Finding an accessible route to the platform | Learn French in English

About This Lesson

Use Finding an accessible route to the platform to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Excusez-moi, y a-t-il un itinéraire accessible pour rejoindre le bon quai ?

ehks-kyoo-zay-MWAH, ee-ah-TEEL uhn ee-tee-nay-RAIR ak-seh-SEEBL poor ruh-zhwan-DRUH luh bohn KAY? Excuse me, is there an accessible way to reach the correct platform?

L’ascenseur le plus proche est actuellement fermé pour maintenance.

lah-sahn-SUR luh ploo PROSH eh ahk-too-eh-LMAHN fair-MAY poor mahn-tuh-NAHNS. The closest elevator is closed for maintenance at the moment.

Cela risque d’être difficile avec ma valise lourde.

suh-LAH REESK DEHTR dee-fee-SEEL ah-VEK mah vah-LEEZ LOORD. That might be difficult with my heavy suitcase.

Prenez l’ascenseur près de l’entrée nord. Cela ajoute une courte marche.

pruh-NAY lah-sahn-SUR pray duh lahn-TRAY NOHR. suh-LAH ah-ZHOOT oon KOORT MARSH. Use the elevator by the north entrance. It adds a short walk.

Pouvez-vous m’indiquer où il se trouve, ou les panneaux sont-ils faciles à suivre ?

poo-vay-VOO mahn-dee-KAY oo-eel suh TROOV, oo lay pah-NOH sohn-TEEL fah-SEEL ah SUEEVR? Could you point me toward it, or are the signs easy to follow?

Passez devant les distributeurs de billets, puis suivez les panneaux bleus.

pah-SAY duh-VAHN lay dee-stree-boo-TUR duh bee-YAY, pwee swee-VAY lay pah-NOH BLUH. Go past the ticket machines, then follow the blue signs.

Est-ce que j’arriverai quand même au train avant son départ ?

ess-kuh zhah-ree-vruh-RAY kahn MEM oh TRAN ah-VAHN sohn day-PAR? Will I still reach the train before it leaves?

Si vous partez maintenant, vous devriez y arriver avec un peu d’avance.

see voo par-TAY mahn-tuh-NAHN, voo duh-VREE-ay ee ah-ree-VAY ah-VEK uhn puh dah-VAHNS. If you leave now, you should get there with time to spare.

Je vais par là maintenant.

zhuh vay par LAH mahn-tuh-NAHN. I'll head that way now.

Demandez de l’aide au personnel de la porte si vous en avez besoin en chemin.

duh-mahn-DAY duh LED oh pair-soh-NEL duh lah PORT see voo zahn ah-VAY buh-ZWAN ahn shuh-MAN. Ask the gate staff if you need help on the way.

Word by Word

Excusez-moi “Excusez-moi” means “excuse me” and politely gets the station staff member’s attention. “Excusez” supplies the request to excuse, and “moi” identifies the speaker. This is useful when beginning a polite question to a stranger or staff member.

y In “y a-t-il”, “y” means “there” and refers to the location being discussed, here the station. It forms part of the expression used to ask whether something exists or is available there. A common reuse pattern is “y a-t-il + noun” when asking whether something is present.

a-t-il In “y a-t-il”, “a-t-il” helps form the question “is there”. The inverted form places “a” and “il” around the subject pronoun in this formal question structure. Use it together with “y” when asking whether something is available.

un “Un” means “a” or “an” before “itinéraire”, introducing one accessible route. It is the indefinite article for the singular noun in this question. A common reuse pattern is “un + singular noun” when asking for or referring to one item.

itinéraire “Itinéraire” means “route” here, specifically a route through the station to the platform. In “un itinéraire accessible”, it names the route being requested. It can be reused with an adjective to describe the type of route needed.

accessible “Accessible” describes the route as usable for a traveler who needs an accessible way through the station. It modifies “itinéraire” in “un itinéraire accessible”. This adjective is useful when asking about routes, entrances, facilities, or services that can be used by people with different mobility needs.

pour In “pour rejoindre”, “pour” introduces the purpose of the route: reaching the correct platform. It is followed here by the infinitive “rejoindre”. A common reuse pattern is “pour + infinitive” to explain what something is intended to do.

rejoindre “Rejoindre” means “reach” or “get to” the correct platform in this dialogue. It is the infinitive after “pour” in “pour rejoindre le bon quai”. A useful reuse pattern is “rejoindre + destination” when describing getting to a person or place.

le “Le” means “the” before “bon quai”, referring to the particular platform the traveler needs. It is part of the noun phrase “le bon quai”. Use it before a specific masculine singular noun when referring to a known item.

bon “Bon” means “correct” or “right” in “le bon quai”, not simply “good”. It identifies the platform that matches the traveler’s train or destination. This use is helpful when choosing the correct route, entrance, platform, or direction.

quai “Quai” means “platform” in this station context. In “le bon quai”, it identifies the destination the traveler is trying to reach. A common reuse pattern is “sur le quai” when referring to being on a platform.

L’ascenseur “L’ascenseur” means “the elevator” and introduces the closest elevator being discussed. The apostrophe is used before the vowel sound at the beginning of “ascenseur”. This word is useful when asking for or describing an elevator in a station or building.

plus In “le plus proche”, “plus” contributes the superlative meaning “most”, giving “the closest”. It works together with “proche” to compare the elevator’s location with other elevators. A common reuse pattern is “le plus + adjective” when identifying the item with the greatest degree of a quality.

proche “Proche” means “near” or “close” in “le plus proche”, describing the elevator’s distance from the traveler. Together with “plus”, it means “closest”. It can be reused after a noun or in a location expression to describe something nearby.

est “Est” means “is” in “est actuellement fermé”, stating the elevator’s current condition. It links “L’ascenseur” with the description “fermé”. A common reuse pattern is “noun + est + description” when reporting a present state.

actuellement “Actuellement” means “currently” or “at the moment” and limits the statement to the present situation. In “est actuellement fermé”, it emphasizes that the elevator’s closure is happening now. It can be reused with a present description or action when giving an up-to-date status.

fermé “Fermé” means “closed” and describes the elevator’s current unavailable state. In “fermé pour maintenance”, it explains why the traveler cannot use that elevator. This word is useful for reporting that an entrance, facility, or service is not open.

maintenance “Maintenance” refers to work being carried out to maintain or repair the elevator. In “fermé pour maintenance”, it gives the reason for the closure. It can be reused after “pour” to state that maintenance is the purpose of a temporary closure.

Cela “Cela” means “that” or “it” and refers here to the alternative route or situation just described. It is the subject of “Cela risque d’être difficile”. This pronoun is useful when commenting on a situation that has already been mentioned.

risque In “risque d’être difficile”, “risque” indicates that something may turn out to be difficult. It presents the difficulty as a possibility rather than a certainty. A common reuse pattern is “risquer de + infinitive” when warning about a possible result.

d’être “D’être” means “to be” here and follows “risque” in “risque d’être difficile”. It combines “de” with the infinitive “être” before the adjective “difficile”. Use “de + infinitive” after expressions such as “risquer” when describing a possible action or state.

difficile “Difficile” means “difficult” and describes the situation of traveling with the heavy suitcase. In “Cela risque d’être difficile”, it is the possible result being predicted. It can be reused after “être” to describe a task, route, or situation that is hard to manage.

avec “Avec” means “with” and introduces the circumstance that makes the route difficult: the speaker’s heavy suitcase. In “avec ma valise lourde”, it connects the difficulty with the item being carried. A common reuse pattern is “avec + noun” to mention something accompanying an action or situation.

ma “Ma” means “my” before “valise”, identifying the suitcase as belonging to the speaker. It is part of the phrase “ma valise lourde”. Use it before a noun when describing something owned or associated with the speaker.

valise “Valise” means “suitcase”, the item the traveler is carrying. In “ma valise lourde”, it is the object that makes the extra walk more difficult. This noun is useful when discussing luggage during travel.

lourde “Lourde” means “heavy” and describes “ma valise”. It explains why the short additional walk may be difficult. It can be reused after a noun to describe luggage or another object that has considerable weight.

Prenez “Prenez” means “take” or “use” here and gives the traveler an instruction to use the elevator near the north entrance. It is a polite instruction addressed to the traveler. This form is useful when directing someone to take a route, entrance, vehicle, or facility.

près In “près de l’entrée nord”, “près” means “near” or “by”. It locates the alternative elevator close to the north entrance. A common reuse pattern is “près de + place or object” when giving a location.

de In “près de l’entrée nord”, “de” completes the location expression “près de”, meaning “near”. It introduces the place used as the reference point. Use “près de + noun” to say that something is close to a person, object, or place.

l’entrée “L’entrée” means “the entrance” and identifies the location near the alternative elevator. It is part of the phrase “près de l’entrée nord”. This word is useful when asking for or describing a building or station entrance.

nord “Nord” means “north” and specifies which entrance is meant. In “l’entrée nord”, it identifies the entrance by its direction. It can be reused after a place noun to distinguish locations by direction.

ajoute “Ajoute” means “adds” in “Cela ajoute une courte marche”, indicating that the alternative route creates an extra walk. The subject “Cela” refers to the suggested route. It can be reused when explaining that a change creates an additional distance, step, or task.

une “Une” means “a” or “an” before “courte marche”, introducing one additional walk. It is the indefinite article for the singular noun phrase. A common reuse pattern is “une + singular noun” when mentioning one item or event.

courte “Courte” means “short” and describes the additional walk in “une courte marche”. It reassures the traveler that the extra distance is limited. It can be reused before or with a noun to describe a small duration or distance.

marche “Marche” means “walk” in “une courte marche”, referring to the extra walking required by the alternative route. Here it is a noun describing a distance or activity. It can be reused with an adjective to describe the length or difficulty of a walk.

Pouvez-vous “Pouvez-vous” means “could you” or “can you” and introduces a polite request to the staff member. The inverted form places the question directly before “m’indiquer”. It is useful when asking someone politely to give directions or perform an action.

m’indiquer “M’indiquer” means “point me toward” or “indicate to me” in the request “Pouvez-vous m’indiquer où il se trouve”. The shortened “m’” represents “me” attached to the infinitive “indiquer”. A common reuse pattern is “Pouvez-vous m’indiquer + place or direction” when asking for information.

où “Où” means “where” and introduces the location being requested. In “où il se trouve”, it asks for the place of the elevator. It can be reused at the start of an embedded question about a location.

il “Il” means “it” here and refers to the elevator mentioned in the previous sentence. In “il se trouve”, it is the subject of the location expression. This pronoun can refer back to a previously mentioned masculine noun.

se “Se” is part of the expression “se trouve”, which means “is located” in this dialogue. It does not mean “itself” separately here; it belongs to the verb expression. A useful reuse pattern is “se trouver + place” when stating where something is located.

trouve In “se trouve”, “trouve” contributes the meaning “is located” or “can be found”. Together with “se”, it identifies the elevator’s position. This expression is useful when asking or explaining where a place, object, or facility is.

ou “Ou” means “or” and presents the alternative between receiving directions and following the signs. It links the two options in the question. It can be reused to connect alternatives in a question or statement.

les “Les” means “the” before “panneaux”, referring to the station signs as a known group. It is part of “les panneaux sont-ils faciles à suivre”. Use it before a plural noun when referring to specific items.

panneaux “Panneaux” means “signs” in the station and refers to the signs that guide travelers. In “les panneaux bleus”, their blue color helps identify them. This noun is useful when asking about or following directional signs.

sont-ils “Sont-ils” means “are they” and forms the inverted question about the signs. “Sont” supplies “are”, while “ils” refers to “les panneaux”; the inversion makes the question structure. It is useful in a formal question about whether plural items have a certain quality.

faciles “Faciles” means “easy” and describes the signs as easy to follow. It agrees with the plural subject “les panneaux” in “les panneaux sont-ils faciles à suivre”. A common reuse pattern is “être facile à + infinitive” to describe an action that is easy to carry out.

à In “faciles à suivre”, “à” introduces the infinitive that explains what is easy: following the signs. It connects “faciles” with “suivre”. A common reuse pattern is “être facile à + infinitive” for describing how manageable an action is.

suivre “Suivre” means “follow” in “faciles à suivre”, referring to following the station signs. It is the infinitive after “à”. This verb can be reused with signs, directions, or a route as the thing being followed.

Passez “Passez” means “go past” or “pass” and gives the traveler the first direction. In “Passez devant les distributeurs de billets”, it tells the traveler to continue past the ticket machines. This form is useful for giving a polite direction to one traveler or a group.

devant In “passez devant”, “devant” means “in front of” or, with movement, “past”. It identifies the ticket machines as the point the traveler should pass. A common reuse pattern is “passer devant + place or object” when giving directions.

distributeurs “Distributeurs” means “machines” here, specifically the machines in “les distributeurs de billets”. The surrounding phrase identifies them as ticket machines rather than general dispensers. This word can be reused with “de” and the item a machine provides.

billets “Billets” means “tickets” in “les distributeurs de billets”, referring to the station’s ticket machines. It specifies what the machines dispense or provide. This plural noun is useful when discussing tickets for transport.

puis “Puis” means “then” and marks the next step after passing the ticket machines. It orders the directions in “Passez devant ..., puis suivez ...”. It is useful for linking sequential instructions.

suivez “Suivez” means “follow” and gives the next direction: follow the blue signs. It is a polite instruction addressed to the traveler. This form is useful when telling someone to follow signs, directions, a route, or another person.

bleus “Bleus” means “blue” and identifies which signs the traveler should follow. It describes the plural “panneaux” in “les panneaux bleus”. This adjective is useful when distinguishing signs or objects by color.

Est-ce que “Est-ce que” is a question frame that turns the following statement into a yes-or-no question. In this construction, “Est” supplies the verb form, while “ce” and “que” complete the fixed frame; together they introduce “j’arriverai quand même...”. It is useful for asking a direct question without changing the statement’s basic word order.

j’arriverai “J’arriverai” means “I will arrive” or “I will get to” the train in this question. It expresses the traveler’s future arrival relative to the train’s departure. A common reuse pattern is “j’arriverai + destination or place” when talking about reaching somewhere later.

quand même “Quand même” means “still” or “nevertheless” and asks whether the traveler will reach the train despite the longer accessible route. “Quand” and “même” together form this expression; the whole phrase carries the contrast. It is useful when asking whether an outcome remains possible despite a difficulty.

au “Au” means “to the” in “arriverai au train”, identifying the train as the destination. It is the contracted form of “à” and “le”. A common reuse pattern is “arriver à/au + destination” when describing reaching a place or point.

train “Train” means “train” and is the transport the traveler is trying to reach before departure. In “au train”, it is the destination of the arrival. This noun is useful in station questions about routes, platforms, and departures.

avant “Avant” means “before” and introduces the event that sets the deadline: the train’s departure. In “avant son départ”, it places the arrival earlier than that departure. It can be reused before a noun or event when expressing an earlier time.

son “Son” means “its” here and refers to the train’s departure in “son départ”. It marks the departure as associated with the train already mentioned. A common reuse pattern is “son + noun” when referring back to something belonging to or connected with a previously mentioned item.

départ “Départ” means “departure” and names the train’s leaving time or event. In “avant son départ”, it is the deadline the traveler is concerned about. This noun is useful when discussing transport schedules and leaving times.

Si “Si” means “if” and introduces the condition “Si vous partez maintenant”. It connects leaving now with the expected arrival in time. A common reuse pattern is “si + condition, result” when explaining what will happen under a certain circumstance.

vous “Vous” means “you” in this dialogue and addresses the traveler formally. It is used with “partez”, “devriez”, and other forms directed to that person. It can also address more than one person, but here it politely addresses the traveler.

partez “Partez” means “leave” or “depart” in the condition “Si vous partez maintenant”. It describes the traveler starting the route immediately. It is useful in instructions or conditions about when someone should leave.

maintenant “Maintenant” means “now” and sets the starting time for the route. In “Si vous partez maintenant”, leaving immediately is the condition for arriving with time to spare. It can be reused to specify that an action should happen at the present moment.

devriez “Dev riez” means “should” in “vous devriez y arriver”, expressing an expected result rather than an absolute guarantee. It indicates that leaving now is likely to allow the traveler to get there in time. A common reuse pattern is “devoir + infinitive” when giving advice or describing an expected action.

arriver “Arriver” means “arrive” or “get there” in “y arriver”. It is the infinitive after “devriez” and describes reaching the train or platform. A common reuse pattern is “devoir + arriver” when saying someone should arrive by a certain time.

peu “Peu” means “a little” or “a small amount” in “un peu d’avance”. It indicates that the traveler will have a limited amount of extra time. This expression is useful when describing a small quantity of time, space, or another measurable amount.

d’avance In “avec un peu d’avance”, “d’avance” means “in advance” or “ahead of time”. Together with “un peu”, it says that the traveler should arrive with some time to spare. This expression is useful when discussing arriving before a scheduled event.

Je “Je” means “I” and identifies the traveler as the subject of “Je vais par là maintenant”. It marks the speaker’s own next action. It is used before a verb when stating what the speaker is doing or intends to do.

vais “Vais” means “am going” in “Je vais par là maintenant”, describing the traveler heading in that direction now. It is the verb form used with the subject “Je”. This form is useful when saying where the speaker is going.

par In “par là”, “par” contributes the sense of going via or in a particular direction. Together with “là”, it gives the direction “that way”. A common reuse pattern is “par + directional expression” when indicating the route someone should take.

là “Là” means “there” or “that way” in “Je vais par là maintenant”. It points to the direction indicated by the staff member. It can be reused to refer to a place or direction that is clear from the situation.

Demandez “Demandez” means “ask” and gives the traveler a polite instruction for getting help later. In “Demandez de l’aide au personnel”, it tells the traveler whom to ask and what to ask for. This form is useful when directing someone to request information or assistance.

l’aide “L’aide” means “help” and is what the traveler should request from the gate staff. It is the object of “Demandez de l’aide”. A common reuse pattern is “demander de l’aide” when asking someone for assistance.

personnel “Personnel” means “staff” and refers to the people working at the station gate. In “au personnel de la porte”, it identifies who can provide help. This noun is useful when directing a traveler to ask employees rather than another passenger.

la “La” means “the” before “porte”, referring to the particular gate in the station. It is part of “la porte” within “au personnel de la porte”. Use it before a specific singular noun when referring to a known place or object.

porte “Porte” means “gate” in this station context, not a household door. In “le personnel de la porte”, it identifies the gate where the staff work. This word can be reused when specifying staff or services associated with a particular gate.

en In “vous en avez besoin”, “en” refers back to “de l’aide”, meaning “of it” or simply “it” in “need it”. The same form also appears in “en chemin”, where the phrase means “on the way”; its meaning comes from the full expression. Use “avoir besoin de” for needing something, with “en” replacing a previously mentioned thing introduced by “de”.

avez “Avez” means “have” in the expression “avoir besoin”, which means “need”. In “si vous en avez besoin”, it forms the polite or plural “you need it” with “vous”. A common reuse pattern is “vous avez besoin de + noun” when stating that someone needs something.

besoin “Besoin” means “need” in the expression “avoir besoin de”. In “vous en avez besoin”, the pronoun “en” replaces the help that is needed. This noun is commonly reused in the pattern “avoir besoin de + noun or infinitive”.

chemin “Chemin” means “way” or “route” in “en chemin”, meaning “on the way”. It refers to the traveler’s route toward the platform or train. This expression is useful when describing something that happens during a journey from one place to another.

Grammar Points

le plus + adjectif

le plus proche

luh ploo PROSH

the closest

French forms the superlative with le plus before an adjective; the adjective agrees with the noun when needed.

adjectif + à + infinitif

faciles à suivre

fah-SEEL ah SUEEVR

easy to follow

This structure describes something that is easy or difficult to do: an adjective followed by à and an infinitive.

French Vocabulary

accessible adj

ak-seh-SEEBL accessible

actuellement adv

ahk-too-eh-LMAHN currently; at the moment

ascenseur noun

ah-sahn-SUR elevator

difficile adj

dee-fee-SEEL difficult

Excusez-moi intj

ehks-kyoo-zay-MWAH Excuse me

A polite way to get someone's attention

fermé adj

fair-MAY closed

itinéraire noun

ee-tee-nay-RAIR route; itinerary

le plus proche adj

luh ploo PROSH the closest

maintenance noun

mahn-tuh-NAHNS maintenance

quai noun

KAY platform

rejoindre verb

ruh-zhwan-DRUH to reach; to join

risque verb

REESK may; risks being

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I'll head that way now.

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Je vais par là maintenant.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

route; itinerary

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itinéraire

to reach; to join

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rejoindre

platform

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quai

elevator

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ascenseur