” meant the load that a horse or a mule could carry. Then, in the 16th century, the term “bête de somme” arrived. These days, the more common word for burden is “un fardeau,” but the term “bête de somme” survives in its original form.
The French phrase “il me faut” means “I need.” Literally translated, it means “it to me is necessary.” Versions also exist for you, he/she, we, you (formal/plural) and they. This is an alternative to the expression “avoir besoin de” (to have need of). “Il me faut” is always followed by a noun. It is never…
In the French language, there’s a handy construction called “soit…soit.” This structure is used to present alternatives or choices. It’s a bit like saying “either…or” in English. Let’s delve into how it works and how you can use it effectively. The word “soit” means “either” or “whether” in English. When repeated, it emphasizes the choice…
It’s important to know the days of the week in French. Each day has an English translation. Each day also has an original meaning, which may sometimes help you to remember it. French English Original French meaning lundi Monday Day of the Moon mardi Tuesday Day of Mars mercredi Wednesday Day of Mercury jeudi Thursday…
“à huis clos” is a French saying that means in private, with all doors closed, in secret. It is an expression dating from the middle of the 16th century, meaning “with doors closed.” “Huis” is an old 11th century word for door, now replaced by the word “porte.” The original word for door was “us,”…
“Bassiner quelqu’un” means to bore someone, to question someone insistently, to disturb them, to annoy them or to bother them. But it comes from the word “bassinoire” which meant a “warming pan,” which was a covered metal pan on the end of a long wooden handle. It was filled with hot coals and used to heat…
The French verb “réussir” means “to succeed,” but it can also mean “to achieve,” “to carry off (something) successfully,” “to win,” or “to pass (an exam).” Etymology: The word “réussir” was borrowed in the early 16th century from the Italian verb “riuscire,” meaning “to re-issue” or “to go out again.” The Italian “riuscire,” is made up…