Preparing for Changeable Weather on a Hike | Learn French in English

French lesson set in a contemporary Paris everyday setting: Before a hike, two adults plan clothing, trail safety, and a turn-back point because the weather may change..

EN → FR / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Preparing for Changeable Weather on a Hike to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Les prévisions pour la randonnée changent sans cesse, avec du soleil et des averses possibles.

lay pray-vee-ZYON poor lah rahn-doh-NAY shahnzh sahn SESS, ah-VEK dew soh-LAY ay day zah-VAIR poss-SEE-bluh. The forecast for the hike keeps changing, with sun and possible showers.
B

Porte plusieurs couches et apporte une veste imperméable.

PORT ploo-ZYUR koosh ay ah-PORT ewn vest an-pair-may-AH-bluh. Wear layers and bring a waterproof jacket.
A

Le sentier est ouvert, mais la partie la plus haute peut être boueuse.

luh sahn-TYAY ay oo-VAIR, may lah par-TEE lah ploo OHT puh BAYT-ruh boo-UHZ. The trail is open, but the higher section may be muddy.
B

Nous devrions avancer lentement, surtout dans les descentes.

noo duh-vree-OHN ah-vahn-SAY lahnt-MAHN, soo-TOO dahn lay day-SAHNT. We should take it slowly, especially on the downhill parts.
A

Si le temps se gâte, nous pourrons faire demi-tour au point de vue.

see luh tahn seuh GAHT, noo poor-ROHN fair duh-MEE-TOOR oh pwahn duh VOO. If the weather turns bad, we can turn back at the viewpoint.
B

Disons-le avant de commencer, pour que personne ne se sente obligé de continuer.

dee-ZOHN-luh ah-VAHN duh koh-mahn-SAY, poor kuh pair-SON nuh suh SAHNT oh-blee-ZHAY duh kohn-tee-noo-AY. Let's say that before we start, so no one feels pressured to continue.
A

Devrait-on rappeler au groupe de ne pas porter de chaussures de ville ?

duh-VRAY-OHN rah-puh-LAY oh groop duh nuh pah por-TAY duh shoh-SOOR duh VEEL? Should we remind the group not to wear casual shoes?
B

Demande-leur de porter des chaussures adaptées ; les sentiers boueux peuvent être glissants.

duh-MAHND-lur duh por-TAY day shoh-SOOR ah-dap-TAY; lay sahn-TYAY boo-UH puh-VEHTR uh gle e-SAHN. Ask them to wear proper shoes; muddy trails can be slippery.
A

Un rappel pour préparer les affaires ce soir serait utile.

uhn rah-PELL poor pray-pah-RAY lay zah-FAIR suh SWAHR suh-RAY oo-TEEL. A packing reminder tonight would help.
B

Envoie-le assez tôt pour que tout le monde puisse se préparer.

ahn-VWAH-luh ah-SAY TOH poor kuh too luh MOND pweess suh pray-pah-RAY. Send it early enough for everyone to prepare.

Word by Word

Les ‘Les’ means ‘the’ before a plural noun; here it introduces ‘Les prévisions’. The same article appears as ‘les’ in ‘les descentes’ and ‘les affaires’.
prévisions ‘prévisions’ means the weather forecast in ‘Les prévisions pour la randonnée’. Its singular citation form is ‘prévision’; the plural form is used because the forecast is presented as a set of predictions. A reusable pattern is ‘les prévisions pour’ followed by an activity or destination.
pour In ‘pour la randonnée’, ‘pour’ identifies the hike that the forecast concerns. It also appears in ‘pour que’, where it introduces the intended result that nobody feels obliged to continue. A common reuse pattern from the dialogue is ‘pour + noun’ or ‘pour que’ plus a clause.
la ‘la’ means ‘the’ before the feminine singular noun in ‘la randonnée’. It identifies one specific hike already understood from the conversation. A reusable pattern is ‘la’ followed by a feminine singular noun.
randonnée ‘randonnée’ means hike in ‘pour la randonnée’, referring to the planned outdoor walk. Its citation form is ‘randonnée’. It can be reused after ‘faire’ or after a preposition when discussing a hike.
changent ‘changent’ means change in ‘Les prévisions ... changent sans cesse’; the forecast keeps changing. Its citation form is ‘changer’, and this form matches the plural subject ‘Les prévisions’. A reusable pattern is ‘les prévisions changent’ when a forecast is being updated.
sans cesse ‘sans cesse’ means constantly here and describes the forecast changing repeatedly. ‘sans’ contributes the idea of being without something, while ‘cesse’ contributes the idea of stopping, so the whole expression means without stopping. It can be reused after a verb to describe repeated action.
avec ‘avec’ means ‘with’ in ‘avec du soleil et des averses possibles’, adding the weather conditions accompanying the changing forecast. A reusable pattern is ‘avec’ followed by one or more nouns describing accompanying circumstances.
du In ‘du soleil’, ‘du’ introduces an unspecified amount or presence of sunshine in the weather description. It is used here before the masculine singular mass noun ‘soleil’. A reusable pattern is ‘du’ plus a noun for an uncounted amount or presence.
soleil ‘soleil’ means sun or sunshine in ‘du soleil’, describing one possible weather condition. The expression ‘du soleil’ is commonly used when talking about sunny weather. It can be coordinated with another weather condition using ‘et’.
et ‘et’ means ‘and’ and joins ‘du soleil’ with ‘des averses possibles’. It presents both sunshine and possible showers as parts of the forecast. Reuse ‘et’ to connect two equivalent words or phrases.
des In ‘des averses possibles’, ‘des’ introduces plural, unspecified showers. It presents the showers as possible weather events rather than one specifically identified shower. A reusable pattern is ‘des’ followed by a plural noun.
averses ‘averses’ means showers in ‘des averses possibles’, referring to brief periods of rain. Its singular citation form is ‘averse’; the plural is used because the forecast mentions showers in general. It can be modified by an adjective such as ‘possibles’.
possibles ‘possibles’ means possible in ‘des averses possibles’, indicating that the showers may occur. Its citation form is ‘possible’, and the plural form agrees with ‘averses’. A reusable pattern is a noun followed by ‘possibles’ when its occurrence is uncertain.
Porte ‘Porte’ tells the listener to wear or put on clothing in ‘Porte plusieurs couches’. Its citation form is ‘porter’. It is used here as an instruction before the hike, and it is coordinated with ‘apporte’ for a second instruction.
plusieurs ‘plusieurs’ means several in ‘plusieurs couches’, indicating more than one clothing layer. It is placed directly before the plural noun ‘couches’. A reusable pattern is ‘plusieurs’ plus a plural noun when recommending a number of items without specifying an exact number.
couches ‘couches’ means layers in ‘plusieurs couches’, referring to layers of clothing that can be added or removed as the weather changes. Its singular citation form is ‘couche’; the plural is required after ‘plusieurs’. A reusable pattern is ‘porter plusieurs couches’ for dressing in layers.
apporte ‘apporte’ tells the listener to bring something, here ‘une veste imperméable’. Its citation form is ‘apporter’. It is an instruction to bring an item along, and it is paired with ‘Porte’ in the same advice.
une ‘une’ means ‘a’ or ‘an’ before the feminine singular noun in ‘une veste imperméable’. It introduces one unspecified jacket that the listener should bring. A reusable pattern is ‘une’ followed by a feminine singular noun.
veste ‘veste’ means jacket in ‘une veste imperméable’. Its citation form is ‘veste’. Here it names the clothing item to bring, with ‘imperméable’ specifying its useful property.
imperméable ‘imperméable’ means waterproof and describes the jacket in ‘une veste imperméable’. It specifies that the jacket protects against rain or wet conditions. A reusable pattern is a clothing noun followed by ‘imperméable’ to describe its weather protection.
Le ‘Le’ means ‘the’ before the masculine singular noun in ‘Le sentier’. The same article appears as ‘le’ inside ‘Disons-le’ and other attached pronoun forms. A reusable pattern is ‘le’ followed by a masculine singular noun.
sentier ‘sentier’ means trail in ‘Le sentier est ouvert’. Its citation form is ‘sentier’. It refers to the route used for the hike and can be described with conditions such as ‘boueux’.
est ‘est’ means ‘is’ and links ‘Le sentier’ with the description ‘ouvert’. Its citation form is ‘être’. A reusable pattern is ‘est’ followed by an adjective to describe the current state of a place or thing.
ouvert ‘ouvert’ means open in ‘Le sentier est ouvert’, stating that the trail is available for use. It follows ‘est’ to describe the trail’s condition. A reusable pattern is ‘être ouvert’ when discussing access to a place.
mais ‘mais’ means ‘but’ and contrasts the trail being open with the possibility that its higher section is muddy. It introduces information that limits or qualifies the preceding statement. Reuse ‘mais’ to connect two contrasting clauses.
partie ‘partie’ means section or part in ‘la partie la plus haute’, referring to one portion of the trail. Its citation form is ‘partie’. A reusable pattern is ‘la partie’ followed by an adjective or qualifying phrase to identify one section.
plus In ‘la plus haute’, ‘plus’ helps express that this is the highest section of the trail. It combines with ‘la’ and ‘haute’ to identify one section as having the greatest height relative to the others. A reusable pattern is ‘la plus’ followed by an adjective.
haute ‘haute’ means high or higher in ‘la plus haute’, describing the section at the greatest elevation. Its citation form is ‘haut’; the feminine form agrees with ‘partie’. It can be used after ‘la plus’ to identify the highest part of something.
peut ‘peut’ expresses possibility in ‘peut être boueuse’: the higher section may be muddy. Its citation form is ‘pouvoir’, and it is followed here by the infinitive ‘être’. A reusable pattern is ‘peut être’ plus an adjective when describing a possible condition.
être ‘être’ means ‘be’ in ‘peut être boueuse’, completing the expression that the section may have a certain condition. It follows ‘peut’ as an infinitive. A reusable pattern is ‘peut être’ followed by an adjective.
boueuse ‘boueuse’ means muddy in ‘la partie la plus haute peut être boueuse’. Its citation form is ‘boueux’; this feminine form agrees with ‘partie’. It can describe a trail section whose surface contains mud.
Nous ‘Nous’ means ‘we’ in ‘Nous devrions avancer lentement’, referring to the people planning or taking the hike. The same pronoun appears in lowercase as ‘nous’ inside the following clause. A reusable pattern is ‘Nous’ followed by a verb when making a suggestion for the group.
devrions ‘devrions’ expresses ‘should’ in ‘Nous devrions avancer lentement’, giving cautious advice about the pace. Its citation form is ‘devoir’, and it is followed by the infinitive ‘avancer’. A reusable pattern is ‘Nous devrions’ plus an infinitive for a shared recommendation.
avancer ‘avancer’ means move forward or proceed in ‘avancer lentement’, describing how the hikers should make progress. It is an infinitive after ‘devrions’. A reusable pattern is ‘avancer’ followed by an adverb such as ‘lentement’.
lentement ‘lentement’ means slowly and modifies ‘avancer’, recommending a slow pace on the hike. Its citation form is ‘lentement’ as an adverb. A reusable pattern is placing ‘lentement’ after an action verb to describe its pace.
surtout ‘surtout’ means especially in ‘surtout dans les descentes’, highlighting the downhill sections as the time to be particularly careful. It focuses attention on one part of a broader recommendation. A reusable pattern is ‘surtout’ followed by a place, time, or activity that deserves extra attention.
dans ‘dans’ means ‘in’ or ‘on’ in ‘dans les descentes’, locating the careful movement within the downhill sections. It is followed by the plural noun phrase ‘les descentes’. A reusable pattern is ‘dans’ plus a place or activity context.
descentes ‘descentes’ means downhill sections in ‘dans les descentes’, referring to parts of the trail where the hikers are going down. Its singular citation form is ‘descente’; the plural matches the general recommendation about downhill parts. A reusable pattern is ‘dans les descentes’ when discussing safety on a downhill route.
Si ‘Si’ means ‘if’ and introduces the condition ‘Si le temps se gâte’. It presents bad weather as the condition for turning back. A reusable pattern is ‘Si’ followed by a condition and then a possible response.
temps ‘temps’ means weather in ‘le temps se gâte’, not time. Its meaning is fixed by the surrounding weather discussion and by the expression describing the weather becoming bad. A reusable pattern is ‘le temps’ followed by a description of weather conditions.
se In ‘se gâte’, ‘se’ is part of the pronominal expression describing the weather becoming bad. It also appears in ‘se sente’, where it marks that people experience the feeling themselves. The meaning of ‘se’ depends on the verb construction it belongs to.
gâte ‘gâte’ means becomes bad in ‘Si le temps se gâte’, describing a deterioration in the weather. Its citation form is the pronominal verb ‘se gâter’. A reusable pattern is ‘le temps se gâte’ when weather conditions worsen.
pourrons ‘pourrons’ means will be able to in ‘nous pourrons faire demi-tour’, presenting turning back as an available response if the weather worsens. Its citation form is ‘pouvoir’. A reusable pattern is ‘nous pourrons’ followed by an infinitive to describe a future option.
faire demi-tour ‘faire demi-tour’ means turn back in ‘nous pourrons faire demi-tour’. ‘faire’ supplies the action verb, while ‘demi-tour’ names the half-turn that reverses the direction. It is a reusable expression after a verb such as ‘pourrons’ when describing a decision to return.
au ‘au’ means ‘at the’ in ‘au point de vue’, locating the turn-back point at the viewpoint. It is the contraction of ‘à’ and ‘le’. A reusable pattern is ‘au’ followed by a masculine singular place or landmark.
point de vue ‘point de vue’ means viewpoint in ‘au point de vue’, identifying the place where the hikers can turn back. ‘point’ names the point, ‘de’ links it to ‘vue’, and ‘vue’ contributes the idea of a view. A reusable pattern is ‘au point de vue’ when referring to a viewpoint as a location.
Disons-le ‘Disons-le’ means let’s say it, referring to the agreed turn-back plan that should be stated before starting. ‘-le’ refers to that previously discussed plan. A reusable pattern from the dialogue is ‘Disons-le avant de commencer’ when proposing that something be said beforehand.
avant ‘avant’ means before in ‘avant de commencer’, placing the statement earlier than the start of the hike. It is followed here by ‘de’ and an infinitive. A reusable pattern is ‘avant de’ plus an action when giving a time sequence.
commencer ‘commencer’ means start or begin in ‘avant de commencer’, referring to the beginning of the hike. It is an infinitive after ‘avant de’. A reusable pattern is ‘avant de commencer’ when mentioning something that must happen before an activity starts.
que In ‘pour que personne ne se sente obligé’, ‘que’ helps introduce the intended result of saying the plan aloud. The full connector ‘pour que’ links the purpose to the following clause. A reusable pattern is ‘pour que’ followed by a clause describing the desired result.
personne ‘personne’ means no one in ‘pour que personne ne se sente obligé de continuer’. Together with ‘ne’, it states that nobody should feel pressured to continue. A reusable pattern is ‘personne ne’ followed by a verb when referring to nobody performing or experiencing something.
ne ‘ne’ is the first part of the negative construction ‘personne ne se sente’, which means that nobody feels obliged. It also appears in ‘ne pas porter’ with ‘pas’ to form another negative expression. A reusable pattern is ‘ne’ paired with another negative element around the verb.
sente ‘sente’ means feels in ‘personne ne se sente obligé’, describing the group members’ own feeling of obligation. Its citation form is the pronominal verb ‘se sentir’. It is used here after ‘pour que’ to describe the intended result of the plan being stated.
obligé ‘obligé’ means obliged or pressured in ‘se sente obligé de continuer’. It describes the feeling that someone must continue even if the weather becomes unsafe. A reusable pattern is ‘se sentir obligé de’ followed by an infinitive.
continuer ‘continuer’ means continue in ‘obligé de continuer’, referring to carrying on with the hike. It is an infinitive after ‘de’. A reusable pattern is ‘continuer’ followed by an activity or after ‘être obligé de’ when describing something someone feels required to do.
Devrait-on ‘Devrait-on’ asks whether the speakers should do something, here remind the group about footwear. ‘Devrait’ conveys the recommendation and ‘on’ refers generally to the people involved, including the speakers. A reusable pattern is ‘Devrait-on rappeler’ when proposing a reminder for discussion.
rappeler ‘rappeler’ means remind in ‘Devrait-on rappeler au groupe’, referring to giving the group a reminder about suitable shoes. It is an infinitive after ‘Devrait-on’. A reusable pattern is ‘rappeler à quelqu’un’ followed by the information or action to remember.
groupe ‘groupe’ means group in ‘rappeler au groupe’, referring to the hikers who need the footwear reminder. Its citation form is ‘groupe’. A reusable pattern is ‘rappeler au groupe de’ followed by an action, as in the dialogue.
pas In ‘ne pas porter’, ‘pas’ completes the negation and means ‘not’. The whole expression tells the group not to wear the specified shoes. A reusable pattern is ‘ne pas’ followed by an infinitive.
porter ‘porter’ means wear in ‘de ne pas porter de chaussures de ville’, referring to having those shoes on during the hike. It is an infinitive after ‘de ne pas’. Its citation form is ‘porter’, and a related instruction appears as ‘Porte plusieurs couches’.
chaussures ‘chaussures’ means shoes in ‘chaussures de ville’ and ‘chaussures adaptées’. Its singular citation form is ‘chaussure’; the plural is used because the advice concerns footwear generally. A reusable pattern is ‘porter des chaussures’ followed by a description of their suitability.
de ‘de’ has several roles in the dialogue: in ‘chaussures de ville’ it links the shoes with their city use, in ‘de porter’ it introduces the requested action, and in ‘point de vue’ it links ‘point’ with ‘vue’. A reusable pattern is ‘demander à quelqu’un de’ plus an infinitive, as in ‘Demande-leur de porter’.
ville ‘ville’ means city or town in ‘chaussures de ville’, describing shoes intended for city use rather than the trail. The full expression identifies the kind of shoes the group should avoid. A reusable pattern is a noun followed by ‘de ville’ to connect it with city use.
Demande-leur ‘Demande-leur’ means ask them and addresses the group indirectly through ‘-leur’. Its citation form is ‘demander’. A reusable pattern from the dialogue is ‘Demande-leur de porter’ when asking people to perform an action.
adaptées ‘adaptées’ means suitable or proper in ‘des chaussures adaptées’, describing footwear appropriate for the muddy trail. Its citation form is ‘adapté’; the feminine plural form agrees with ‘chaussures’. A reusable pattern is ‘des chaussures adaptées’ when recommending suitable footwear.
sentiers ‘sentiers’ means trails in ‘les sentiers boueux’, referring to the hiking paths. Its singular citation form is ‘sentier’; the plural matches the general statement about muddy trails. A reusable pattern is ‘les sentiers’ followed by an adjective describing their condition.
boueux ‘boueux’ means muddy in ‘les sentiers boueux’, describing trails covered or affected by mud. It modifies the plural noun ‘sentiers’. A reusable pattern is ‘sentiers boueux’ when warning about trail conditions.
peuvent ‘peuvent’ means can or may in ‘les sentiers boueux peuvent être glissants’, expressing the possibility that muddy trails are slippery. Its citation form is ‘pouvoir’, and this form matches the plural subject ‘les sentiers’. A reusable pattern is ‘peuvent être’ followed by an adjective to describe a possible condition.
glissants ‘glissants’ means slippery in ‘les sentiers boueux peuvent être glissants’. Its citation form is ‘glissant’; the plural form agrees with ‘sentiers’. It is useful here as a safety warning about surfaces that may cause someone to lose their footing.
Un ‘Un’ means ‘a’ or ‘an’ before the masculine singular noun in ‘Un rappel’. It introduces one reminder that could be sent that evening. A reusable pattern is ‘un’ followed by a masculine singular noun.
rappel ‘rappel’ means reminder in ‘Un rappel pour préparer les affaires ce soir’. Its citation form is ‘rappel’. It refers to a message that helps the hikers remember to get their gear ready.
préparer ‘préparer’ means prepare in ‘pour préparer les affaires’, referring to getting the hiking gear ready. It is an infinitive after ‘pour’ and expresses the purpose of the reminder. A reusable pattern is ‘pour préparer’ followed by the item or activity being made ready.
affaires ‘affaires’ means belongings or gear in ‘préparer les affaires’, referring to the things needed for the hike. Its singular citation form is ‘affaire’, but the plural is natural here because several items are being prepared. A reusable pattern is ‘préparer les affaires’ when getting personal belongings ready.
ce In ‘ce soir’, ‘ce’ points to the current evening and gives the phrase the meaning ‘tonight’. It appears before the masculine singular noun ‘soir’. A reusable pattern is ‘ce soir’ when specifying that something should happen tonight.
soir ‘soir’ means evening in ‘ce soir’, which means tonight in this context. Its citation form is ‘soir’. A reusable pattern is ‘ce soir’ when setting a deadline or time for an action.
serait ‘serait’ means would be in ‘serait utile’, presenting the reminder as something that would help. Its citation form is ‘être’. A reusable pattern is ‘serait utile’ when politely describing a potentially helpful action or item.
utile ‘utile’ means useful or helpful in ‘serait utile’, evaluating the reminder as beneficial for preparation. It follows ‘serait’ as a description of the reminder. A reusable pattern is ‘être utile’ when explaining that something provides practical help.
Envoie-le ‘Envoie-le’ means send it, referring back to the packing reminder. ‘-le’ stands for the reminder being discussed. A reusable pattern from the dialogue is ‘Envoie-le assez tôt’ when instructing someone to send something before a suitable deadline.
assez In ‘assez tôt’, ‘assez’ means enough and modifies ‘tôt’ to express sufficient earliness. Together, the phrase means early enough for the preparation to happen. A reusable pattern is ‘assez’ plus an adverb or adjective when specifying a sufficient degree.
tôt In ‘assez tôt’, ‘tôt’ means early, referring to the timing of sending the reminder. Combined with ‘assez’, it sets the requirement that the message arrive early enough. A reusable pattern is ‘assez tôt pour que’ followed by the intended result.
tout In ‘tout le monde’, ‘tout’ contributes the idea of all or everyone, and the full expression means everybody. It is followed by ‘le monde’ as a fixed expression in this sentence. A reusable pattern is ‘tout le monde’ as the subject of a clause.
monde In ‘tout le monde’, ‘monde’ contributes to the expression meaning everyone, referring to all the hikers. Here it does not mean the planet or world. A reusable pattern is ‘tout le monde’ when referring collectively to all people in a group.
puisse ‘puisse’ means can or may in ‘pour que tout le monde puisse se préparer’, expressing the intended ability to prepare. Its citation form is ‘pouvoir’, and it follows ‘pour que’ in the purpose clause. A reusable pattern is ‘pour que’ followed by a subject and ‘puisse’ plus an infinitive.

Grammar Points

devoir au conditionnel présent + infinitif

Nous devrions avancer lentement.

noo duh-vree-OHN ah-vahn-SAY lahnt-MAHN.

We should move forward slowly.

« Devrait » exprime un conseil ou une recommandation et se construit avec un infinitif.

accord de l’adjectif avec le nom

Des chaussures adaptées sont nécessaires.

day shoh-SOOR ah-dap-TAY sohn nay-sess-AIR.

Suitable shoes are necessary.

En français, l’adjectif s’accorde en genre et en nombre avec le nom : « chaussures adaptées ».

French Vocabulary

avancer verb
ah-vahn-SAY to move forward
averses noun
ah-VAIRSS showers
boueuse adj
boo-UHZ muddy
couches noun
koosh layers
descentes noun
day-SAHNT downhill sections
devrions verb
duh-vree-OHN should
imperméable adj
an-pair-may-AH-bluh waterproof
lentement adv
lahnt-MAHN slowly
prévisions noun
pray-vee-ZYON forecast
randonnée noun
rahn-doh-NAY hike
sans cesse adv
sahn SESS constantly
sentier noun
sahn-TYAY trail

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

waterproof

Show Answerimperméable

muddy

Show Answerboueuse

forecast

Show Answerprévisions

layers

Show Answercouches