Planning a Clear Repair Message | Learn French in English

About This Lesson

Use Planning a Clear Repair Message to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Le robinet de la salle de bains fuit encore, même après que je l'ai resserré hier.

luh roh-bee-NAY duh lah sahl duh BAN fwee ahn-KOR, MEM ah-PRAY kuh zhuh lay ruh-say-RAY YAIR. The bathroom tap is leaking again, even after I tightened it yesterday.

Puisque cela continue, nous devrions probablement contacter le propriétaire.

PWEES-kuh suh-LAH kohn-tee-NEW, noo duh-vree-OHN proh-bah-bluh-MAHN kohn-tak-TAY luh proh-pree-ay-TAIR. Since it keeps happening, we should probably contact the landlord.

Je peux envoyer une photo et expliquer qu'une réparation temporaire n'a pas fonctionné.

zhuh puh ahn-vwah-YAY oon foh-TOH ay ehk-splee-KAY kun ray-pah-rah-SYOHN tahm-poh-RAIR nah pah fohnk-syoh-NAY. I can send a photo and explain that a temporary repair did not work.

Précise que de l'eau est gaspillée et que le plan de travail devient mouillé.

pray-SEEZ kuh duh LOH ay gas-pee-YAY ay kuh luh plahn duh trah-VY duh-VYAHN moo-YAY. Mention that water is being wasted and the counter is getting wet.

Devons-nous dire que nous n'avons pas causé le problème nous-mêmes ?

duh-VOHN noo DEER kuh noo nah-VOHN pah koh-ZAY luh proh-BLEM noo-MEM? Should we say that we did not cause the problem ourselves?

Ajoute-le clairement, mais garde un ton calme.

ah-ZHOOT luh klair-MAHN, may GARD uhn TOHN KALM. Include that clearly, but keep the tone calm.

Le message doit être poli, mais précis, pour qu'il n'y ait pas de confusion.

luh meh-SAHZH dwah ay-TRUH poh-LEE, may pray-SEE, poor keel nyay pah duh kohn-fyoo-ZYOHN. The message should be polite but specific, so there is no confusion.

Demande quand un plombier pourrait venir, parce que les matins en semaine sont difficiles pour nous.

duh-MAHND kahn uhn plohn-BYAY poo-RAY vuh-NEER, PARS kuh lay mah-TANZ ahn suh-MEN sohn dee-fee-SEEL poor NOO. Ask when a plumber could visit, because weekday mornings are difficult for us.

Nous pouvons proposer un créneau flexible pendant lequel quelqu'un pourra être à la maison.

noo poo-VOHN proh-poh-ZAY uhn kray-NOH flek-SEEB pahn-DAHN luh-KEL kel-KUHN poo-RAH ay-TRUH ah lah may-ZOHN. We can suggest a flexible time window when someone can be home.

Cela devrait aider le propriétaire à organiser plus facilement la réparation.

suh-LAH duh-VRAY ay-DAY luh proh-pree-ay-TAIR ah or-gah-nee-ZAY plew fah-seel-MAHN lah ray-pah-rah-SYOHN. That should make it easier for the landlord to arrange the repair.

Word by Word

Le “Le” means “the” before “robinet” in “Le robinet de la salle de bains”. It identifies one specific tap being discussed. Use it before a specific masculine singular noun.

robinet “Robinet” means the tap or faucet that is leaking in “Le robinet de la salle de bains”. Use it for the fixture that controls the flow of water. It commonly appears with a location or room, such as “robinet de la cuisine” in a new example.

de In “robinet de la salle de bains”, “de” links the tap to the bathroom and corresponds to “of” or “from”. It introduces the place or thing associated with the noun before it. Use “nom de + lieu ou chose” to describe this relationship.

la “La” means “the” before “salle” in “la salle de bains”. It identifies the specific room being mentioned. Use it before a specific feminine singular noun.

salle In “la salle de bains”, “salle” means “room”. Together with “de bains”, it identifies the bathroom. Use it with a following description to name a particular type of room.

bains In “la salle de bains”, “bains” refers to baths and helps form the expression for “bathroom”. The plural form is part of this established room name. Learn “salle de bains” as the reusable expression for a bathroom.

fuit “Fuit” means “is leaking” in “Le robinet de la salle de bains fuit encore”. It describes water escaping from the tap. Use it with the thing that is leaking as the subject.

encore “Encore” means “again” here: the tap is leaking again. It shows that the same problem has returned. Use it when an action or problem happens another time.

même “Même” means “even” in “même après que je l'ai resserré hier”. It emphasizes that the leak continues despite the tightening. Use “même après + event” to highlight an unexpected result.

après “Après” means “after” and places one event later than another in “après que je l'ai resserré hier”. Here it introduces the earlier tightening. Use “après + noun” or “après que + clause” to mark what happened first.

que In “après que je l'ai resserré hier”, “que” introduces the clause describing what happened after. It connects “après” to the subject and action that follow. Use it after a linking expression such as “après que” when a full clause follows.

je “Je” means “I” in “je l'ai resserré”. It identifies the person who tightened the tap. Use it as the subject before an action you perform.

l'ai In “je l'ai resserré”, “l'ai” expresses “have it” as part of saying “I tightened it”. “l'” refers to the tap, while “ai” helps form the completed action. Use “je l'ai + past participle” when referring to a completed action involving a previously mentioned object.

resserré “Resserré” means “tightened” in “je l'ai resserré”. It says that the speaker made the tap tighter. Use it after “ai” when describing that completed tightening action.

hier “Hier” means “yesterday” and places the tightening on the previous day. It gives a clear time for the completed action. Use it with an event that happened the day before today.

Puisque “Puisque” means “since” or “given that” in “Puisque cela continue”. It introduces a reason that is presented as known or evident. Use it at the beginning of a sentence when the reason is already clear to the interlocutors.

cela “Cela” means “that” or “it” and refers here to the leaking problem in “Puisque cela continue”. It lets the speaker refer back to an already mentioned situation. Use it to point back to a fact, event, or situation.

continue “Continue” means “continues” in “cela continue”, referring to the problem continuing to happen. It shows that the situation has not stopped. Use it with an ongoing action or problem as the subject.

nous “Nous” means “we” in “nous devrions probablement contacter le propriétaire”. It identifies the speakers as the people who should act. Use it before an action that the speaker and others will do together.

devrions “Devrions” expresses “should” in “nous devrions probablement contacter”. It presents contacting the landlord as sensible advice. Use “nous devrions + infinitive” to suggest an action for a group including the speaker.

probablement “Probablement” means “probably” and softens the suggestion in “nous devrions probablement contacter”. It shows that the speaker considers the action likely to be appropriate without presenting it as absolute. Use it near the verb or suggestion it qualifies.

contacter “Contacter” means “to contact” in “contacter le propriétaire”. It names the action the speakers are considering. Use “contacter + person or organization” when saying whom to get in touch with.

propriétaire “Propriétaire” means “landlord” in this home-repair context. It is the person the tenants need to contact about the repair. Use it for the owner responsible for a rented home when discussing a landlord.

peux “Peux” means “can” in “Je peux envoyer une photo”. It expresses the speaker’s ability or possibility to send the photo. Use “je peux + infinitive” to say what you can do.

envoyer “Envoyer” means “to send” in “envoyer une photo”. It names the action the speaker can carry out. Use “envoyer + object” when saying what is being sent.

une “Une” means “a” before “photo” in “une photo”. It introduces one photo without identifying a particular photo previously mentioned. Use it before a feminine singular noun when introducing one item.

photo “Photo” means “photo” in “envoyer une photo”. It is the image the speaker can send to show the repair problem. Use it after verbs such as “envoyer” when referring to a photograph.

et “Et” means “and” in “envoyer une photo et expliquer”. It joins two actions that the speaker can perform. Use it to connect related words, phrases, or actions.

expliquer “Expliquer” means “to explain” in “expliquer qu'une réparation temporaire n'a pas fonctionné”. It names the action of giving information about the failed repair. Use “expliquer que + clause” to introduce what you explain.

qu'une “Qu'une” means “that a” in “expliquer qu'une réparation temporaire n'a pas fonctionné”. It introduces the statement about one temporary repair. It combines “que”, which links the clause, with “une”, which introduces the feminine noun that follows.

réparation “Réparation” means “repair” in “une réparation temporaire”. It refers to the work already attempted on the leaking tap. Use it with an adjective or description to specify the kind of repair.

temporaire “Temporaire” means “temporary” and describes “une réparation temporaire”. It shows that the repair was intended only as a short-term solution. Use it before or after a noun when describing something that is not permanent.

n'a In “n'a pas fonctionné”, “n'a” supplies the “has not” part of the negative statement. It works together with “pas” to say that the repair did not work. Use “n'a pas + past participle” for a completed action that did not happen or succeed.

pas “Pas” completes the negation in “n'a pas fonctionné”. Together with “n'a”, it changes the meaning to “has not” or “did not”. Use it with the negative structure around the verb.

fonctionné “Fonctionné” means “worked” in “n'a pas fonctionné”. It says that the temporary repair was not successful. Use it after “a” or “n'a pas” when describing whether something worked.

Précise “Précise” tells one person to mention or specify something clearly in “Précise que de l'eau est gaspillée”. It is a direct instruction about what to include in the message. Use “Précise que + clause” when asking someone to state a fact explicitly.

l'eau “L'eau” means “water” in “de l'eau est gaspillée”. The apostrophe joins the article to “eau” before its vowel sound. Use it when referring to water as a substance or quantity.

est “Est” means “is” in “l'eau est gaspillée”. It links the water to its description in the sentence. Use it before an adjective or a participle to describe the current state of something.

gaspillée “Gaspillée” means “wasted” and describes the water in “l'eau est gaspillée”. It identifies the loss of water caused by the leaking tap. Use it when a resource is being used or lost unnecessarily.

plan In “le plan de travail”, “plan” refers to a flat surface or counter. Here it is the kitchen or bathroom work surface that is getting wet. Use it with “de travail” when referring to a work counter.

travail In “le plan de travail”, “travail” means “work” and helps identify the surface as a work counter. It specifies the purpose of the “plan”. Learn “plan de travail” as a reusable expression for a work surface.

devient “Devient” means “becomes” or “is getting” in “le plan de travail devient mouillé”. It describes a change in the counter’s condition. Use it before a description of the new state something is entering.

mouillé “Mouillé” means “wet” in “devient mouillé”. It describes the counter after water reaches it. Use it to describe a person or object that has water on it.

Devons-nous “Devons-nous” asks “should we” in “Devons-nous dire que nous n'avons pas causé le problème nous-mêmes ?”. It asks whether the speakers ought to say something. Use “Devons-nous + infinitive ?” to ask whether a group should take an action.

dire “Dire” means “to say” in “Devons-nous dire que...”. It names the communication action being considered. Use it before “que + clause” when asking or explaining what should be said.

n'avons In “nous n'avons pas causé”, “n'avons” supplies the “have not” part of the negative statement. Together with “pas”, it says that the speakers did not cause the problem. Use “nous n'avons pas + past participle” for a completed action that the group denies doing.

causé “Causé” means “caused” in “nous n'avons pas causé le problème”. It identifies the speakers as not having created the problem. Use it after “avons” or “n'avons pas” when talking about the cause of an event.

problème “Problème” means “problem” in “le problème”. It refers to the leaking-tap issue being discussed. Use it with a definite article when the problem is already known in the conversation.

nous-mêmes “Nous-mêmes” means “ourselves” in “nous n'avons pas causé le problème nous-mêmes”. It emphasizes that the speakers personally did not cause the problem. Use it after a verb when stressing who did or did not perform an action.

Ajoute-le “Ajoute-le” means “add it” or “include it” in “Ajoute-le clairement”. It tells one person to include the previous point in the message. Use “Ajoute-le” when referring to a previously mentioned item that should be added.

clairement “Clairement” means “clearly” in “Ajoute-le clairement”. It describes how the point should be included so its meaning is unmistakable. Use it with an action involving communication or explanation.

mais “Mais” means “but” in “mais garde un ton calme”. It contrasts including the point clearly with keeping a calm tone. Use it to connect two instructions or ideas that need to be balanced.

garde “Garde” tells one person to keep the tone calm in “garde un ton calme”. It is an instruction about maintaining a particular quality. Use “garde + object + adjective” when asking someone to maintain an object or situation in a certain state.

un “Un” means “a” before “ton” in “un ton calme”. It introduces one tone or style for the message. Use it before a masculine singular noun when introducing one item.

ton “Ton” means “tone” in “un ton calme”. It refers to the style or manner of the written message, not to sound. Use it with an adjective to describe how a message should sound to its reader.

calme “Calme” means “calm” in “un ton calme”. It describes the respectful, non-aggressive style requested for the message. Use it after “un ton” to describe the attitude of written or spoken communication.

message “Message” means “message” in “Le message doit être poli”. It refers to the communication being prepared for the landlord. Use it with adjectives to describe the message’s tone or content.

doit “Doit” expresses “must” or “should” in “Le message doit être poli”. It presents politeness as a requirement for the message. Use “doit + infinitive” or “doit être + description” to state what is required.

être “Être” means “to be” after “doit” in “doit être poli”. It introduces the quality the message is required to have. Use it after a verb such as “doit” before an adjective or noun description.

poli “Poli” means “polite” and describes “Le message”. It indicates that the message should remain courteous when addressing the landlord. Use it to describe a respectful person, message, or request.

précis “Précis” means “specific” or “precise” in “poli, mais précis”. It says that the message should give clear details rather than remain vague. Use it to describe instructions, information, or a message with exact details.

pour In “pour qu'il n'y ait pas de confusion”, “pour” introduces the intended result: avoiding confusion. It works with “que” to introduce a full clause. Use “pour que + clause” when describing the purpose or desired result of an action.

qu'il “Qu'il” links “pour” to the clause “n'y ait pas de confusion” in “pour qu'il n'y ait pas de confusion”. It combines “que” with “il” and introduces the result being aimed for. Use it after an expression such as “pour que” when the following clause has “il” as its subject.

n'y In “n'y ait pas de confusion”, “n'y” is part of the negative expression meaning that there is no confusion. The apostrophe joins “ne” to “y”. Use it with “ait” and “pas” in this type of statement about something existing or being present.

ait In “pour qu'il n'y ait pas de confusion”, “ait” helps express “there be” in the clause about there being no confusion. It completes the expression with “n'y” and “pas”. Use “pour qu'il y ait...” to describe a desired situation, with negation added when the desired situation should not exist.

confusion “Confusion” means “confusion” in “pas de confusion”. It refers to uncertainty or misunderstanding that the clear message should prevent. Use it after “de” when saying that there is or should be no confusion.

Demande “Demande” tells one person to ask in “Demande quand un plombier pourrait venir”. It is an instruction to request information about a possible visit. Use “Demande quand + clause” when asking someone to find out a time.

quand “Quand” means “when” in “quand un plombier pourrait venir”. It introduces the question about the possible visit time. Use it before a clause when asking or stating at what time something happens.

plombier “Plombier” means “plumber” in “un plombier pourrait venir”. It identifies the tradesperson who may visit to repair the tap. Use it when discussing professional work on water pipes or plumbing.

pourrait “Pourrait” expresses “could” in “un plombier pourrait venir”. It presents the visit as a possibility rather than a fixed plan. Use it before an infinitive when asking about or describing a possible action.

venir “Venir” means “to come” in “pourrait venir”. Here it refers to the plumber visiting the home. Use it after a verb such as “pourrait” to describe the possible visit.

parce que “Parce que” as a whole means “because” in “parce que les matins en semaine sont difficiles”. “Parce” supplies the causal expression and “que” links it to the following clause. Use “parce que + clause” to give the reason for a statement or request.

les “Les” means “the” before the plural noun “matins” in “les matins en semaine”. It refers to weekday mornings as a known category. Use it before a plural noun when speaking about specific or general items of that type.

matins “Matins” means “mornings” in “les matins en semaine”. It refers specifically to the morning periods during the week. Use it with a time expression such as “en semaine” to specify which mornings.

en In “en semaine”, “en” places the situation within the time period of the week. The phrase means “during the week” or “on weekdays” here. Use “en + time period” to describe when something occurs.

semaine In “en semaine”, “semaine” means “week”. Together with “en”, it identifies weekdays as the difficult period. Use “en semaine” when contrasting weekdays with other times.

sont “Sont” means “are” in “les matins en semaine sont difficiles”. It links the weekday mornings to their description. Use it before an adjective when describing a plural subject.

difficiles “Difficiles” means “difficult” in “les matins en semaine sont difficiles”. It explains why a plumber’s visit at that time may be inconvenient. Use it after “sont” to describe a challenging situation or time.

pouvons “Pouvons” means “can” in “Nous pouvons proposer”. It expresses the speakers’ ability or option to suggest a time slot. Use “nous pouvons + infinitive” to state what a group is able or willing to do.

proposer “Proposer” means “to suggest” or “to propose” in “proposer un créneau flexible”. It names the action of offering a possible appointment time. Use “proposer + object” when offering an idea, option, or time.

créneau “Créneau” means “time slot” or “time window” in “un créneau flexible”. It refers to a period when the plumber could visit. Use it when arranging an appointment within an available period.

flexible “Flexible” describes the time slot in “un créneau flexible”. It means the proposed period can accommodate some variation. Use it to describe an arrangement that allows different times or adjustments.

pendant “Pendant” means “during” in “pendant lequel quelqu'un pourra être à la maison”. It places the possible presence at home within the proposed time slot. Use “pendant + noun” or “pendant lequel + clause” to describe a duration.

lequel “Lequel” refers back to “créneau” in “pendant lequel”. With “pendant”, it means “during which”. Use “pendant lequel + clause” to add information about a previously mentioned time period or thing.

quelqu'un “Quelqu'un” means “someone” in “quelqu'un pourra être à la maison”. It refers to an unspecified person who can be present. Use it when the identity of the person is not important or is not yet known.

pourra “Pourra” means “will be able to” in “quelqu'un pourra être à la maison”. It expresses the future possibility of someone being home during the time slot. Use it before an infinitive to describe a future ability or possibility.

à In “à la maison”, “à” means “at” and places someone in the home. It introduces the location of the person who can be present. Use “à + place” to indicate where someone is or will be.

maison In “à la maison”, “maison” means “home” or “house”. The phrase identifies the place where someone can be present for the plumber. Use “à la maison” as the common expression for being at home.

devrait “Devrait” expresses “should” in “Cela devrait aider”. It presents the expected helpful result of offering a time window. Use “devrait + infinitive” when predicting or suggesting a likely result.

aider “Aider” means “to help” in “Cela devrait aider le propriétaire”. It describes the benefit the flexible time slot should provide. Use “aider + person + à + infinitive” when saying that someone is helped to do an action.

organiser “Organiser” means “to arrange” in “aider le propriétaire à organiser la réparation”. It refers to arranging the repair visit. Use it after “aider ... à” when describing the action someone is helped to carry out.

plus “Plus” means “more” in “plus facilement”. It increases the degree of ease with which the landlord can arrange the repair. Use it before an adverb to form a comparison of manner or degree.

facilement “Facilement” means “easily” in “organiser plus facilement la réparation”. It describes arranging the repair with less difficulty. Use it after a verb to explain how smoothly an action can be performed.

Grammar Points

Puisque + proposition

Puisque le robinet fuit, contacte le propriétaire.

PWEES-kuh luh roh-bee-NAY fwee, kohn-TAKT luh proh-pree-ay-TAIR.

Since the tap is leaking, contact the landlord.

Puisque introduit une cause considérée comme connue ou évidente et se place devant une proposition.

Impératif sans pronom sujet

Précise le problème et ajoute une photo.

pray-SEEZ luh proh-BLEM ay ah-ZHOOT oon foh-TOH.

Specify the problem and add a photo.

À l’impératif, le pronom sujet est omis ; le verbe exprime directement une consigne ou une demande.

French Vocabulary

contacter verb

kohn-tak-TAY to contact

Nous devrions probablement contacter le propriétaire.

continuer verb

kohn-tee-NEW-ay to continue continue

Puisque cela continue.

encore adv

ahn-KOR again

Le robinet de la salle de bains fuit encore.

envoyer verb

ahn-vwah-YAY to send

Je peux envoyer une photo.

fuir verb

fweer to leak fuit

Le robinet de la salle de bains fuit encore.

photo noun

foh-TOH photo

Je peux envoyer une photo.

probablement adv

proh-bah-bluh-MAHN probably

Nous devrions probablement contacter le propriétaire.

propriétaire noun

proh-pree-ay-TAIR landlord

Nous devrions probablement contacter le propriétaire.

puisque conj

PWEES-kuh since Puisque

Puisque cela continue, nous devrions probablement contacter le propriétaire.

resserrer verb

ruh-say-RAY to tighten resserré

Je l'ai resserré hier.

robinet noun

roh-bee-NAY tap

Le robinet de la salle de bains fuit encore.

salle de bains phrase

sahl duh BAN bathroom

Le robinet de la salle de bains fuit encore.

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

probably

Show Answer

probablement

since

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Puisque

tap

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robinet

to tighten

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resserré