Finding another route after a cancelled train | Learn French in English

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Use Finding another route after a cancelled train to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Mon train a été annulé.

mohn trahn ah ay-TAY ahn-oo-LAY. My train has been cancelled.

Je dois bientôt prendre un train en correspondance.

zhuh DWAH byan-TOH PRAHN-druh uhn trahn ahn koh-ray-spohn-DAHNS. I need to catch a connecting train soon.

Je peux vous aider à trouver un autre itinéraire.

zhuh PUH voo ZAY-day ah troo-VAY uhn NOH-truh ee-tee-nay-RAIR. I can help you find another route.

Le tableau indique qu'un train express part d'un autre quai.

luh tah-BLOH an-DEEK kuhn trahn eks-PRESS pahr duh(n) NOH-truh KAY. The board shows an express train leaving from a different platform.

Cela pourrait marcher, mais je vais vérifier si votre billet est valable pour ce train.

suh-LAH poo-RAY mar-SHAY, may zhuh VAY vay-ree-FYAY see voh-truh bee-YAY eh vah-LAH-bluh poor suh trahn. That could work, but I'll check whether your ticket is valid for it.

Est-ce que je garde ce billet ou est-ce que j'en prends un nouveau ?

ess-kuh zhuh GARD suh bee-YAY oo ess-kuh zhahn prahn-zuhn noo-VOH? Should I stay with this ticket or get a new one?

Vous pouvez utiliser ce billet parce que votre train d'origine a été annulé.

voo poo-VAY ew-tee-lee-ZAY suh bee-YAY par-SKUH voh-truh trahn doh-ree-ZHEEN ah ay-TAY ahn-oo-LAY. You can use this ticket because your original train was cancelled.

Est-ce que je pourrai quand même prendre ma correspondance à la prochaine gare ?

ess-kuh zhuh poo-RAY kahn MEM prahn-druh mah koh-ray-spohn-DAHNS ah lah proh-SHEN gahr? Will I still make my connection at the next station?

Vous devriez pouvoir la prendre, mais allez maintenant sur le quai et vérifiez encore une fois à votre arrivée.

voo duh-vree-YAY poo-VWAHR lah PRAHN-druh, may ah-LAY man-tuh-NAHN seer luh KAY ay vay-ree-FYAY ahn-KOR oon FWAH ah voh-trah-REEV. You should, but head to the platform now and check again when you arrive.

Word by Word

Mon In “Mon train”, “Mon” means “my” and identifies the train as belonging to or associated with the speaker. It is used directly before the noun it describes, as in “Mon train”. A new example is “Mon billet est valide” for “My ticket is valid.”

train In “Mon train”, “train” means “train”, the vehicle the speaker was supposed to take. It is used after a possessive such as “Mon” and can also be used with a route or destination. A new example is “Le train arrive” for “The train is arriving.”

a In “a été annulé”, “a” helps express that the train has been cancelled. It is followed by “été” and “annulé” in this exact expression. A new example is “Le départ a été retardé” for “The departure has been delayed.”

été In “a été annulé”, “été” contributes the idea of “been” to the statement that the train has been cancelled. Together with “a” and “annulé”, it describes a completed cancellation affecting the train. A new example is “Le billet a été contrôlé” for “The ticket has been checked.”

annulé In “Mon train a été annulé”, “annulé” means “cancelled” and describes what happened to the train. It appears with “a été” in this completed cancellation expression. A new example is “Le vol a été annulé” for “The flight has been cancelled.”

Je In “Je dois bientôt prendre”, “Je” means “I” and identifies the speaker as the person who needs to catch a train. It normally comes before the verb, as in “Je dois”. A new example is “Je cherche le quai” for “I am looking for the platform.”

dois In “Je dois bientôt prendre”, “dois” expresses that the speaker needs to or must catch the train soon. The reusable pattern is “Je dois” followed by an action, such as “Je dois partir”. A passenger can use “Je dois prendre ce train” when explaining a travel obligation.

bientôt In “Je dois bientôt prendre”, “bientôt” means “soon” and places the action near the present or near a deadline. It can be placed before the following action, as in “bientôt prendre”. A new example is “Le train part bientôt” for “The train leaves soon.”

prendre In “prendre un train”, “prendre” means “to take” or, in this travel context, “to catch” a train. It follows “dois” in “Je dois bientôt prendre”. A new example is “Nous allons prendre le prochain train” for “We are going to take the next train.”

un In “un train en correspondance”, “un” means “a” and introduces one connecting train. It comes directly before the noun “train”. A new example is “un autre quai” for “another platform.”

en In “un train en correspondance”, “en” helps describe the train as being part of a connection. Here it belongs to the expression “en correspondance”, which is used after “train”. A new example is “un passager en transit” for “a passenger in transit.”

correspondance In “un train en correspondance”, “correspondance” means a connection or connecting service that the passenger needs to catch. The reusable expression is “en correspondance”, used with a train or journey. A traveler can use it when explaining that one train connects with another.

peux In “Je peux vous aider”, “peux” means “can” and expresses the staff member’s ability or willingness to help. The reusable pattern is “Je peux” followed by an action, here “vous aider”. A new example is “Je peux vérifier votre billet” for “I can check your ticket.”

vous In “Je peux vous aider”, “vous” refers politely to the passenger receiving the help. It comes before “aider” in this expression. A staff member can use “Je peux vous renseigner” when offering information to a passenger.

aider In “vous aider à trouver”, “aider” means “to help” the passenger find another route. The reusable pattern is “aider quelqu’un à” followed by an action, as in “vous aider à trouver”. A new example is “Je peux vous aider à changer de train” for “I can help you change trains.”

à In “vous aider à trouver”, “à” connects “aider” with the action the passenger will carry out: finding another route. The reusable pattern is “aider quelqu’un à” followed by an action. A new example is “Il m’aide à comprendre” for “He helps me understand.”

trouver In “à trouver un autre itinéraire”, “trouver” means “to find” another route. It follows “à” after “aider” and is followed by the thing being found. A traveler can use “trouver un autre itinéraire” when asking for an alternative route.

autre In “un autre itinéraire”, “autre” means “another” and indicates a route different from the cancelled or original one. It comes before the noun “itinéraire”. A new example is “un autre train” for “another train.”

itinéraire In “un autre itinéraire”, “itinéraire” means “route” or “itinerary”, the way the passenger can travel instead. It is used after “un autre” to specify the alternative. A passenger can ask for “un autre itinéraire” after a disruption.

Le In “Le tableau”, “Le” means “the” and introduces the station display being discussed. It comes directly before the noun “tableau”. A new example is “Le quai est fermé” for “The platform is closed.”

tableau In “Le tableau indique”, “tableau” means the station board or display that gives travel information. It is the subject of “indique” and tells the passenger about another train. A new example is “Le tableau affiche le retard” for “The board displays the delay.”

indique In “Le tableau indique qu'un train express part”, “indique” means “shows” or “indicates”. It introduces the information shown on the board, followed here by “qu'un train express part”. A new example is “Le panneau indique la direction” for “The sign indicates the direction.”

qu'un In “indique qu'un train express part”, “qu'un” introduces the information that a train is leaving. It combines “que” with “un” before “train”. A new example is “Il dit qu'un train arrive” for “He says that a train is arriving.”

express In “un train express”, “express” describes the train as an express service. It follows the noun “train” in this exact expression. A new example is “un service express” for “an express service.”

part In “un train express part”, “part” means “leaves” or “departs”. It describes the train’s departure from another platform. A new example is “Le train part à huit heures” for “The train leaves at eight o’clock.”

d'un In “part d'un autre quai”, “d'un” means “from a” and introduces the platform from which the train leaves. It combines “de” with “un” before “autre quai”. A new example is “Le bus vient d'un autre arrêt” for “The bus comes from another stop.”

quai In “un autre quai”, “quai” means “platform”, the place where the express train leaves. It follows “autre” in the phrase “un autre quai”. A passenger can ask “Quel quai ?” when needing to find the departure platform.

Cela In “Cela pourrait marcher”, “Cela” means “that” or “it” and refers to the proposed alternative route or train. It is the subject of “pourrait marcher”. A new example is “Cela semble possible” for “That seems possible.”

pourrait In “Cela pourrait marcher”, “pourrait” expresses that the proposed solution might work. It leaves the result somewhat uncertain, which fits the staff member’s need to check the ticket. A new example is “Cela pourrait être utile” for “That could be useful.”

marcher In “Cela pourrait marcher”, “marcher” means “to work” in the sense of being a workable solution. It follows “pourrait” in this expression. A traveler can say “Cette solution peut marcher” when discussing an alternative arrangement.

mais In “mais je vais vérifier”, “mais” means “but” and introduces a qualification or next step after the possible solution. It connects the idea that the plan could work with the need to check the ticket. A new example is “Je comprends, mais je dois vérifier” for “I understand, but I have to check.”

vais In “je vais vérifier”, “vais” helps express that the speaker is going to check the ticket. It is followed by “vérifier” in this immediate-future expression. A new example is “Je vais regarder le tableau” for “I am going to look at the board.”

vérifier In “je vais vérifier si votre billet est valable”, “vérifier” means “to check” or “to verify” whether the ticket is valid. It is followed by “si” and the information being checked. A staff member can use “Je vais vérifier votre réservation” when checking a passenger’s booking.

si In “vérifier si votre billet est valable”, “si” introduces the question of whether the ticket is valid for the train. It connects “vérifier” with the statement that follows. A new example is “Je vais vérifier si le train est à l'heure” for “I am going to check whether the train is on time.”

votre In “votre billet”, “votre” means “your” and identifies the ticket as belonging to or being used by the passenger. It comes directly before the noun “billet”. A new example is “votre train” for “your train.”

billet In “votre billet”, “billet” means “ticket”, the travel document whose validity the staff member checks. It follows the possessive “votre”. A passenger can use “mon billet” when showing their ticket.

est In “votre billet est valable”, “est” means “is” and links the ticket with the description “valable”. It appears before the adjective in this statement. A new example is “Le quai est libre” for “The platform is free.”

valable In “votre billet est valable pour ce train”, “valable” means “valid” or accepted for the specified train. It is used after “est” and followed by “pour” to identify what the ticket is valid for. A passenger can ask “Est-ce que ce billet est valable ?” when checking ticket acceptance.

pour In “valable pour ce train”, “pour” means “for” and identifies the train for which the ticket may be used. It comes before “ce train”. A new example is “Ce billet est valable pour demain” for “This ticket is valid for tomorrow.”

ce In “ce train”, “ce” means “this” and points to the express or alternative train currently under discussion. It comes directly before the noun “train”. A new example is “ce billet” for “this ticket.”

Est-ce que In “Est-ce que je garde ce billet”, “Est-ce que” is the complete question marker that turns the following statement into a question. The parts “Est-ce” and “que” work together as this opening; the expression is not translated word by word here. A new example is “Est-ce que le train arrive bientôt ?” for “Is the train arriving soon?”

garde In “je garde ce billet”, “garde” means “keep” and asks whether the speaker should continue using the current ticket. It is followed by the object “ce billet”. A passenger can ask “Je garde ce billet ?” when checking whether a ticket remains usable.

ou In “je garde ce billet ou est-ce que j'en prends un nouveau”, “ou” means “or” and presents the alternative between keeping the current ticket and taking a new one. It joins the two choices in the question. A new example is “Je prends le train ou le bus ?” for “Do I take the train or the bus?”

j'en In “j'en prends un nouveau”, “j'en” means “I take one of them”, referring to a new ticket. The expression combines “je” with “en”, and “en” points back to the tickets being discussed. A new example is “J'en prends deux” for “I’ll take two of them.”

nouveau In “un nouveau”, “nouveau” means “new” and describes the ticket the speaker might take instead. The noun “billet” is understood from the preceding question, so “un nouveau” means “a new one”. A new example is “un nouveau billet” for “a new ticket.”

pouvez In “Vous pouvez utiliser”, “pouvez” means “can” and gives the passenger permission or ability to use the ticket. It is followed by “utiliser” and is addressed politely with “Vous”. A new example is “Vous pouvez attendre ici” for “You can wait here.”

utiliser In “utiliser ce billet”, “utiliser” means “to use” the ticket for the alternative train. It follows “pouvez” and takes “ce billet” as its object. A passenger can use “utiliser ce billet” when asking whether the same ticket remains accepted.

parce que In “parce que votre train d'origine a été annulé”, “parce que” is the complete expression meaning “because” and gives the reason the ticket can be used. The parts “parce” and “que” work together to introduce the reason; the meaning belongs to the whole expression. A new example is “Je reste ici parce que le train est en retard” for “I am staying here because the train is delayed.”

d'origine In “votre train d'origine”, “d'origine” means “original” and identifies the train that was initially planned for the passenger. It follows “train” in this exact expression. A new example is “la réservation d'origine” for “the original booking.”

pourrai In “je pourrai quand même prendre”, “pourrai” expresses “will be able to” and asks about the speaker’s future ability to catch the connection. It is followed by “prendre” and the object “ma correspondance”. A new example is “Je pourrai partir demain” for “I will be able to leave tomorrow.”

quand même In “je pourrai quand même prendre ma correspondance”, “quand même” means “still” or “nevertheless”, despite the cancelled train and possible delay. The parts “quand” and “même” form this complete expression, whose meaning here is understood as a whole. A new example is “Il vient quand même” for “He is coming anyway.”

ma In “ma correspondance”, “ma” means “my” and identifies the connection the speaker is trying to catch. It comes directly before the noun “correspondance”. A new example is “ma réservation” for “my booking.”

la In “Vous devriez pouvoir la prendre”, “la” means “it” and refers back to “ma correspondance”. It comes before “prendre”, so the staff member says that the passenger should be able to catch it. A new example is “Je la prends” for “I take it.”

prochaine In “la prochaine gare”, “prochaine” means “next” and identifies the station that comes later on the route. It comes before the noun “gare” in this phrase. A new example is “la prochaine étape” for “the next stage.”

gare In “à la prochaine gare”, “gare” means “station”, specifically the next train station where the passenger will check again. It follows “la prochaine”. A traveler can use “la gare centrale” when referring to a main station.

devriez In “Vous devriez pouvoir la prendre”, “devriez” means “should” and expresses a reasonable expectation that the passenger will be able to catch the connection. It is followed by “pouvoir” and the action “la prendre”. A new example is “Vous devriez arriver à temps” for “You should arrive on time.”

pouvoir In “devriez pouvoir la prendre”, “pouvoir” means “to be able to” and describes the passenger’s expected ability to catch the connection. It follows “devriez” and is followed by the action “la prendre”. A new example is “Vous devez pouvoir entrer” for “You must be able to enter.”

allez In “allez maintenant sur le quai”, “allez” tells the passenger to go or head to the platform now. Here it is used as a direct instruction to “Vous”. A staff member can say “Allez à la sortie” when directing someone toward the exit.

maintenant In “allez maintenant sur le quai”, “maintenant” means “now” and indicates that the passenger should go immediately. It appears with the instruction “allez”. A new example is “Venez maintenant” for “Come now.”

sur In “sur le quai”, “sur” indicates movement toward or onto the platform in the instruction to head there. It is used before “le quai” in this travel direction. A new example is “Montez sur le quai” for “Go up onto the platform.”

et In “allez maintenant sur le quai et vérifiez”, “et” means “and” and joins the instruction to go to the platform with the instruction to check again. It connects two actions in the same direction. A new example is “Attendez et écoutez” for “Wait and listen.”

vérifiez In “vérifiez encore une fois”, “vérifiez” tells the passenger to check again, probably the travel information or connection. It is followed by “encore une fois”, which indicates repetition. A staff member can say “Vérifiez le tableau” when asking a passenger to check the display.

encore In “encore une fois”, “encore” means “again” and shows that the passenger should perform the check another time. It is used with “une fois” in this expression. A new example is “Regardez encore” for “Look again.”

une In “une fois”, “une” means “one” and introduces one occurrence of the check. Together with “fois”, it forms the expression “une fois”. A new example is “une autre fois” for “another time.”

fois In “encore une fois”, “fois” means “time” in the sense of one occurrence. The complete expression “encore une fois” means “again” or “once more”. A new example is “une fois par jour” for “once a day.”

arrivée In “à votre arrivée”, “arrivée” means “arrival” and refers to the moment when the passenger reaches the next station. It follows “votre” and is introduced by “à”. A new example is “à mon arrivée” for “when I arrive” or “upon my arrival.”

Grammar Points

pourrait + infinitif

Pourrait-on vérifier le billet ?

poo-RAY-tohn vay-ree-FYAY luh bee-YAY?

Could we check the ticket?

The conditional form pourrait makes a request more polite. It is followed by the infinitive vérifier.

adjectif après le nom : la prochaine gare

Nous arrivons à la prochaine gare.

noo-zah-ree-VOHN ah lah proh-SHEN gahr.

We are arriving at the next station.

Prochaine agrees with the feminine noun gare. Many French adjectives change form for gender and number.

French Vocabulary

aider verb

ay-DAY to help

Je peux vous aider à trouver un autre itinéraire.

annuler verb

ahn-oo-LAY to cancel annulé

Mon train a été annulé.

bientôt adv

byan-TOH soon

Je dois bientôt prendre un train en correspondance.

correspondance noun

koh-ray-spohn-DAHNS connection

Je dois bientôt prendre un train en correspondance.

express adj

eks-PRESS express

Le tableau indique qu'un train express part d'un autre quai.

indiquer verb

an-dee-KAY to indicate; to show indique

Le tableau indique qu'un train express part d'un autre quai.

itinéraire noun

ee-tee-nay-RAIR route

Je peux vous aider à trouver un autre itinéraire.

prendre verb

PRAHN-druh to take

Je dois bientôt prendre un train en correspondance.

quai noun

KAY platform

Le tableau indique qu'un train express part d'un autre quai.

tableau noun

tah-BLOH board

Le tableau indique qu'un train express part d'un autre quai.

train noun

trahn train

Mon train a été annulé.

trouver verb

troo-VAY to find

Je peux vous aider à trouver un autre itinéraire.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

My train has been cancelled.

Show Answer

Mon train a été annulé.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to help

Show Answer

aider

board

Show Answer

tableau

to find

Show Answer

trouver

soon

Show Answer

bientôt