Solving a Phone Battery Problem | Learn French in English

About This Lesson

Use Solving a Phone Battery Problem to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

La batterie de mon téléphone est presque déchargée.

lah ba-tuh-REE duh mohn tay-lay-FOHN eh PRESK day-shar-ZHAY My phone battery is almost dead.

Tu as un chargeur ou une batterie externe avec toi ?

too ah uhn shar-ZHUHR oo oon ba-tuh-REE ex-TAIRN ah-VEK twah Do you have a charger or power bank with you?

J'ai laissé les deux à la maison.

zhay leh-SAY lay duh ah lah meh-ZOHN I left both at home.

Je dois passer un appel urgent.

zhuh DWAH pah-SAY uhn ah-PELL ur-ZHAHN I need to make an urgent call.

Il y a une prise à côté de la fenêtre.

eel yah oon preez ah koh-TAY duh lah fuh-NETR There is an outlet beside the window.

Est-ce que je peux utiliser ton câble pendant quelques minutes ?

ess-kuh zhuh PUH oo-tee-lee-ZAY tohn KAH-bluh pahn-DAHN kelk mee-NEWT Could I use your cable for a few minutes?

Tu peux l'utiliser assez longtemps pour passer l'appel.

too PUH loo-tee-lee-ZAY ah-SAY lohn-TON poor pah-SAY lah-PELL You can use it long enough to make the call.

Je te le rendrai dès que mon téléphone s'allumera.

zhuh tuh luh rahn-DRAY day kuh mohn tay-lay-FOHN sah-lyoo-meh-RAH I will return it as soon as my phone turns on.

Laisse-le branché jusqu'à ce que tu aies assez de batterie.

LESS luh brahn-SHAY zhoos-KAH suh kuh too EH ah-SAY duh ba-tuh-REE Keep it plugged in until you have enough battery.

Word by Word

La “La” means “the” here and introduces the feminine noun “batterie” in “La batterie”. It is used before a specific thing, such as a phone battery. In a new example, “la porte” means “the door”.

batterie “Batterie” means “battery” here, specifically the phone’s battery in “La batterie de mon téléphone”. It is the thing described as “presque déchargée”. A common reuse pattern is “la batterie de + device” for a device’s battery.

de “De” links “batterie” to “mon téléphone” and shows the relationship “the battery of my phone”. In “de mon téléphone”, it identifies which battery is meant. A common reuse pattern is “le nom de + person or thing” for “the name of + person or thing”.

mon “Mon” means “my” before “téléphone” in “mon téléphone”. It shows that the phone belongs to or is associated with the speaker. A common reuse pattern is “mon + noun” when referring to something connected with the speaker.

téléphone “Téléphone” means “phone” here, in “mon téléphone”. It identifies the device whose battery is nearly dead and that will later turn on. A common reuse pattern is “utiliser un téléphone” for using a phone.

est “Est” means “is” in “La batterie de mon téléphone est presque déchargée”. It connects the battery with its current condition. A common reuse pattern is “X est + description” to describe a person or thing.

presque “Presque” means “almost” and shows that the battery is close to being discharged but not described as completely discharged. It comes before the description “déchargée” in “presque déchargée”. A common reuse pattern is “presque + adjective” for something that is nearly in a state.

déchargée “Déchargée” describes the battery as discharged, or nearly dead, in “presque déchargée”. Its ending matches “la batterie” in this dialogue. A common reuse pattern is “une batterie déchargée” for a battery that has lost its charge.

Tu “Tu” means “you” when speaking to one person informally, as in “Tu as”. It is the person being asked whether they have a charger or power bank. A common reuse pattern is “Tu + verb” for an informal question or statement addressed to one person.

as “As” means “have” in the question “Tu as un chargeur ou une batterie externe avec toi ?”. It is the form of “avoir” used with “tu” to ask whether someone has something. A common reuse pattern is “Tu as + object ?” when asking an informal person whether they have something.

un “Un” means “a” or “one” before the masculine noun “chargeur” in “un chargeur”. It introduces one charger that may be available. A common reuse pattern is “un + singular masculine noun” when mentioning a non-specific item.

chargeur “Chargeur” means “charger” in “un chargeur”. It is one of the two possible power sources asked about. A common reuse pattern is “un chargeur pour + device” for a charger for a particular device.

ou “Ou” means “or” and presents two alternatives: “un chargeur ou une batterie externe”. It connects the two items in the question. A common reuse pattern is “X ou Y” when offering or asking about alternatives.

une “Une” means “a” or “one” before the feminine noun phrase “batterie externe”. It introduces a non-specific external battery as the second alternative. A common reuse pattern is “une + singular feminine noun” when mentioning a non-specific item.

externe “Externe” means “external” in “une batterie externe”, referring to a portable battery used outside the phone. It describes the type of “batterie” being mentioned. A common reuse pattern is “un appareil externe” for an external device.

avec “Avec” means “with” in “avec toi”. It asks whether the charger or power bank is in the other person’s possession at that moment. A common reuse pattern is “avec + person” when saying that someone has something with them.

toi “Toi” means “you” after the preposition “avec” in “avec toi”. This stressed form identifies the person who may have the charger or power bank. A common reuse pattern is “avec toi” for asking whether something is with an informal addressee.

J'ai “J’ai” means “I have” and begins the completed statement “J’ai laissé les deux à la maison”. It combines “Je” with “ai” and introduces what the speaker left behind. A common reuse pattern is “J’ai + past action” when reporting something the speaker has done.

laissé “Laissé” means “left” in “J’ai laissé les deux à la maison”. It expresses that the speaker did not bring both items and left them at home. A common reuse pattern is “laisser quelque chose à + place” for saying where something was left.

les “Les” means “the” before the plural expression “les deux”. It refers to both previously mentioned items, the charger and the external battery. A common reuse pattern is “les + plural noun” for specific plural things.

deux “Deux” means “two” in “les deux”, referring together to the charger and the external battery. It replaces repeating the two items in the reply. A common reuse pattern is “les deux” when referring to two already identified things.

à “À” means “at” in “à la maison”, which gives the place where the two items were left. It introduces the location rather than the object left there. A common reuse pattern is “à + place” for locating someone or something.

maison “Maison” means “home” or “house” in the expression “à la maison”. Here it is the place where the speaker left both items. A common reuse pattern is “rentrer à la maison” for returning home.

Je “Je” means “I” and identifies the speaker in “Je dois passer un appel urgent”. It is the subject of the statement about needing to make a call. A common reuse pattern is “Je + verb” for a statement about the speaker.

dois “Dois” expresses “must” or “need to” in “Je dois passer un appel urgent”. It shows that making the call is necessary or urgent for the speaker. A common reuse pattern is “Je dois + infinitive” when explaining an obligation or need.

passer “Passer” means “make” in the expression “passer un appel”, meaning to make a call. The object “un appel” completes this use of the verb. A common reuse pattern is “passer un appel” when making a phone call.

appel “Appel” means “call” in “un appel urgent”. It is the call the speaker needs to make and later refers to again in “l’appel”. A common reuse pattern is “passer un appel” for making a call.

urgent “Urgent” means “urgent” in “un appel urgent”. It describes the call as needing to happen soon. A common reuse pattern is “une demande urgente” for an urgent request.

Il “Il” is part of the fixed expression “Il y a”, which means “there is” here. In this dialogue, it helps introduce the outlet’s existence and location rather than referring to a specific person. A common reuse pattern is “Il y a + noun” when saying that something exists or is present.

y “Y” is part of “Il y a”, the expression used here to say “there is”. It helps introduce the outlet before its location is given. A common reuse pattern is “Il y a + thing” when pointing out something available or present.

a “A” is part of “Il y a”, which means “there is” in this sentence. Here it expresses the existence of an outlet, not possession by a person. A common reuse pattern is “Il y a + noun” for stating that something is in a place or situation.

prise “Prise” means “outlet” or “socket” in “une prise”. It is the place beside the window where the phone can be connected. A common reuse pattern is “une prise près de + place” for locating an outlet.

côté “Côté” means “side” in “à côté de la fenêtre”, and the whole expression means “beside the window”. It identifies the outlet’s position. A common reuse pattern is “à côté de + place or person” for saying that something is next to it.

fenêtre “Fenêtre” means “window” in “à côté de la fenêtre”. It is the reference point used to locate the outlet. A common reuse pattern is “près de la fenêtre” for describing something located near the window.

ce “Ce” is part of the question-opening “Est-ce que” in “Est-ce que je peux utiliser ton câble ?”. Together with the rest of that expression, it turns the statement into a yes-or-no question. A common reuse pattern is “Est-ce que + subject + verb” for asking a question.

que “Que” is part of “Est-ce que”, the question-opening used before “je peux”. It contributes to the fixed structure that introduces a yes-or-no question. A common reuse pattern is “Est-ce que + sentence” when asking whether something is possible or true.

peux “Peux” means “can” or “am able to” in “je peux utiliser ton câble”. Here it asks for permission to use the cable. A common reuse pattern is “Je peux + infinitive ?” when politely asking whether the speaker may do something.

utiliser “Utiliser” means “use” in “utiliser ton câble”. It is the action the speaker asks permission to perform with the cable. A common reuse pattern is “utiliser + object” when saying what someone uses.

ton “Ton” means “your” when speaking informally to one person, as in “ton câble”. It shows that the cable belongs to or is associated with the person being asked. A common reuse pattern is “ton + noun” when referring to something connected with an informal addressee.

câble “Câble” means “cable” in “ton câble”. It is the item the speaker wants to use to charge the phone. A common reuse pattern is “un câble pour + device” for a cable intended for a particular device.

pendant “Pendant” means “for” or “during” in “pendant quelques minutes”. It introduces the length of time for which the cable would be used. A common reuse pattern is “pendant + duration” when describing how long an action continues.

quelques “Quelques” means “a few” or “some” in “quelques minutes”. It indicates a small, non-exact number of minutes. A common reuse pattern is “quelques + plural noun” for a small number of things or units of time.

minutes “Minutes” means “minutes” in “pendant quelques minutes”. It gives the duration of the requested cable use. A common reuse pattern is “pendant X minutes” for stating how long something lasts.

l'utiliser “L’utiliser” means “use it” in “Tu peux l’utiliser”. The “l’” refers to the cable, and it comes directly before “utiliser” as the object of the action. A common reuse pattern is “pouvoir l’utiliser” when saying that someone can use a previously mentioned object.

assez “Assez” means “enough” in “assez longtemps”. It shows that the duration will be sufficient to make the call. A common reuse pattern is “assez + adjective or adverb” when saying that something reaches a sufficient degree.

longtemps “Longtemps” means “for a long time”, and in “assez longtemps” it refers to a sufficiently long duration. Here the duration is enough for making the call. A common reuse pattern is “attendre longtemps” for waiting for a long time.

pour “Pour” introduces the purpose in “pour passer l’appel”, meaning “in order to make the call”. It links the sufficient charging time to the intended action. A common reuse pattern is “pour + infinitive” when explaining the purpose of an action.

l'appel “L’appel” means “the call” in “pour passer l’appel”. It refers to the urgent call already mentioned, with “l’” standing for “le” before the vowel sound. A common reuse pattern is “passer l’appel” when referring to a specific call.

te “Te” means “to you” in “Je te le rendrai”. It identifies the person who will receive the returned cable. A common reuse pattern is “te + verb” when an action is done to or for an informal addressee.

le “Le” means “it” in “Je te le rendrai”, referring here to the cable. It is the object being returned, while “te” identifies the recipient. A common reuse pattern is “le rendre” when giving a previously mentioned masculine object back.

rendrai “Rendrai” means “will return” or “will give back” in “Je te le rendrai”. It promises that the speaker will return the cable after the phone turns on. A common reuse pattern is “Je te le rendrai” when promising to give a borrowed object back.

dès “Dès” is used with “que” in “dès que” to mean “as soon as”. It introduces the moment when the phone turns on and the cable can be returned. A common reuse pattern is “dès que + sentence” for an action that will happen immediately after another event.

s'allumera “S’allumera” means “will turn on” in “mon téléphone s’allumera”. It describes the phone becoming powered on, which is the condition for returning the cable. A common reuse pattern is “dès que + device + s’allumera” for an action that follows when a device turns on.

Laisse “Laisse” means “leave” or “keep” in the instruction “Laisse-le branché”. It tells the other person to keep the cable connected for the necessary time. A common reuse pattern is “Laisse + object + adjective or past participle” when telling someone to leave something in a particular state.

branché “Branché” means “plugged in” in “Laisse-le branché”. It describes the cable or connected device as remaining connected to the outlet. A common reuse pattern is “laisser quelque chose branché” when keeping something connected to power.

jusqu'à “Jusqu’à” means “until” in “jusqu’à ce que tu aies assez de batterie”. It sets the endpoint of keeping the cable plugged in. A common reuse pattern is “jusqu’à ce que + sentence” for an action that continues up to a particular event or condition.

aies “Aies” means “have” in “que tu aies assez de batterie”. It describes the condition of having enough battery before the cable is disconnected. A common reuse pattern is “jusqu’à ce que tu aies + noun” when saying that something should continue until the addressee has enough of something.

Grammar Points

dès que + futur

Je rendrai le chargeur dès que le téléphone s'allumera.

zhuh rahn-DRAY luh shar-ZHUHR day kuh luh tay-lay-FOHN sah-lyoo-meh-RAH

I will return the charger as soon as the phone turns on.

For a future event after « dès que », French uses the future tense, including in the subordinate clause.

devoir + infinitif

Je dois passer un appel urgent.

zhuh DWAH pah-SAY uhn ah-PELL ur-ZHAHN

I have to make an urgent call.

After « dois », the following verb remains in the infinitive: « passer ».

French Vocabulary

à la maison phrase

ah lah meh-ZOHN at home

à la maison

avec toi phrase

ah-VEK twah with you

avec toi

batterie noun

ba-tuh-REE battery

La batterie de mon téléphone

batterie externe phrase

ba-tuh-REE ex-TAIRN power bank

une batterie externe

chargeur noun

shar-ZHUHR charger

un chargeur

déchargée adj

day-shar-ZHAY dead; discharged

La batterie est presque déchargée

dois verb

DWAH must; have to

Je dois passer un appel

laissé verb

leh-SAY left

J'ai laissé les deux à la maison

passer un appel phrase

pah-SAY uhn ah-PELL to make a call

passer un appel urgent

presque adv

PRESK almost

presque déchargée

téléphone noun

tay-lay-FOHN phone

mon téléphone

urgent adj

ur-ZHAHN urgent

un appel urgent

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I need to make an urgent call.

Show Answer

Je dois passer un appel urgent.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

phone

Show Answer

téléphone

battery

Show Answer

batterie

almost

Show Answer

presque

left

Show Answer

laissé