[2023-12-27] Start the New Year with a Sprinkle of French Humour

buts

The French word 'buts' is used in similar contexts as 'goals' in English. It can be used to discuss objectives in a game, a personal objective or a target. Note that 'buts' is plural, the singular is 'but'.

Here's how to use it:

• Mes buts pour cette année sont d'apprendre une nouvelle langue.
• Les buts de cette entreprise sont clairs.
• Le buts de ce jeu sont de se divertir et de relaxer.

festivités

The French word 'festivités' directly translates to 'festivities' in English and is used in similar contexts. It can refer to any type of celebration or series of events for a special occasion. For example, one might say 'Les festivités de Noël sont toujours très gaies', which means 'The Christmas festivities are always very cheerful'.

Here's how to use it:

• Les festivités commencent demain.
• Les festivités sont magnifiques.
• Je vais rejoindre les festivités.

tribunal

The French word, 'tribunal,' translates directly to 'court' in English. It is used to describe a place where legal cases are heard and decisions made, the same as in English. Just like in English, it can be used in different contexts pertaining to the judicial or legal system. Note, however, that 'tribunal' specifically refers to court in a legal sense. If one were to refer to court in the context of courtship, the word 'cour' would be used in French.

Here's how to use it:

• L'avocat représente ses clients devant le tribunal.
• Le tribunal a rejeté le recours.
• Le verdict du tribunal était inattendu.

présent

The word 'présent' in French is directly equivalent to the English word 'present'. It is used in a variety of contexts, such as referring to someone being physically present at a location, or to describe the present moment in time. However, just like in English, the context and surrounding sentence structure can potentially alter the meaning of the word.

Here's how to use it:

• C'est un cadeau pour le présent et le futur.
• Ce n'est pas présent dans le livre.
• Je ne suis pas sûr qu'il soit présent.

central

The word 'central' in French is still 'central'. It is used almost identically to English, working as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it is most commonly used to describe something that is in or near the middle of a space; of chief importance. As a noun, it can refer to a main telephone exchange.

Here's how to use it:

• La gare centrale est toujours occupée.
• La banque centrale a ajusté ses taux d'intérêt.
• La ligne centrale est parfaitement droite.

Zip le pingouin: C'est un pingouin qui se balade sur la banquise, et Zip le pingouin.