Dealing with a Cracked Phone Screen | Learn French in English

About This Lesson

Use Dealing with a Cracked Phone Screen to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

J'ai fait tomber mon téléphone, et l'écran est fissuré, mais il fonctionne encore.

zhay feh tohng-BAY mohn tay-lay-FOHN, ay lay-KRAHN ay fee-zoo-RAY, meh eel fohnk-SYOHN ahn-KOR. I dropped my phone, and the screen is cracked but still works.

Sauvegarde tes données avant que les dégâts ne s'aggravent.

soh-vuh-GARD tay doh-NAY ah-VAHN kuh lay day-GAH nuh sah-GRAV. Back up your data before the damage gets worse.

Je vais le faire maintenant. Le verre cassé m'inquiète.

zhuh vay luh FEHR man-tuh-NAHN. luh VEHR kah-SAY man-KEE-ET. I will do that now. The broken glass is making me nervous.

Mets une protection d'écran provisoire et évite d'appuyer fort dessus.

meh zewn proh-tek-SYOHN day-KRAHN proh-vee-ZWAHR ay ay-VEET dah-poo-YAY fohr duh-SOO. Put on a temporary screen protector and avoid pressing hard on it.

Est-ce que je dois continuer à l'utiliser jusqu'à ce qu'un service de réparation le vérifie ?

ess kuh zhuh dwah kohn-tee-NOO-ay ah loo-tee-lee-ZAY zhoos-KAH suh kuhn sair-VEES duh ray-pah-rah-SYOHN luh vay-REEF? Should I keep using it until a repair service checks it?

Utilise-le seulement pour des tâches simples, car le verre qui se détache peut te couper le doigt.

oo-tee-LEEZ luh suhl-MAHN poor day TAHSH SAHMPL, kar luh vehr kee suh day-TAHSH puh tuh koo-PAY luh DWAH. Use it only for simple tasks, because loose glass can cut your finger.

Je peux le garder dans une coque et le transporter avec précaution.

zhuh puh luh gar-DAY dahnz ewn KOHK ay luh trahn-spor-TAY ah-vek pray-koh-SYOHN. I can keep it in a case and carry it carefully.

Cela devrait réduire le risque pendant que tu organises la réparation.

suh-LAH duh-VRAY ray-DWEER luh REESK pahn-DAHN kuh too or-gah-NEEZ lah ray-pah-rah-SYOHN. That should lower the risk while you arrange the repair.

Je vais prendre rendez-vous pour une réparation au lieu d'attendre.

zhuh vay PRAHN-druh rahn-day-VOO poor ewn ray-pah-rah-SYOHN oh LYUH dah-TAHNDR. I will book a repair instead of waiting.

Les petites fissures peuvent s'agrandir si tu continues à utiliser le téléphone.

lay puh-TEET fee-ZOOR PUHV sah-GRAHN-DEER see too kohn-tee-NOO ah oo-tee-lee-ZAY luh tay-lay-FOHN. Small cracks can spread if you keep using the phone.

Word by Word

J'ai In this dialogue, “J'ai” means “I” in the statement about dropping the phone. It is the contracted form of “Je” and “ai”; the infinitive related to “ai” is “avoir”. A reusable pattern is “J'ai + past participle” for a completed action.

fait Here, “fait” is part of “J'ai fait tomber”, the French construction meaning that I dropped the phone. It is the past participle related to the infinitive “faire”. Reuse “faire tomber” for causing something to fall.

tomber In “J'ai fait tomber mon téléphone”, “tomber” means “to fall” and completes the construction meaning “to drop”. It remains in the infinitive after “fait”. Reuse “faire tomber + object” when something is caused to fall.

mon “Mon” means “my” before “téléphone” in this dialogue. It is the possessive determiner used with this masculine singular noun. Reuse “mon” directly before a masculine singular possession.

téléphone “Téléphone” means “phone” here, specifically the phone that was dropped. In “mon téléphone”, it follows the possessive determiner “mon”. Reuse “un téléphone” or “mon téléphone” when talking about a phone.

et “Et” connects the statement about dropping the phone with the information about its screen. It means “and”. Use “et” to join two related words, phrases, or clauses.

l'écran “L'écran” means “the screen”, referring to the phone screen. The article “l'” is used before the vowel at the beginning of “écran”. Reuse “l'écran du téléphone” when specifying a phone screen.

est “Est” means “is” in “l'écran est fissuré”. It links the screen with its condition. The infinitive related to “est” is “être”; reuse “est + description” to describe a current state.

fissuré “Fissuré” describes the screen as cracked in “l'écran est fissuré”. It gives the condition of the screen after the phone was dropped. Reuse “être fissuré” to describe a cracked surface.

mais “Mais” introduces the contrasting fact that the phone still works even though the screen is cracked. It means “but”. Use “mais” to connect two contrasting statements.

il “Il” means “it” here and refers back to the phone. It is the subject of “il fonctionne encore”. Reuse “il” when referring back to a masculine noun such as “téléphone”.

fonctionne “Fonctionne” means “works” in the statement about the damaged phone. It is the present form related to the infinitive “fonctionner”. Reuse “ça fonctionne” or “l'appareil fonctionne” to say that something is operating.

encore “Encore” means “still” in “il fonctionne encore”, showing that the phone continues to work despite the damage. It is placed after the verb here. Reuse “fonctionner encore” for something that remains operational.

Sauvegarde “Sauvegarde” means “back up” in this direct instruction about the data. It is the command form related to “sauvegarder”. Reuse “Sauvegarde tes données” when telling someone to make a backup.

tes “Tes” means “your” before “données” in this dialogue. It is the possessive determiner used with a plural noun. Reuse “tes” directly before plural things belonging to the person addressed.

données “Données” means “data” in “tes données”. It refers to the information stored on the phone. Reuse “sauvegarder des données” when talking about backing up data.

avant “Avant” means “before” and introduces the point before which the data should be backed up. Here it is followed by “que” and a clause. Reuse “avant de + infinitive” or “avant que + clause” for earlier timing.

que In “avant que les dégâts ne s'aggravent”, “que” introduces the clause describing what may happen later. Together with “avant”, it forms the connector “avant que”. Reuse “avant que + clause” when the following event is expressed as a clause.

les “Les” means “the” before the plural noun “dégâts” in this dialogue. The same form appears at the beginning of the final sentence as “Les”. Reuse “les” before a known plural noun.

dégâts “Dégâts” means “damage” here, referring to the harm to the phone. It appears in the expression “les dégâts”. Reuse “les dégâts” when discussing damage caused by an accident or problem.

ne In “avant que les dégâts ne s'aggravent”, “ne” is used in the formal structure after “avant que”. It does not make the clause negative here because there is no “pas”. Notice the complete pattern “avant que ... ne ...”.

s'aggravent “S'aggravent” means “get worse” in the clause about the damage. The form includes the reflexive pronoun “s'” and is related to the infinitive “s'aggraver”. Reuse “la situation s'aggrave” for a situation that becomes more serious.

Je “Je” means “I” and is the subject of the statement about what will be done now. It appears with a capital letter at the beginning of the sentence. Reuse “Je vais + infinitive” to announce an intended action.

vais “Vais” helps form “Je vais le faire”, meaning “I am going to do it”. It is the present form related to “aller” used before an infinitive for a near-future action. Reuse “je vais + infinitive” for a planned or imminent action.

le In “Je vais le faire”, “le” means “it” and refers to backing up the data. It comes before the infinitive “faire”. Reuse “le faire” when “it” refers to a previously mentioned action.

faire “Faire” means “do” in “Je vais le faire”. It is the infinitive used after “vais”. Reuse “faire cela” or “le faire” when carrying out an action already mentioned.

maintenant “Maintenant” means “now” and says that the action will happen at the present moment. It appears at the end of “Je vais le faire maintenant”. Reuse it to mark immediate timing.

verre “Verre” means “glass” in “le verre cassé”, referring to the broken phone glass. It is described by “cassé” in this noun phrase. Reuse “du verre” when referring to glass as a material.

cassé “Cassé” means “broken” and describes the glass in “le verre cassé”. It follows the noun here. Reuse “un écran cassé” or “du verre cassé” to describe broken material.

m'inquiète “M'inquiète” means “makes me nervous” or “worries me” in “Le verre cassé m'inquiète”. The form combines “me” with the verb related to the infinitive “inquiéter”. Reuse “X m'inquiète” to say that something worries you.

Mets “Mets” means “put on” in the instruction “Mets une protection d'écran”. It is the command form related to “mettre”. Reuse “mettre + object” when telling someone to put something somewhere or onto something.

une “Une” means “a” before “protection” in this dialogue. It introduces one non-specific feminine noun. Reuse “une” before a feminine singular noun.

protection “Protection” refers to a protective item in “une protection d'écran”. The complete expression means “a screen protector”. Reuse “une protection + de/d' + noun” for a protective item designed for something.

d'écran “D'écran” means “for the screen” or “of the screen” inside “une protection d'écran”. Together, “protection d'écran” means “screen protector”; “d'” is the contracted form of “de” before “écran”. Reuse this complete expression when discussing a screen protector.

provisoire “Provisoire” means “temporary” and describes the screen protector as something used until a repair. It follows “protection” in this noun phrase. Reuse “une solution provisoire” for a temporary solution.

évite “Évite” means “avoid” in the instruction about pressing hard on the screen. It is the command form related to “éviter”. Reuse “éviter de + infinitive” to tell someone not to do an action.

d'appuyer “D'appuyer” means “pressing” after “évite”, so “évite d'appuyer” means “avoid pressing”. It is “de” followed by the infinitive “appuyer”, contracted before the vowel. Reuse “éviter de + infinitive” for an action to avoid.

fort “Fort” means “hard” in “appuyer fort”, describing the force used when pressing. It comes after the verb in this expression. Reuse “appuyer fort” when telling someone to press strongly.

dessus “Dessus” means “on it” in “appuyer fort dessus”, referring to the screen protector or screen. It points back to the thing already mentioned. Reuse “appuyer dessus” when pressing on a previously identified object.

Est-ce “Est-ce” begins the question “Est-ce que je dois continuer...?”, which asks whether the speaker should continue. It is part of the question structure “Est-ce que”. Reuse “Est-ce que + statement” to form a straightforward question.

dois “Dois” means “should” or “must” in the question about continuing to use the phone. It is the present form related to “devoir” and is followed by the infinitive “continuer”. Reuse “je dois + infinitive” to ask or state whether an action is required.

continuer “Continuer” means “continue” in “continuer à l'utiliser”. It is the infinitive after “dois” and is followed here by “à” plus another infinitive. Reuse “continuer à + infinitive” for continuing an activity.

à In “continuer à l'utiliser”, “à” links “continuer” to the following infinitive. Together, “continuer à + infinitive” means to continue doing something. Reuse this connector after “continuer”.

l'utiliser “L'utiliser” means “to use it” in the question about continuing to use the phone. It combines the object pronoun “l'” with the infinitive “utiliser”. Reuse “continuer à l'utiliser” when continuing to use a previously mentioned object.

jusqu'à “Jusqu'à” means “until” and introduces the point up to which the phone might be used. Here it is followed by “ce qu'un service...” to introduce a clause. Reuse “jusqu'à + time or event” to mark an endpoint.

ce In “jusqu'à ce qu'un service...”, “ce” is part of the connector “jusqu'à ce que”. It helps introduce the clause describing the endpoint. Reuse the complete pattern “jusqu'à ce que + clause” for “until” before a clause.

qu'un “Qu'un” is part of “jusqu'à ce qu'un service de réparation...”, meaning “until a repair service...”. It combines “que” with “un” before the noun “service”. Reuse it when “que” is followed by “un” in a clause.

service “Service” means “service” in “un service de réparation”. It is the organization or provider that will check the phone. Reuse “un service de + noun” to identify a service specializing in something.

de “De” links “service” with “réparation” in “un service de réparation”. Here it identifies the type or purpose of the service. Reuse “service de + noun” for a service connected with an activity.

réparation “Réparation” means “repair” in “un service de réparation”. It refers to the work needed for the damaged phone. Reuse “prendre rendez-vous pour une réparation” when arranging repair work.

vérifie “Vérifie” means “checks” in the clause about the repair service examining the phone. It is the present form related to “vérifier”. Reuse “un professionnel vérifie + object” when someone checks an item.

Utilise-le “Utilise-le” means “use it” in this direct instruction, referring to the phone. It combines the command form “Utilise” with the object pronoun “le”. Reuse “verb command + -le” when telling someone to perform an action on a masculine object already mentioned.

seulement “Seulement” means “only” and limits phone use to simple tasks. It appears before “pour des tâches simples”. Reuse “seulement pour + noun” to restrict what something should be used for.

pour “Pour” means “for” in “seulement pour des tâches simples”. It introduces the purpose or limited use of the phone. Reuse “pour + noun” when describing purpose.

des “Des” introduces the plural noun phrase “des tâches simples”, meaning “some” or plural tasks in general. It is the plural indefinite article here. Reuse “des” before a non-specific plural noun.

tâches “Tâches” means “tasks” in the advice to use the phone only for simple tasks. It is described by “simples”. Reuse “pour des tâches” when describing what an object is used for.

simples “Simples” means “simple” and describes the tasks that are safe enough in this context. It follows “tâches”. Reuse “des tâches simples” for uncomplicated activities.

car “Car” means “because” and introduces the reason for limiting phone use. It connects the advice with the danger from loose glass. Reuse “car + clause” to give a reason in a clear, explanatory way.

qui In “le verre qui se détache”, “qui” means “that” or “which” and introduces information about the glass. It refers to “le verre” and links it to “se détache”. Reuse “noun + qui + verb” to describe a noun with a relative clause.

se In “se détache”, “se” shows that the glass comes loose or detaches by itself. It is part of the reflexive verb “se détacher”. Reuse “se + verb” when the subject is described as undergoing the action itself.

détache “Détache” means “comes loose” in “le verre qui se détache”. Together with “se”, it describes glass separating from the screen. Reuse “se détacher” for something that becomes separated or loose.

peut “Peut” means “can” in the warning that loose glass can cut a finger. It is the present form related to “pouvoir” and is followed by the infinitive “couper”. Reuse “X peut + infinitive” to describe a possible effect or ability.

te “Te” means “you” as the person who could be cut in “te couper le doigt”. It is placed before the infinitive “couper”. Reuse “te + infinitive” when referring to an action affecting the person addressed.

couper “Couper” means “cut” in “peut te couper le doigt”. It is the infinitive after “peut” and describes the possible effect of the loose glass. Reuse “couper quelqu'un” when an object or action cuts a person.

doigt “Doigt” means “finger” in “te couper le doigt”. The phrase describes the body part that could be cut. Reuse “se couper le doigt” when talking about cutting one’s finger.

peux “Peux” means “can” in “Je peux le garder”, expressing the speaker’s ability or option. It is the present form related to “pouvoir” and is followed by the infinitive “garder”. Reuse “je peux + infinitive” to say what you can do.

garder “Garder” means “keep” in “le garder dans une coque”, referring to keeping the phone in a case. It is the infinitive after “peux”. Reuse “garder + object + dans” when keeping something inside a place or container.

dans “Dans” means “in” and introduces the case containing the phone. It appears in “le garder dans une coque”. Reuse “dans + noun” to describe the inside location of an object.

coque “Coque” means “case” in “une coque”, referring to a protective phone case. It is the container in which the phone can be kept. Reuse “une coque de téléphone” when naming a phone case.

transporter “Transporter” means “carry” or “transport” in “le transporter avec précaution”. It describes moving the phone carefully. Reuse “transporter + object” for carrying or moving an item.

avec “Avec” means “with” in “avec précaution”. It introduces the manner in which the phone is carried. Reuse “avec + noun” to describe how an action is performed.

précaution “Précaution” means “care” or “caution” in “avec précaution”. The complete expression means “carefully” or “with caution”. Reuse “avec précaution” when handling something fragile or dangerous.

Cela “Cela” means “that” and refers to the protective measures just mentioned: using a protector, avoiding hard pressure, and carrying the phone carefully. It is the subject of “Cela devrait réduire...”. Reuse “Cela devrait + infinitive” to comment on the likely result of a previous action.

devrait “Devrait” means “should” in the prediction that the precautions will lower the risk. It is related to “devoir” and is followed by the infinitive “réduire”. Reuse “cela devrait + infinitive” for an expected result.

réduire “Réduire” means “lower” or “reduce” in “réduire le risque”. It is the infinitive after “devrait”. Reuse “réduire + noun” when making a quantity, danger, or problem smaller.

risque “Risque” means “risk” in “réduire le risque”. It refers to the possibility of harm from the damaged phone. Reuse “réduire le risque” when describing a safety measure.

pendant “Pendant” means “while” in “pendant que tu organises la réparation”. It introduces the period during which the repair is being arranged. Reuse “pendant que + clause” for two actions happening during the same period.

tu “Tu” means “you” and is the subject of “tu organises”. It addresses the other person directly in this informal conversation. Reuse “tu + verb” when speaking informally to one person.

organises “Organises” means “arrange” in “tu organises la réparation”. It is the present form related to “organiser”. Reuse “organiser + noun” when arranging an event, service, or repair.

la “La” means “the” before “réparation” in this dialogue. It introduces the specific repair already under discussion. Reuse “la” before a known feminine singular noun.

prendre “Prendre” means “take” in the expression “prendre rendez-vous”. Together, this expression means “book or make an appointment”. Reuse “prendre rendez-vous” when arranging a meeting or service.

rendez-vous “Rendez-vous” means “appointment” in “prendre rendez-vous pour une réparation”. It refers to a scheduled time with the repair service. Reuse “prendre rendez-vous” to book an appointment.

au In “au lieu de”, “au” is the contracted form of “à” and “le”. Together with “lieu de”, it forms the expression meaning “instead of”. Reuse the complete pattern “au lieu de + infinitive” to contrast a chosen action with another one.

lieu “Lieu” means “place” literally, but in “au lieu d'attendre” it is part of the fixed expression “au lieu de”, meaning “instead of”. Do not interpret it alone as the main meaning of the whole expression. Reuse “au lieu de + infinitive” for an alternative action.

d'attendre “D'attendre” means “waiting” after “au lieu de”, so “au lieu d'attendre” means “instead of waiting”. It combines “de” with the infinitive “attendre”. Reuse “au lieu de + infinitive” when choosing one action over another.

petites “Petites” means “small” and describes the cracks in “les petites fissures”. It comes before the noun here. Reuse “de petites fissures” or “les petites fissures” to describe small cracks.

fissures “Fissures” means “cracks” in the final warning. It refers to cracks that may become larger if the phone continues to be used. Reuse “les fissures peuvent s'agrandir” when describing cracks spreading or enlarging.

peuvent “Peuvent” means “can” in the warning that small cracks can grow larger. It is the plural present form related to “pouvoir”, agreeing with “les petites fissures”. Reuse “les fissures peuvent + infinitive” to describe a possible change.

s'agrandir “S'agrandir” means “grow larger” in “les petites fissures peuvent s'agrandir”. It is the infinitive form of the reflexive verb used after “peuvent”. Reuse “un problème peut s'agrandir” when a problem becomes bigger.

si “Si” means “if” and introduces the condition that the phone continues to be used. It connects the possible result with its condition. Reuse “si + clause” to state a condition.

continues “Continues” means “continue” in “si tu continues à utiliser le téléphone”. It is the present form related to “continuer” and is followed by “à” plus an infinitive. Reuse “tu continues à + infinitive” for an ongoing action.

utiliser “Utiliser” means “use” in “continues à utiliser le téléphone”. It is the infinitive after “à” and describes using the phone. Reuse “utiliser + object” when saying what someone uses.

Grammar Points

faire + infinitif

Il fait tomber le téléphone.

eel feh tohng-BAY luh tay-lay-FOHN.

He drops the phone.

French uses faire + infinitive to express causing an action; fait tomber literally means “makes fall.”

s’aggraver

Les dégâts s’aggravent.

lay day-GAH sah-GRAV.

The damage is getting worse.

The reflexive pronoun s’ is part of the verb: s’aggraver means “to get worse,” not simply aggraver.

French Vocabulary

cassé adj

kah-SAY broken

Le verre cassé

dégât noun

day-GAH damage dégâts

les dégâts

donnée noun

doh-NAY piece of data données

tes données

écran noun

ay-KRAHN screen

l'écran est fissuré

encore adv

ahn-KOR still

il fonctionne encore

faire tomber phrase

fehr tohng-BAY drop fait tomber

J'ai fait tomber mon téléphone.

fissuré adj

fee-zoo-RAY cracked

l'écran est fissuré

fonctionner verb

fohnk-SYOH-NAY work, function fonctionne

il fonctionne encore

s'aggraver verb

sah-grah-VAY get worse s'aggravent

avant que les dégâts ne s'aggravent

sauvegarder verb

soh-vuh-gar-DAY back up Sauvegarde

Sauvegarde tes données

téléphone noun

tay-lay-FOHN phone

mon téléphone

verre noun

vehr glass

Le verre cassé

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

piece of data

Show Answer

données

phone

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téléphone

still

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encore

back up

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Sauvegarde