Preparing for heavy rain | Learn French in English

About This Lesson

Use Preparing for heavy rain to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

La météo annonce de fortes pluies bientôt.

lah may-tay-OH ah-NOHNS duh fort plwee byan-TOH The forecast says heavy rain will start soon.

Alors, porte des chaussures imperméables aujourd'hui.

ah-LOR, port day show-ZYOOR an-pair-may-AH-bluh oh-zhoor-DWEE Then wear waterproof shoes today.

Il y a toujours des flaques près de la gare.

eel yah too-ZHOOR day flak pray duh lah GARR There are always puddles near the station.

Tu auras peut-être aussi besoin de plus de temps à cause des retards.

tyoo ah-RAH puh-TETR oh-SEE buh-ZWAN duh ploo duh tahn ah KOHZ day ruh-TAR You may also need extra time for delays.

Est-ce que je devrais mettre mon ordinateur portable dans une housse imperméable ?

ess-kuh zhuh duh-VRAY METR mohn or-dee-nah-TUR por-TAH-bluh dahn EWN OOS an-pair-may-AH-bluh Should I put my laptop in a waterproof sleeve?

Garde-le dans ton sac, où il restera au sec.

gard-luh dahn tohn sak oo eel res-tuh-RAH oh SEK Keep it inside your bag where it stays dry.

Alors, je devrais partir plus tôt que d'habitude.

ah-LOR, zhuh duh-VRAY par-TEER ploo TOH kuh dah-bee-TEWD Then I should leave earlier than usual.

Cela devrait rendre le trajet moins stressant.

seh-LAH duh-VRAY RAHN-druh luh trah-ZHAY mwan stress-AHN That should make the trip less stressful.

Word by Word

La “La” means “the” in “La météo” and introduces the feminine noun météo. It is used before a specific noun in expressions such as “la météo”. You would use it when referring to a particular feminine noun, such as the weather forecast here.

météo “Météo” means “weather” or “weather forecast” here, in “La météo annonce”. It is the subject that gives the information about the coming rain. It is useful when talking about a forecast, weather conditions, or what the forecast predicts.

annonce “Annonce” means “announces” or “says” in “La météo annonce de fortes pluies”. It presents the forecast information about the rain. A common reuse pattern is a source followed by “annonce” and the information it gives.

de “De” introduces the weather description in “de fortes pluies”, meaning “heavy rain”. Here it links the expression of quantity or description to the noun phrase “fortes pluies”. It commonly appears before a noun phrase in similar descriptions.

fortes “Fortes” describes the pluies as heavy or strong in “de fortes pluies”. Its meaning here is about the intensity of the rain, not physical strength. It is useful when describing intense weather conditions together with a noun for the weather.

pluies “Pluies” means “rains” in “de fortes pluies”, referring to heavy rain expected soon. It names the weather event announced by “La météo”. You can use it when discussing rain as a weather condition or event.

bientôt “Bientôt” means “soon” in “de fortes pluies bientôt”, placing the expected rain in the near future. It adds a time reference to the forecast. Use it when saying that something will happen in the near future.

Alors “Alors” means “then” in “Alors, porte des chaussures imperméables aujourd'hui”. It connects the forecast to the practical advice that follows. It is useful when drawing a conclusion or giving a response based on what was just said.

porte “Porte” means “wear” in the direct instruction “porte des chaussures imperméables”. It tells one person what to put on for the rainy day. A common reuse pattern is “porte” followed by the clothing or item someone should wear.

des “Des” introduces the plural noun phrase “des chaussures imperméables”, meaning “waterproof shoes”. It shows that the advice concerns shoes in the plural. Use it before a plural noun when referring to some or unspecified items.

chaussures “Chaussures” means “shoes” in “des chaussures imperméables”. It is the item that the speaker advises the other person to wear. It is useful when talking about footwear or choosing what to wear.

imperméables “Imperméables” describes the chaussures as waterproof in “des chaussures imperméables”. It identifies shoes that protect against water, which is relevant because heavy rain is expected. Use it with an item when explaining that the item keeps water out.

aujourd'hui “Aujourd'hui” means “today” in “porte des chaussures imperméables aujourd'hui”. It specifies that the advice applies to the current day. Use it to locate an action or situation on the present day.

Il “Il” has no separate “there” meaning here; together with “y” and “a”, it forms “Il y a”, meaning “there are”. This expression introduces the existence of “toujours des flaques” near the station. Use “Il y a” to say that something exists or is present in a place.

y “Y” is part of the fixed existence expression “Il y a”, which means “there are” in “Il y a toujours des flaques”. It helps form the expression rather than referring to a place by itself here. Use it together with “Il y a” when stating that something is present.

a “A” is part of “Il y a”, the expression meaning “there are” in “Il y a toujours des flaques”. It does not mean “has” separately in this sentence. Use the complete expression “Il y a” to introduce something that exists or is located somewhere.

toujours “Toujours” means “always” in “Il y a toujours des flaques”. It says that puddles are regularly present near the station. Use it to describe something that happens or exists every time or regularly.

flaques “Flaques” means “puddles” in “Il y a toujours des flaques près de la gare”. It identifies the water left on the ground after the rain. Use it when talking about small areas of standing water outdoors.

près “Près” means “near” in the location expression “près de la gare”. It shows that the puddles are close to the station. It commonly appears with “de” before the place or person that serves as the reference point.

gare “Gare” means “station” in “près de la gare”, referring to the station near which the puddles are found. It identifies the place used as the location reference. Use it when talking about a train station or railway station.

Tu “Tu” means “you” when addressing one person directly in “Tu auras peut-être aussi besoin de plus de temps”. It identifies the person who may need extra time. Use it for a direct, informal singular address.

auras “Auras” means “will have” in “Tu auras peut-être aussi besoin de plus de temps”. Together with “besoin de”, it expresses that the person may need something later. A common reuse pattern is this form followed by “besoin de” and the thing needed.

peut-être “Peut-être” means “perhaps” or “maybe” in “Tu auras peut-être aussi besoin”. It makes the need for extra time uncertain rather than definite. Use it when presenting a possibility or cautious prediction.

aussi “Aussi” means “also” in “Tu auras peut-être aussi besoin de plus de temps”. It adds extra time as another possible need connected with the delays. Use it to add one more fact, need, or possibility.

besoin “Besoin” means “need” in the construction “avoir besoin de plus de temps”. Here it identifies extra time as something required for dealing with delays. It commonly appears in the construction meaning “to need” followed by the needed thing.

plus “Plus” means “more” in “plus de temps”, indicating an amount of time greater than usual or previously expected. It modifies the amount of time needed for delays. A common reuse pattern is “plus de” followed by a noun.

temps “Temps” means “time” in “plus de temps”, referring to the time needed for travel. It is the thing that may be needed in a greater amount because of delays. Use it when discussing how much time an activity or journey requires.

à cause de “À cause de” means “because of” in “à cause des retards” and gives the reason for needing more time. “À” and “de” form the prepositional frame, while “cause” identifies the reason; together, all three components introduce the cause. Use “à cause de” before a noun or noun phrase when explaining a cause, especially one that creates a problem or difficulty.

retards “Retards” means “delays” in “à cause des retards”. It names the travel problems that may make extra time necessary. Use it when discussing buses, trains, traffic, or other journeys that do not follow the expected schedule.

Est-ce que “Est-ce que” is a question opener in “Est-ce que je devrais mettre...?”, turning the following statement into a question. “Est-ce” establishes the question structure and “que” connects it to the clause beginning with “je”. Use the complete expression at the start of a straightforward question.

je “Je” means “I” in “je devrais mettre mon ordinateur portable”. It identifies the person asking whether to put the laptop in the sleeve. Use it when speaking about yourself as the subject of an action or question.

devrais “Devrais” means “should” in “je devrais mettre mon ordinateur portable”. It presents putting the laptop in the sleeve as advice being considered. It commonly appears before an infinitive to ask or discuss what would be advisable to do.

mettre “Mettre” means “put” in “devrais mettre mon ordinateur portable dans une housse imperméable”. It describes placing the laptop inside the waterproof sleeve. It is used after a form such as “devrais” and before the item being placed.

mon “Mon” means “my” in “mon ordinateur portable”, identifying the laptop as belonging to the speaker. It comes directly before the noun phrase it determines. Use it to mark possession of a singular masculine noun phrase.

ordinateur “Ordinateur” means “computer” in the expression “mon ordinateur portable”. Together with “portable”, it refers specifically to the speaker’s laptop. Use it when talking about a computer, including one that is being carried or protected from rain.

portable “Portable” means “portable” in “ordinateur portable”, and the complete expression means “laptop”. It specifies the kind of ordinateur being put in the sleeve. Use it after “ordinateur” when referring to a laptop rather than a fixed computer.

dans “Dans” means “in” or “inside” in “mettre mon ordinateur portable dans une housse imperméable”. It indicates the container receiving the laptop. Use it before the place or container where something is located or placed.

une “Une” introduces the singular noun “housse” in “une housse imperméable”, meaning “a waterproof sleeve”. It presents one sleeve without identifying a specific one. Use it before a singular feminine noun.

housse “Housse” means “sleeve” or “cover” in “une housse imperméable”. It is the protective container in which the laptop may be placed. Use it for a cover or case designed to protect an object.

imperméable “Imperméable” describes the housse as waterproof in “une housse imperméable”. It explains why the sleeve would protect the laptop from rain. Use it with a protective item when its resistance to water is important.

Garde-le “Garde-le” means “keep it” in the instruction “Garde-le dans ton sac”. It tells the listener to leave the laptop in the bag, with “le” referring to it. In this form, the pronoun is attached to the instruction; the same pattern is useful when telling someone to keep an object somewhere.

ton “Ton” means “your” in “ton sac”, referring to the bag belonging to the person being addressed. It comes directly before the noun “sac”. Use it to mark possession when speaking directly to one person.

sac “Sac” means “bag” in “ton sac”, the place where the laptop should be kept. It identifies the container that helps keep the laptop dry. Use it when talking about a bag used to carry or store something.

où “Où” means “where” in “ton sac, où il restera au sec”. It introduces the clause describing the location inside the bag. Use it to connect a place with information about what happens there.

restera “Restera” means “will remain” or “will stay” in “où il restera au sec”. It describes the laptop’s expected condition while it remains in the bag. It commonly appears with a place or condition that someone or something will continue to have.

au sec “Au sec” means “dry” or “kept dry” in “il restera au sec”. “Au” contributes the fixed “at/in the” form of the expression, while “sec” supplies the idea of dryness; together they describe a protected dry condition. Use “au sec” when explaining that an object or person is kept away from moisture.

partir “Partir” means “leave” in “je devrais partir plus tôt que d'habitude”. It describes leaving for the journey earlier than usual. It appears here after “devrais”, followed by information about when the departure should happen.

tôt “Tôt” means “early” in “partir plus tôt que d'habitude”. It describes the timing of the departure. Use it when saying that an action happens early, often with “plus” when comparing it with another time.

que “Que” means “than” in the comparison “plus tôt que d'habitude”. It connects the earlier departure with the usual time. Use it after a comparative expression such as “plus tôt” to introduce the point of comparison.

d'habitude “D'habitude” means “usually” or “as usual” in “plus tôt que d'habitude”. It provides the normal departure time used for comparison. Use it when referring to what normally happens or to a person’s usual routine.

Cela “Cela” means “that” or “this” in “Cela devrait rendre le trajet moins stressant”. It refers to the plan of leaving earlier described in the previous line. Use it to refer back to an action, situation, or idea just mentioned.

devrait “Devrait” means “should” in “Cela devrait rendre le trajet moins stressant”. It expresses an expected result: leaving earlier is expected to make the journey less stressful. It commonly appears before an infinitive when describing a likely or intended effect.

rendre “Rendre” means “make” in “rendre le trajet moins stressant”. It describes causing the journey to have a different quality. A common reuse pattern is “rendre” followed by an object and a description of the resulting condition.

le “Le” means “the” in “le trajet”, referring to the specific journey being discussed. It introduces the masculine noun trajet as a definite noun. Use it before a specific masculine singular noun.

trajet “Trajet” means “journey” or “trip” in “le trajet”. It refers to the travel from the starting point to the destination, which may be affected by rain and delays. Use it when discussing the route or travel time between places.

moins “Moins” means “less” in “moins stressant”. It reduces the degree of stress expected during the journey. A common reuse pattern is “moins” followed by an adjective to express a lower degree of a quality.

stressant “Stressant” means “stressful” in “rendre le trajet moins stressant”. It describes the journey as causing or involving stress, while “moins” lowers that degree. Use it to describe a situation, task, or journey that creates stress.

Grammar Points

avoir besoin de + nom

Tu auras peut-être aussi besoin de plus de temps.

tyoo ah-RAH puh-TETR oh-SEE buh-ZWAN duh ploo duh tahn

You may also need more time.

The fixed expression avoir besoin de means “to need” and is followed by de before a noun.

rendre + nom + adjectif

Partir plus tôt rend le trajet moins stressant.

par-TEER ploo TOH RAHN luh trah-ZHAY mwan stress-AHN

Leaving earlier makes the journey less stressful.

Rendre expresses making something become a certain quality; the adjective describes the noun.

French Vocabulary

alors adv

ah-LOR then

Alors, porte des chaussures imperméables aujourd'hui.

annoncer verb

ah-nohn-SAY to announce; to predict annonce

La météo annonce de fortes pluies bientôt.

aujourd'hui adv

oh-zhoor-DWEE today

Alors, porte des chaussures imperméables aujourd'hui.

bientôt adv

byan-TOH soon

La météo annonce de fortes pluies bientôt.

chaussure noun

show-ZYOOR shoe chaussures

Alors, porte des chaussures imperméables aujourd'hui.

flaque noun

flak puddle flaques

Il y a toujours des flaques près de la gare.

fort adj

FOR heavy; strong fortes

La météo annonce de fortes pluies bientôt.

imperméable adj

an-pair-may-AH-bluh waterproof imperméables

Alors, porte des chaussures imperméables aujourd'hui.

météo noun

may-tay-OH weather forecast

La météo annonce de fortes pluies bientôt.

pluie noun

plwee rain pluies

La météo annonce de fortes pluies bientôt.

porter verb

por-TAY to wear porte

Alors, porte des chaussures imperméables aujourd'hui.

toujours adv

too-ZHOOR always

Il y a toujours des flaques près de la gare.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

Then wear waterproof shoes today.

Show Answer

Alors, porte des chaussures imperméables aujourd'hui.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to announce; to predict

Show Answer

annonce

soon

Show Answer

bientôt

weather forecast

Show Answer

météo

shoe

Show Answer

chaussures