Explaining a Dashboard Problem | Learn French in English

French lesson set in a contemporary Paris everyday setting: At work, two colleagues prepare a calm nontechnical explanation of a dashboard bug and a temporary export workaround..

EN → FR / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Explaining a Dashboard Problem to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Le tableau de bord a un bug, mais je peux l'expliquer sans détails techniques.

luh tah-BLOH duh BOR ah uhn bewg, meh zhuh puh lex-plee-KAY sahn day-TYE teh-NEEK The dashboard has a bug, but I can explain it without technical details.
B

Fais-le, s'il te plaît, parce que l'équipe commerciale a seulement besoin de connaître l'impact.

feh-luh, seel tuh PLAY, parss kuh lay-KEEP koh-mehr-SYAL ah suhl-MAHN buh-ZWAN duh koh-NETR lan-PAKT Please do, because the sales team only needs to know the impact.
A

Certains graphiques continuent d'afficher d'anciens chiffres après que les utilisateurs ont modifié le filtre de date.

sur-TAN grah-FEEK kohn-tee-NEW dah-fee-SHAY dahn-SYAN SHEEFR ah-PRAY kuh lay-zee-tee-lee-zah-TUR ohn moh-dee-FYAY luh FEEL-truh duh DAHT Some charts keep showing old numbers after users change the date filter.
B

Les utilisateurs peuvent-ils quand même télécharger le bon rapport ?

lay-zee-tee-lee-zah-TUR PUHV-teel kahn MEM tay-lay-shar-ZHAY luh bohn rah-POR Can users still download the correct report?
A

Les rapports exportés sont corrects, donc ils constituent une bonne solution temporaire.

lay rah-POR eks-por-TAY sohn koh-REKT, donk eel kon-stee-TEW oon buhn soh-lew-SYON tahn-poh-REHR The exported reports are correct, so they are a good temporary workaround.
B

Combien de temps faudra-t-il pour corriger le tableau de bord ?

kohn-BYAN duh tahn foh-DRAH-teel poor koh-ree-ZHAY luh tah-BLOH duh BOR How long will it take to fix the dashboard?
A

Nous pouvons reproduire le problème, et une mise à jour devrait être prête demain.

noo poo-VOHN ruh-proh-DWEER luh proh-BLEM, ay oon meez ah ZHOOR duh-VRAY EHTR PREHT duh-MAN We can reproduce the issue, and an update should be ready tomorrow.
B

Alors, je peux dire à l'équipe d'utiliser les rapports exportés jusqu'à ce que la mise à jour soit prête.

ah-LOR, zhuh puh DEER ah lay-KEEP duh-tee-lee-ZAY lay rah-POR eks-por-TAY zhoos-KAH suh kuh lah meez ah ZHOOR swah PREHT Then I can tell the team to use the exported reports until the update is ready.
A

Une courte note avec des captures d'écran devrait aider.

ewn KOORT NOHT ah-VEK day kahp-TEWR day-KRON duh-VRAY ay-DAY A short note with screenshots should help.
B

Cela aidera à transmettre le message plus calmement.

suh-LAH ay-duh-RAH ah trahnz-METR luh meh-SAHZH plew kahl-muh-MAHN That will make the message easier to deliver calmly.

Word by Word

Le In "Le tableau de bord", "Le" means “the”; in "Fais-le", the lowercase "le" means “it.” It is a definite article in the first expression and an object pronoun in the second, so its function depends on the surrounding words.
tableau de bord "tableau de bord" means “dashboard.” In this expression, "tableau" contributes the idea of a board or display, "de" links the components, and "bord" contributes the board element. It is useful for naming the dashboard being discussed, as in "Le tableau de bord a un bug".
a "a" means “has” in "Le tableau de bord a un bug." It is a form of "avoir" and is used here to say that the dashboard has a problem; compare the same ownership pattern in "a un bug".
un "un" means “a” in "un bug" and introduces one unspecified masculine noun. It is the indefinite article used before "bug" here. Reuse it when introducing a single masculine item.
bug "bug" means a software bug or malfunction in "a un bug." It names the technical problem affecting the dashboard. It is useful in a work conversation when identifying a software problem.
mais "mais" means “but” and contrasts the bug with the speaker’s ability to explain it. It links the two parts of "a un bug, mais je peux l'expliquer". Use it to introduce a limitation followed by a contrasting point.
je "je" means “I” and identifies the speaker in "je peux l'expliquer." It appears before the verb in this statement. Reuse it when describing your own ability or action.
peux "peux" means “can” in "je peux l'expliquer." It is a form of "pouvoir" and is followed here by an infinitive-like action, "l'expliquer". This construction states that the speaker is able to explain something.
l'expliquer "l'expliquer" means “explain it” in "je peux l'expliquer." The "l'" refers to the bug, while "expliquer" names the action. It is a useful object-plus-infinitive construction after "je peux".
sans "sans" means “without” and introduces what is absent from the explanation in "sans détails techniques." It is followed here by a noun phrase. Use it to state that an action is done without a particular thing.
détails "détails" means “details” in "sans détails techniques." It names the information that the speaker will leave out. It is used here after "sans" and before the description "techniques".
techniques "techniques" means “technical” and describes the details in "détails techniques." Its plural form matches the plural noun "détails". This phrase is useful when limiting an explanation to nontechnical information.
Fais "Fais" means “do” in the instruction "Fais-le, s'il te plaît." It is an informal singular command and a form of "faire". The object pronoun "le" follows it in "Fais-le".
s'il te plaît "s'il te plaît" means “please” as a polite request. The whole expression functions together: "s'il" expresses “if it,” "te" refers to “you,” and "plaît" contributes “pleases.” It is used here to soften the informal instruction "Fais-le".
parce que "parce que" means “because” and introduces the reason for the request. "parce" and "que" work together as one conjunction in "parce que l'équipe commerciale...". Use it before a clause that explains why something is true or requested.
l'équipe "l'équipe" means “the team.” "l'" is the definite article before the vowel sound at the start of "équipe", and "équipe" names the group. Here it refers to the sales team that needs information.
commerciale "commerciale" means “sales-related” or “commercial” in "l'équipe commerciale." It describes the team and uses the feminine singular form matching "équipe". This phrase identifies the business or sales team in the conversation.
seulement "seulement" means “only” and limits what the sales team needs to know in "a seulement besoin de connaître l'impact." It narrows the information to the impact rather than technical details. Use it to express a restriction on what is needed.
besoin "besoin" means “need” in "a seulement besoin de connaître l'impact." It appears in the expression "avoir besoin de" followed here by an infinitive. This construction states what someone needs to do or know.
de "de" links parts of several expressions in the dialogue, including "tableau de bord", "besoin de connaître", and "filtre de date." Before "connaître", it introduces the action that is needed; between nouns, it links their relationship. Its meaning therefore depends on the construction around it.
connaître "connaître" means “know” in "besoin de connaître l'impact." It is an infinitive following "besoin de" and takes "l'impact" as its object here. Use this construction when stating that someone needs to know specific information.
l'impact "l'impact" means “the impact” in "connaître l'impact." "l'" is the definite article before the vowel-starting noun "impact". Here it refers to the effect of the dashboard problem on the sales team.
Certains "Certains" means “some” in "Certains graphiques." It identifies an unspecified part of the plural group of charts. Use it before a plural noun when only some items are affected or involved.
graphiques "graphiques" means “charts” or “graphs” in "Certains graphiques." It names the visual elements that continue to show old figures. The phrase is useful when describing which parts of a dashboard have a problem.
continuent "continuent" means “continue” in "continuent d'afficher d'anciens chiffres." It is a form of "continuer" and is followed here by "d'afficher" to describe an action that goes on. This construction reports a repeated or ongoing display problem.
d'afficher "d'afficher" means “to display” or “to show” in "continuent d'afficher d'anciens chiffres." It combines "d'" with the infinitive "afficher" after "continuent". Use it here to name what the charts keep doing.
d'anciens "d'anciens" describes the figures as old or previous in "d'anciens chiffres." The form "d'" appears before the vowel-starting adjective, and "anciens" describes the plural noun that follows. It is useful for explaining that the displayed values have not been updated.
chiffres "chiffres" means “figures” or “numbers” in "d'anciens chiffres." It names the numerical values shown by the charts. Use it with a description such as "d'anciens" when discussing displayed data.
après "après" means “after” and places one event later than another in "après que les utilisateurs ont modifié le filtre de date." It introduces the event involving the users’ change. Use it to describe what happens after a particular action.
que "que" helps introduce the clause after "après" in "après que les utilisateurs ont modifié le filtre de date" and after "jusqu'à ce que" later in the dialogue. It does not carry the whole meaning of either connector by itself. It links the connector to the following clause.
les "les" means “the” before plural nouns, as in "Les utilisateurs" and "Les rapports exportés." It is the plural definite article. Use it when referring to a particular group or set of plural items.
utilisateurs "utilisateurs" means “users.” In "Les utilisateurs peuvent-ils...", it identifies the people who may download the report. It is useful in software discussions when referring to people using a system.
ont "ont" means “have” in "ont modifié le filtre de date." It is a form of "avoir" used with "modifié" to describe the users’ completed change. This combination reports an action the users have carried out.
modifié "modifié" means “changed” or “modified” in "ont modifié le filtre de date." It is a form of "modifier" used with "ont". The phrase identifies the action that happened before the charts continued showing old numbers.
filtre "filtre" means “filter” in "le filtre de date." It names the control used to select or limit the dates. This noun is useful when explaining which dashboard setting users changed.
date "date" means “date” in "filtre de date." It specifies what the filter concerns. The phrase is used to identify a filter based on dates.
peuvent "peuvent" means “can” or “are able to” in "Les utilisateurs peuvent-ils quand même télécharger le bon rapport ?" It is a form of "pouvoir" and is placed before the subject in this inverted question. It asks about the users’ ability to download the report.
ils "ils" means “they” and refers to the users in "peuvent-ils quand même télécharger le bon rapport ?" It follows the verb because this is an inverted question. The pattern connects a question verb with the plural subject.
quand même "quand même" means “still” or “nevertheless” in the question about downloading the report. The components "quand" and "même" form one expression here, showing that the download remains possible despite the dashboard bug. Use it to acknowledge an obstacle while stating that something remains true.
télécharger "télécharger" means “download” in "peuvent-ils quand même télécharger le bon rapport ?" It is the infinitive that follows "peuvent-ils". This is useful when asking whether users can obtain a file from the system.
bon "bon" means “correct” or “right” in "le bon rapport." It describes the report that contains the correct information, not merely any report. Use it before the noun when identifying the suitable or correct item.
rapport "rapport" means “report” in "le bon rapport." It names the document the users want to download. The phrase is useful when referring to one specific report.
rapports "rapports" means “reports” in "Les rapports exportés sont corrects." It refers to multiple exported documents. Use this plural noun when discussing the collection of reports available as a workaround.
exportés "exportés" means “exported” in "Les rapports exportés." It describes the reports as having been produced through an export. The phrase is used here to identify the reports that remain correct.
sont "sont" means “are” in "Les rapports exportés sont corrects." It is a form of "être" linking the reports with their quality. This structure states a fact about the reports.
corrects "corrects" means “correct” in "Les rapports exportés sont corrects." It describes the plural reports and says that their information is accurate. This word is useful when confirming that an alternative output can be trusted.
donc "donc" means “so” or “therefore” and introduces the consequence in "sont corrects, donc ils constituent une bonne solution temporaire." It connects the reports’ correctness with their usefulness as a workaround. Use it to state a conclusion based on the preceding information.
constituent "constituent" means “constitute” or “form” in "ils constituent une bonne solution temporaire." It is a form of "constituer" and says that the reports function as the temporary solution. This verb is useful for describing what something represents or provides in a situation.
une "une" means “a” or “one” as the feminine singular indefinite article in "une bonne solution temporaire" and "Une courte note." It introduces one feminine noun in each phrase. Use it before a single feminine item.
bonne "bonne" means “good” or “suitable” in "une bonne solution temporaire." It describes "solution" and uses the feminine form corresponding to that noun. Here it evaluates the workaround positively.
solution "solution" means “solution” and refers specifically to a practical workaround in "une bonne solution temporaire." It names the way the team can work around the dashboard problem. Use it when presenting an answer to a problem.
temporaire "temporaire" means “temporary” in "une bonne solution temporaire." It limits the solution to the period before the update is ready. This word is useful when describing an interim arrangement.
Combien "Combien" means “how much” or “how many” in "Combien de temps faudra-t-il...". Together with "de temps", it asks about duration rather than quantity of objects. Use this expression when asking how long an action will require.
temps "temps" means “time” in "Combien de temps faudra-t-il pour corriger le tableau de bord ?". With "combien de", it forms a question about duration. This phrase is useful when asking for an estimated time.
faudra "faudra" contributes “will be necessary” or “will be needed” in "Combien de temps faudra-t-il...". It is a form of "falloir" and is used in this impersonal question to ask how much time is required. The complete expression asks how long the fix will take.
il "il" is the impersonal “it” in the inverted expression "faudra-t-il"; it does not refer to a male person here. It forms part of the question about the time needed. This pattern is used for asking what will be required.
pour "pour" means “in order to” in "pour corriger le tableau de bord." It introduces the purpose or action for which time is needed. It is followed here by the infinitive "corriger".
corriger "corriger" means “fix” or “correct” in "pour corriger le tableau de bord." It is an infinitive after "pour" and names the action planned for the dashboard. Use it when describing the repair of an error or problem.
Nous "Nous" means “we” and identifies the group that can reproduce the issue in "Nous pouvons reproduire le problème." It appears as the subject before the verb. Use it when speaking for yourself and at least one other person.
pouvons "pouvons" means “can” or “are able to” in "Nous pouvons reproduire le problème." It is a form of "pouvoir" used with "nous" and followed by the infinitive "reproduire". The phrase states that the team is able to recreate the problem.
reproduire "reproduire" means “reproduce” or “replicate” in "Nous pouvons reproduire le problème." It is the infinitive after "pouvons" and refers to recreating the same behavior. This word is useful when confirming that a software issue can be repeated.
problème "problème" means “problem” or “issue” in "reproduire le problème." It names the behavior that the team can recreate. Use it when referring to the specific fault under investigation.
et "et" means “and” and links the team’s ability to reproduce the problem with the expected update in "reproduire le problème, et une mise à jour...". It joins two related pieces of information. Use it to add another connected statement.
mise à jour "mise à jour" means “update.” In the expression, "mise" contributes the idea of putting or bringing, "à" links the components, and "jour" contributes the idea of the day; together they form the established noun phrase for an update. It is used here for the software update expected tomorrow.
devrait "devrait" means “should” or “is expected to” in "une mise à jour devrait être prête demain." It is a form of "devoir" and expresses an expectation here, not an instruction. Use it when giving a likely but not fully certain time or result.
être "être" means “be” in "devrait être prête demain." It is the infinitive following "devrait" and links the update with its expected state. The phrase says that the update is expected to be ready.
prête "prête" means “ready” in "une mise à jour devrait être prête demain." It describes "mise à jour" and uses the feminine form matching that noun. Use it to say that an item will be available for use.
demain "demain" means “tomorrow” and gives the expected time in "être prête demain." It places the update’s readiness on the following day. Use it to refer to the day after today.
Alors "Alors" means “then” or “in that case” in "Alors, je peux dire à l'équipe...". It shows that the speaker’s next action follows from the expected update. Use it when drawing a practical conclusion from what was just said.
dire "dire" means “tell” or “say” in "je peux dire à l'équipe d'utiliser les rapports exportés." It is an infinitive after "peux" and takes the recipient "à l'équipe" plus the action being communicated. This construction is useful for telling someone what to do.
à In "dire à l'équipe", "à" marks the person receiving the information. It also links components in "mise à jour" and "jusqu'à ce que", but in this sentence its practical role is marking the team being told. Reuse it with a recipient after "dire".
d'utiliser "d'utiliser" means “to use” in "dire à l'équipe d'utiliser les rapports exportés." It combines "d'" with the infinitive "utiliser" and introduces the action the team is told to perform. This construction preserves the action after "dire à l'équipe".
jusqu'à ce que "jusqu'à ce que" means “until” in "jusqu'à ce que la mise à jour soit prête." The components work together: "jusqu'à" marks the endpoint, "ce" points toward the following event, and "que" introduces that clause. Use it to state that an action continues up to a condition or event.
la "la" means “the” before the feminine noun "mise à jour" in "la mise à jour soit prête." It is the feminine singular definite article. Use it when referring to the specific update already mentioned.
soit "soit" means “is” in "jusqu'à ce que la mise à jour soit prête." It is a form of "être" used in the clause describing the point at which the temporary action ends. Here it says that the update is ready.
courte "courte" means “short” in "Une courte note." It describes the feminine noun "note" and matches it in form. The phrase presents a brief written explanation.
note "note" means “note” in "Une courte note avec des captures d'écran." It refers to a short written message intended to help explain the problem. Use it when proposing a brief piece of written information.
avec "avec" means “with” and introduces the accompanying screenshots in "une courte note avec des captures d'écran." It links the note to what it contains or includes. Use it to describe something provided together with another thing.
des "des" is the plural indefinite article in "des captures d'écran." It introduces multiple unspecified screenshots. Use it before a plural noun when referring to some items rather than a specific set.
captures d'écran "captures d'écran" means “screenshots.” In this expression, "captures" contributes the idea of captures, while "d'écran" means “of the screen” and specifies what is captured. It is used here as supporting material in the explanatory note.
Cela "Cela" means “that” or “this” and refers to the note with screenshots in "Cela aidera à transmettre le message...". It acts as the subject of the following statement. Use it to point back to an idea or action just mentioned.
aidera "aidera" means “will help” in "Cela aidera à transmettre le message." It is a form of "aider" and is followed by "à transmettre" to identify what the help will make easier. This construction describes a future helpful effect.
transmettre "transmettre" means “convey” or “deliver” in "aidera à transmettre le message." It is the infinitive after "aidera à" and names the action applied to the message. Use it when passing information on to other people.
message "message" means “message” in "transmettre le message." It is the information being conveyed to the team. Use it when referring to a communication that needs to be passed on.
plus "plus" means “more” in "plus calmement." It modifies "calmement" and makes the manner of delivery calmer than before. Use it with an adverb to express a greater degree of that manner.
calmement "calmement" means “calmly” and describes how the message will be delivered in "transmettre le message plus calmement." It expresses a calm manner of communicating. This usage is useful when discussing the tone of an explanation.

Grammar Points

l’ + infinitif

l’expliquer

lex-plee-KAY

to explain it

Le pronom objet l’ se place devant l’infinitif et s’élide devant une voyelle.

accord au pluriel

anciens rapports exportés

ahn-SYAN rah-POR eks-por-TAY

old exported reports

Les adjectifs s’accordent avec le nom masculin pluriel : anciens et exportés prennent -s.

French Vocabulary

afficher verb
ah-fee-SHAY to display, to show

d'afficher d'anciens chiffres

ancien adj
ahn-SYAN old anciens

d'anciens chiffres

bug noun
bewg bug

a un bug

chiffre noun
SHEEFR number, figure chiffres

d'anciens chiffres

continuer verb
kohn-tee-NWAY to keep on, to continue continuent

continuent d'afficher

détail noun
day-TYE detail détails

sans détails techniques

équipe commerciale phrase
ay-KEEP koh-mehr-SYAL sales team

l'équipe commerciale

expliquer verb
eks-plee-KAY to explain l'expliquer

je peux l'expliquer

graphique noun
grah-FEEK chart graphiques

Certains graphiques

impact noun
an-PAKT impact

connaître l'impact

tableau de bord noun
tah-BLOH duh BOR dashboard

Le tableau de bord

technique adj
teh-NEEK technical techniques

détails techniques

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

chart

Show Answergraphiques

to keep on, to continue

Show Answercontinuent

impact

Show Answerimpact

detail

Show Answerdétails