Hiking Plans and Safety | Learn French in English

About This Lesson

Use Hiking Plans and Safety to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Le sentier de montagne est magnifique, mais il est peut-être trop difficile pour les débutants.

luh sahn-TYAY duh mohn-TAHN-yuh eh mah-nee-FEEK, meh eel eh puh-TEHTR troh dee-fee-SEEL poor lay day-bew-TAHN The mountain trail looks beautiful, but it may be too difficult for beginners.

Vérifions la distance, le dénivelé et les prévisions météo avant de décider.

vay-ree-fee-YOHN lah dee-STAHNSS, luh day-nee-vuh-LAY ay lay pray-vee-ZYOHN MAY-tay-OH ah-VAHN duh day-see-DAY Let's check the distance, elevation, and weather forecast before we decide.

C'est un itinéraire assez long.

say-TUHN ee-tee-nay-RAIR ah-SAY lohn It is a fairly long route.

Les prévisions annoncent une pluie légère dans l'après-midi.

lay pray-vee-ZYOHNZ ah-NOHNSS ewn plwee LAY-zhehr dahn lah-preh-mee-DEE The forecast says light rain in the afternoon.

Alors, il faut partir tôt et prévoir un plan de secours.

ah-LOHR, eel FOH par-TEER toh ay pray-VWAHR uhn plahn duh suh-KOOR Then we need an early start and a backup plan.

Il y a un itinéraire plus court qui revient à la même gare.

eel yah uhn ee-tee-nay-RAIR plew KOOR kee ruh-VYAN ah lah MEM gahr There is a shorter route that returns to the same station.

Cela semble plus sûr si le sentier devient glissant.

suh-LAH sahmbl plew SEWR see luh sahn-TYAY duh-VYAN glee-SAHN That sounds safer if the trail conditions become slippery.

Devrait-on dire à tout le monde d'apporter de bonnes chaussures et de l'eau ?

duh-VRAY-tohn DEER ah too luh MOHND dah-por-TAY duh bun shoh-SEWR ay duh LOH Should we tell everyone to bring proper shoes and water?

Ils devraient apporter les deux.

eel duh-VRAY ah-por-TAY lay DUH They should bring both.

Nous devrions préciser que nous ferons demi-tour si nécessaire.

noo duh-vree-OHN pray-see-ZAY kuh noo fuh-RON duh-MEE-toor see nay-say-SEHR We should make it clear that we will turn back if needed.

Je partagerai la carte de l'itinéraire et l'heure du rendez-vous ce soir.

zhuh par-tah-zhuh-RAY lah KAHRT duh lee-tee-nay-RAIR ay LUHR duh rahn-day-VOO suh SWAHR I will share the route map and meeting time tonight.

Cela devrait aider tout le monde à se préparer et à décider s'ils peuvent se joindre à nous.

suh-LAH duh-VRAY EH-day too luh MOHND ah suh pray-pah-RAY ay ah day-see-DAY seel PUHV suh ZHWAHNDR ah NOO That should help everyone prepare and decide if they can join.

Word by Word

Le ‘Le’ means “the” in ‘Le sentier de montagne’, identifying the mountain trail. It comes before a masculine singular noun in this use. Use ‘le’ before a specific masculine singular noun when describing or identifying something.

sentier ‘Sentier’ means “trail” in ‘Le sentier de montagne’. The phrase ‘sentier de montagne’ identifies a trail in the mountains. Use ‘sentier’ for a path intended for walking, especially in a natural area.

de ‘De’ links ‘sentier’ with ‘montagne’ in ‘sentier de montagne’, giving the relation “mountain trail”. It commonly connects a noun with the type, material, or setting associated with it. Use ‘de’ in noun combinations such as ‘nom de lieu’ in a new example.

montagne ‘Montagne’ means “mountain” in ‘sentier de montagne’. Here it specifies the setting or type of trail. Use ‘montagne’ when talking about a mountain or a mountain area.

est ‘Est’ means “is” in ‘Le sentier de montagne est magnifique’. It links the trail with the description ‘magnifique’. Use ‘est’ to describe what something is like with a noun or adjective.

magnifique ‘Magnifique’ means “beautiful” or “magnificent” as a description of the trail in ‘est magnifique’. It gives a strongly positive evaluation. Use ‘magnifique’ when reacting positively to a landscape, place, or experience.

mais ‘Mais’ means “but” and introduces the contrast between the beautiful trail and its possible difficulty. It connects two ideas with different implications. Use ‘mais’ when adding a qualification or contrasting point.

il ‘Il’ means “it” here and refers back to the trail in ‘il est peut-être trop difficile’. It is the thing being evaluated as possibly too difficult. Use ‘il’ to refer back to a masculine singular noun when it is the subject of the next clause.

peut-être ‘Peut-être’ means “perhaps” or “maybe” in ‘il est peut-être trop difficile’, expressing uncertainty. The components ‘peut’ and ‘être’ form this fixed expression rather than contributing separate meanings in the sentence. Use ‘peut-être’ when you want to make a possibility sound tentative.

trop ‘Trop’ means “too” in ‘trop difficile’, showing that the difficulty may exceed what beginners can manage. It comes before the adjective it modifies. Use ‘trop’ before an adjective when something goes beyond a suitable or acceptable level.

difficile ‘Difficile’ means “difficult” in ‘trop difficile pour les débutants’. It describes the trail’s level of challenge. Use ‘difficile’ to evaluate a route, task, explanation, or situation as hard to manage.

pour ‘Pour’ means “for” in ‘difficile pour les débutants’, identifying the people for whom the trail may be too difficult. It introduces the affected group. Use ‘pour’ before a person or group when describing suitability or effect.

les ‘Les’ means “the” in ‘les débutants’, referring to beginners as a group. It introduces a plural noun phrase. Use ‘les’ before a specific or general plural group or set of people.

débutants ‘Débutants’ means “beginners” in ‘pour les débutants’. It refers to people with limited experience of the activity. Use ‘débutants’ when distinguishing inexperienced participants from more experienced ones.

Vérifions ‘Vérifions’ means “let’s check” in ‘Vérifions la distance, le dénivelé et les prévisions météo’. It proposes checking several facts together before making a decision. Use ‘Vérifions’ followed by the information or items you want to examine.

la ‘La’ means “the” in ‘la distance’, referring to the relevant distance of the route. It comes before a feminine singular noun in this use. Use ‘la’ before a specific feminine singular noun.

distance ‘Distance’ means “distance” in ‘la distance’. Here it is one of the route details to check before deciding. Use ‘distance’ when measuring or discussing how far a place, route, or journey extends.

dénivelé ‘Dénivelé’ means the elevation gain or change in elevation of the route. In ‘la distance, le dénivelé et les prévisions météo’, it is a practical difficulty factor to check before hiking. Use ‘dénivelé’ when assessing how much a route rises or falls.

et ‘Et’ means “and” and joins ‘la distance’, ‘le dénivelé’, and ‘les prévisions météo’. It combines items in one list. Use ‘et’ to connect related nouns, phrases, or actions.

prévisions ‘Prévisions’ means “forecast” in ‘les prévisions météo’, referring to information about expected weather. It is one of the facts the hikers check before deciding. Use ‘prévisions’ for information that predicts future conditions, especially when followed by a context such as weather.

météo ‘Météo’ means “weather” in ‘les prévisions météo’. It specifies that the forecast concerns weather conditions. Use ‘météo’ when discussing weather information or the weather forecast.

avant ‘Avant’ means “before” in ‘avant de décider’, placing the checking action earlier than the decision. It introduces the time relationship between two actions. Use ‘avant de’ followed by an infinitive when one action happens before another.

décider ‘Décider’ means “decide” in ‘avant de décider’. It is the action that will happen after the route, elevation, and weather have been checked. Use ‘décider’ when choosing what to do after considering information.

C'est ‘C’est’ means “it is” in ‘C’est un itinéraire assez long’, identifying and describing the route. It combines the subject reference with a description or noun phrase. Use ‘C’est + noun or adjective’ when presenting or evaluating something.

un ‘Un’ means “a” or “an” in ‘un itinéraire’, introducing one route without presenting it as a previously identified specific item. It comes before the noun ‘itinéraire’. Use ‘un’ before a masculine singular noun when referring to one item.

itinéraire ‘Itinéraire’ means “route” or “itinerary” in ‘un itinéraire assez long’. Here it refers to the planned hiking route. Use ‘itinéraire’ when describing the route or sequence planned for a journey.

assez ‘Assez’ means “fairly” or “quite” in ‘assez long’, giving a moderate degree to the description. It comes before ‘long’. Use ‘assez + adjective’ when describing something as noticeably, but not extremely, so.

long ‘Long’ means “long” in ‘un itinéraire assez long’. It describes the route’s extent and helps explain why the group needs to consider the plan carefully. Use ‘long’ to describe the length or duration of a route, object, or activity.

annoncent ‘Annoncent’ means “announce” or “forecast” in ‘Les prévisions annoncent une pluie légère’. The forecast is presented as reporting expected rain. Use ‘les prévisions annoncent’ before the weather condition being predicted.

une ‘Une’ means “a” or “an” in ‘une pluie légère’, introducing one type or occurrence of rain. It comes before the feminine singular noun ‘pluie’. Use ‘une’ before a feminine singular noun when introducing one item or event.

pluie ‘Pluie’ means “rain” in ‘une pluie légère’. It is the weather condition predicted for the afternoon. Use ‘pluie’ when talking about rain as a weather event or condition.

légère ‘Légère’ means “light” in ‘une pluie légère’, describing the rain as not heavy. It modifies ‘pluie’ and gives the expected intensity. Use ‘légère’ with a suitable feminine noun when describing something as light or limited in intensity.

dans ‘Dans’ means “in” or “during” in ‘dans l’après-midi’, locating the rain within the afternoon. It introduces a period of time here. Use ‘dans’ with a time period when saying that something occurs within it.

l'après-midi ‘L’après-midi’ means “the afternoon” in ‘dans l’après-midi’. The component ‘l’’ is the shortened article before ‘après-midi’, and ‘après-midi’ names the afternoon period; together they form the complete time expression. Use ‘dans l’après-midi’ when locating an event during the afternoon.

Alors ‘Alors’ means “then” or “so” at the start of the response ‘Alors, il faut partir tôt’. It presents the practical consequence of the forecast. Use ‘Alors’ to connect new action or advice to information just mentioned.

faut ‘Faut’ means “is needed” or “is necessary” in the expression ‘il faut partir tôt’. It states that leaving early is necessary in response to the route and weather conditions. Use ‘il faut’ followed by an infinitive to state what needs to be done.

partir ‘Partir’ means “leave” or “depart” in ‘il faut partir tôt’. It names the action that is necessary. Use ‘partir’ with a time, place, or reason when explaining when or from where someone leaves.

tôt ‘Tôt’ means “early” in ‘partir tôt’, specifying the departure time. It modifies the action of leaving. Use ‘tôt’ when recommending or describing an early time for an action.

prévoir ‘Prévoir’ means “plan” or “arrange for” in ‘prévoir un plan de secours’. It names the action of preparing for a possible change or problem. Use ‘prévoir’ followed by the thing being planned or arranged.

plan ‘Plan’ means “plan” in ‘un plan de secours’. It refers to an intended course of action if the original hike cannot continue normally. Use ‘plan’ for an organized proposal or course of action.

secours ‘Secours’ contributes the idea of backup or emergency assistance in ‘un plan de secours’. Together, ‘plan de secours’ means a backup plan, so the whole expression refers to an alternative prepared for difficulty. Use ‘de secours’ after a noun when identifying a backup or emergency option.

y ‘Y’ means “there” in ‘Il y a un itinéraire plus court’, forming the expression that introduces the existence of a shorter route. It points to the existence of something rather than naming a separate location here. Use ‘il y a’ followed by a noun to say that something exists or is available.

a ‘A’ contributes “is” or “exists” in the expression ‘Il y a un itinéraire plus court’. Together with ‘il y’ it forms “there is”, introducing the shorter route. Use ‘il y a’ before a noun when presenting something that exists or is present.

plus ‘Plus’ marks comparison in ‘plus court’, making the route shorter than another route already under discussion. It comes before the adjective it modifies. Use ‘plus + adjective’ to compare two people, things, routes, or situations.

court ‘Court’ means “short” in ‘un itinéraire plus court’. With ‘plus’, the whole phrase means “a shorter route”. Use ‘court’ to describe limited length or duration, including a route or journey.

qui ‘Qui’ means “that” or “which” in ‘un itinéraire plus court qui revient à la même gare’. It introduces the clause describing what the route does. Use ‘qui’ to connect a noun with a following clause in which that noun is the subject.

revient ‘Revient’ means “returns” in ‘qui revient à la même gare’. The shorter route comes back to the same station. Use ‘revenir à’ followed by a place when describing a return to that place.

à ‘À’ means “to” in ‘revient à la même gare’, marking the station as the destination of the return. It connects the movement with its endpoint. Use ‘à’ before a destination or place when saying where someone or something goes or returns.

même ‘Même’ means “same” in ‘la même gare’, emphasizing that the route returns to the station already associated with the hike. It comes before the noun it identifies. Use ‘le même’, ‘la même’, or a related form when referring back to an identical person, place, or thing.

gare ‘Gare’ means “station” in ‘la même gare’. It identifies the place where the shorter route ends. Use ‘gare’ when talking about a train station or a meeting point connected with rail travel.

Cela ‘Cela’ means “that” or “it” in ‘Cela semble plus sûr’, referring to the shorter route just mentioned. It allows the speaker to evaluate the previous idea as a whole. Use ‘Cela + verb’ when commenting on something already discussed.

semble ‘Semble’ means “seems” in ‘Cela semble plus sûr’. It presents the safety judgment as an assessment rather than an absolute fact. Use ‘semble + adjective’ when giving a cautious evaluation.

sûr ‘Sûr’ means “safe” in ‘plus sûr’, describing the shorter route as safer. The comparative meaning comes from the whole phrase ‘plus sûr’, not from ‘sûr’ alone. Use ‘sûr’ to assess whether a route, choice, or situation is safe.

si ‘Si’ means “if” in ‘si le sentier devient glissant’, introducing the condition under which the shorter route would be safer. It connects a possible situation with its consequence. Use ‘si’ before a clause describing a condition or possibility.

devient ‘Devient’ means “becomes” in ‘le sentier devient glissant’. It describes a change in the trail’s condition. Use ‘devenir’ with an adjective when something changes into a new state.

glissant ‘Glissant’ means “slippery” in ‘le sentier devient glissant’. It describes the trail condition that could make the longer route less safe. Use ‘glissant’ for a surface that may cause someone to lose footing.

Devrait-on ‘Devrait-on’ means “should we” in ‘Devrait-on dire à tout le monde d’apporter…?’ It asks for agreement about giving everyone advice. Use ‘Devrait-on’ followed by an infinitive when raising a suggestion or asking whether an action is advisable.

dire ‘Dire’ means “tell” or “say” in ‘dire à tout le monde d’apporter…’. Here it introduces information or advice addressed to everyone. Use ‘dire à quelqu’un de’ followed by an infinitive when telling someone to do something.

tout ‘Tout’ contributes “all” in the expression ‘tout le monde’, which means “everyone” in this dialogue. It works with ‘le monde’ as a complete expression rather than meaning “all” by itself here. Use ‘tout le monde’ when referring to all the people in a group.

monde ‘Monde’ contributes “people” in the expression ‘tout le monde’, meaning “everyone”. In this dialogue it refers to all the hikers who need the advice. Use ‘tout le monde’ as a common way to refer to everyone present or involved.

d'apporter ‘D’apporter’ means “to bring” in ‘dire à tout le monde d’apporter de bonnes chaussures et de l’eau’. The ‘d’ links the instruction to the infinitive ‘apporter’. Use ‘dire à quelqu’un d’apporter’ when telling someone to bring something.

bonnes ‘Bonnes’ means “good” or “proper” in ‘de bonnes chaussures’, referring to footwear suitable for the hike. It describes the shoes as appropriate for the conditions. Use ‘bonnes’ before a plural noun when recommending suitable or good items in a context.

chaussures ‘Chaussures’ means “shoes” in ‘de bonnes chaussures’. It identifies the footwear the hikers should bring. Use ‘chaussures’ when discussing footwear, especially what someone should wear or pack.

l'eau ‘L’eau’ means “water” in the instruction to bring ‘de bonnes chaussures et de l’eau’. The ‘l’’ joins the article to ‘eau’, and the whole expression names water as a supply for the hike. Use ‘de l’eau’ when talking about bringing or having some water.

Ils ‘Ils’ means “they” in ‘Ils devraient apporter les deux’, referring to the other hikers. It is the subject of the recommendation. Use ‘ils’ before a verb when referring to a group of people.

devraient ‘Devraient’ means “should” in ‘Ils devraient apporter les deux’, expressing a recommendation about what the hikers ought to bring. It is followed by the action ‘apporter’. Use ‘ils devraient + infinitive’ when recommending an action for a group.

apporter ‘Apporter’ means “bring” in ‘Ils devraient apporter les deux’. It names the action recommended for the hikers. Use ‘apporter’ with the item being carried to the relevant place or activity.

deux ‘Deux’ means “two” and refers to both items in ‘les deux’: the shoes and the water. With ‘les’, the whole phrase ‘les deux’ means “both”. Use ‘les deux’ when referring back to two previously mentioned items.

Nous ‘Nous’ means “we” in ‘Nous devrions préciser…’, referring to the two friends as the people responsible for communicating the safety condition. It is the subject of the recommendation. Use ‘nous’ before a verb when speaking about yourself together with one or more other people.

devrions ‘Devrions’ means “should” in ‘Nous devrions préciser que…’, expressing a recommendation for the speakers themselves. It introduces the action they think is appropriate. Use ‘nous devrions + infinitive’ when proposing what the group ought to do.

préciser ‘Préciser’ means “clarify” or “specify” in ‘préciser que nous ferons demi-tour si nécessaire’. It introduces an important condition that should be made clear to everyone. Use ‘préciser que’ before a statement that needs to be stated clearly.

que ‘Que’ means “that” in ‘préciser que nous ferons demi-tour’. It introduces the information the speakers want to clarify. Use ‘que’ to connect a reporting or clarification verb with the statement being reported.

ferons ‘Ferons’ supplies the “will do” part of ‘ferons demi-tour’, which means “will turn back”. It describes the planned response if continuing becomes unsafe. Use ‘faire demi-tour’ for turning back, and place the appropriate subject form before it.

demi-tour ‘Demi-tour’ means “turn back” or “U-turn” in ‘ferons demi-tour’. The components ‘demi’ and ‘tour’ combine into the fixed expression for reversing direction, so the whole phrase is used with ‘faire’. Use ‘faire demi-tour’ when deciding or telling someone to return in the direction they came from.

nécessaire ‘Nécessaire’ means “necessary” in ‘si nécessaire’, referring to the possibility that turning back may be needed. It makes the action conditional on the situation. Use ‘si nécessaire’ when stating that an action should happen only if it becomes needed.

Je ‘Je’ means “I” in ‘Je partagerai…’, identifying the speaker as the person who will share the information. It is placed before the verb. Use ‘je’ when describing your own action or responsibility.

partagerai ‘Partagerai’ means “will share” in ‘Je partagerai la carte de l’itinéraire et l’heure du rendez-vous’. It states the speaker’s planned action for later that evening. Use ‘je partagerai’ followed by the information, file, or item you intend to send to others.

carte ‘Carte’ means “map” in ‘la carte de l’itinéraire’. It identifies the visual route information the speaker will share. Use ‘carte’ for a map showing a place, route, or area.

l'itinéraire ‘L’itinéraire’ means “the route” in ‘la carte de l’itinéraire’. The ‘l’’ is the shortened form of the article before ‘itinéraire’, and the whole phrase identifies the route being mapped. Use ‘la carte de l’itinéraire’ when referring to a map of a planned route.

l'heure ‘L’heure’ means “the time” in ‘l’heure du rendez-vous’. The ‘l’’ is the shortened article before ‘heure’, and the phrase identifies the scheduled meeting time. Use ‘l’heure de’ or ‘l’heure du’ when specifying the time of an event.

du ‘Du’ means “of the” in ‘l’heure du rendez-vous’. It links the time to the meeting and combines the meaning of ‘de’ with the definite article before ‘rendez-vous’. Use ‘du’ before a masculine singular noun when expressing “of the” or “from the”.

rendez-vous ‘Rendez-vous’ means “meeting” or “appointment” in ‘l’heure du rendez-vous’. The components ‘rendez’ and ‘vous’ together form the fixed noun for people meeting, rather than functioning as separate words in this expression. Use ‘rendez-vous’ for a planned meeting or appointment.

ce ‘Ce’ means “this” in ‘ce soir’, referring to the evening of the day being discussed. It comes before the time noun. Use ‘ce’ with a masculine singular time expression when referring to the current or specified period.

soir ‘Soir’ means “evening” in ‘ce soir’. Together, ‘ce soir’ means “this evening”, when the route map and meeting time will be shared. Use ‘soir’ when arranging or describing something during the evening.

aider ‘Aider’ means “help” in ‘Cela devrait aider tout le monde à se préparer’. It describes the useful effect of sharing the route information. Use ‘aider quelqu’un à’ followed by an infinitive to say that one person or thing helps someone do something.

se ‘Se’ marks the people as carrying out the action themselves in ‘se préparer’ and ‘se joindre à nous’. It is part of the reflexive expressions rather than an independent translation in these phrases. Use ‘se’ before an infinitive when the subject acts on or involves itself in the action.

préparer ‘Préparer’ means “prepare” in ‘tout le monde à se préparer’. It refers to getting ready for the hike using the shared route and meeting information. Use ‘se préparer à’ or ‘se préparer pour’ when describing getting ready for an activity.

s'ils ‘S’ils’ means “if they” in ‘décider s’ils peuvent se joindre à nous’. The components ‘si’ and ‘ils’ combine to introduce a condition about the other people. Use ‘s’ils’ before a clause when considering whether a group is able or willing to do something.

peuvent ‘Peuvent’ means “can” or “are able to” in ‘s’ils peuvent se joindre à nous’. It asks whether the people are able to join the hike. Use ‘peuvent + infinitive’ to discuss someone’s ability or possibility of taking an action.

joindre ‘Joindre’ means “join” in the expression ‘se joindre à nous’, meaning to join us. The reflexive expression includes ‘se’ and ‘à’ to show someone joining a person or group. Use ‘se joindre à’ followed by the person or group someone will join.

Grammar Points

plus + adjectif

un itinéraire plus court

uhn ee-tee-nay-RAIR plew KOOR

a shorter route

To form a comparative, French places plus before the adjective.

accord de l’adjectif

une pluie légère

ewn plwee LAY-zhehr

light rain

The adjective agrees with the noun in gender and number: pluie is feminine, so léger becomes légère.

French Vocabulary

avant prep

ah-VAHN before

Avant de décider

débutant noun

day-bew-TAHN beginner débutants

Pour les débutants

décider verb

day-see-DAY to decide

Avant de décider.

dénivelé noun

day-nee-vuh-LAY elevation gain

Vérifions le dénivelé.

difficile adj

dee-fee-SEEL difficult

Il est peut-être trop difficile pour les débutants.

distance noun

dee-STAHNSS distance

Vérifions la distance.

magnifique adj

mah-nee-FEEK beautiful

Le sentier de montagne est magnifique.

montagne noun

mohn-TAHN-yuh mountain

Le sentier de montagne

peut-être adv

puh-TEHTR perhaps; maybe

Il est peut-être trop difficile.

prévisions météo phrase

pray-vee-ZYOHN MAY-tay-OH weather forecast

Les prévisions météo

sentier noun

sahn-TYAY trail

Le sentier de montagne est magnifique.

vérifier verb

vay-ree-fee-YAY to check Vérifions

Vérifions la distance, le dénivelé et les prévisions météo.

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

It is a fairly long route.

Show Answer

C'est un itinéraire assez long.

They should bring both.

Show Answer

Ils devraient apporter les deux.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

beginner

Show Answer

débutants

distance

Show Answer

distance

elevation gain

Show Answer

dénivelé

beautiful

Show Answer

magnifique