Discussing rebooking after a possible missed connection | Learn French in English

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Use Discussing rebooking after a possible missed connection to practice French conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Je risque de rater ma correspondance à cause de ce retard.

zhuh reesk duh rah-TAY mah koh-reh-spohn-DAHNS ah kohz duh suh ruh-TAHR I might miss my connection because of this delay.

Le service d'assistance peut vérifier d'autres itinéraires dès que le retard est confirmé.

luh sehr-VEES dah-sees-TAHNS puh vay-ree-FYAY DOHTR ee-tee-nay-RAIR deh kuh luh ruh-TAHR eh kohn-feer-MAY The service desk can check other routes once the delay is confirmed.

Je préférerais faire un plan maintenant plutôt que de me dépêcher plus tard.

zhuh pray-fay-ruh-RAY fair uhn plahn mant-nah-NAHN ploo-TOH kuh duh muh day-pay-SHAY ploo TAR I would rather make a plan now than rush later.

Alors, comparons les options, mais gardons à l'esprit qu'elles peuvent changer.

ah-LOR kohn-pah-RON layz op-SYON may GAR-dohn ah LESS-pree kel peuv shahn-ZHAY Then let us compare the options, but keep in mind they may change.

Pouvez-vous vérifier si un changement de réservation flexible est possible ici ?

poo-vay-VOO vay-ree-FYAY see uhn shahnj-MAHN duh ray-zair-vah-SYON flek-SEEBL eh poh-SEEBL ee-SEE Can you check whether flexible rebooking is available here?

Je peux demander, mais l'opérateur doit l'approuver.

zhuh puh duh-mahn-DAY may loh-pay-rah-TEUR dwah la-proo-VAY I can ask, but the operator has to approve it.

Veuillez chercher des itinéraires avec assez de temps entre les correspondances.

vay-YAY shair-SHAY dayz ee-tee-nay-RAIR ah-VEK ah-SAY duh tahn ahntr lay koh-reh-spohn-DAHNS Please look for routes with enough time between transfers.

Je vais mettre ceux-là en priorité.

zhuh vay METR suh-LAH ahn pree-oh-ree-TAY I will put those first.

Comme ça, nous ne courrons pas pour prendre le prochain train.

kohm SAH noo nuh koo-RON pah poor PRAHNDR luh proh-SHAN tran So we are not running for the next train.

Word by Word

Je “Je” means “I” here and identifies the speaker as the person at risk of missing the connection. It is used before a verb, as in “Je risque de rater”. A new example is “Je comprends” for “I understand”.

risque In “Je risque de rater”, “risque” expresses that the speaker may miss the connection. It comes from “risquer”, and this form is used after “Je”. The reusable pattern is “Je risque de” followed by an infinitive, such as “Je risque de tomber” in a new example.

de In “risque de rater”, “de” introduces the action that may happen. It is part of the reusable pattern “risquer de” followed by an infinitive. A new example is “Il risque de partir”.

rater “Rater” means “to miss” here, specifically missing a travel connection. It is the infinitive after “risque de”. The reusable pattern is “rater” plus the thing missed, as in “rater le train” in a new example.

ma “Ma” means “my” before the feminine noun “correspondance”. It shows that the connection belongs to or concerns the speaker. A new example is “ma réservation” for “my booking”.

correspondance “Correspondance” means “connection” in the travel context, the connection the speaker may miss. It is used after the possessive “ma”. In travel, the reusable pattern is “prendre une correspondance” in a new example.

à In “à cause de”, “à” is part of the expression that introduces a reason. The full phrase “à cause de ce retard” means “because of this delay”; “à” should not be translated by itself as “at” here. A new example is “à cause de la pluie”.

cause In “à cause de ce retard”, “cause” refers to the reason for the situation. The whole expression “à cause de” means “because of”, while “cause” supplies the idea of a cause or reason. A new example is “à cause d’un problème”.

ce “Ce” means “this” before “retard” and points to the particular delay happening now. It is used directly before the noun. A new example is “ce train” for “this train”.

retard “Retard” means “delay” here and names the travel problem causing the risk. It is used after “ce” in “ce retard”. A new example is “un retard important” for “a significant delay”.

Le “Le” means “the” before “service” in “Le service d’assistance”. It introduces a specific service desk known in the situation. A new example is “le train” for “the train”.

service In “Le service d’assistance”, “service” refers to the assistance service or desk that can check routes. The following “d’assistance” specifies what kind of service it is. A new example is “le service client” for “customer service”.

d'assistance “D’assistance” means “of assistance” and specifies the purpose of “service” in “Le service d’assistance”. It is formed from “de” before “assistance”, with the elided form “d’”. The reusable pattern is “service d’assistance” for an assistance desk or service.

peut “Peut” means “can” here: the assistance service is able to check other routes. It is the form used with the subject “Le service”. A new example is “Le personnel peut aider” for “The staff can help”.

vérifier “Vérifier” means “to check” or “to verify” the other routes. It follows “peut”, so it remains in the infinitive form. The reusable pattern is “peut vérifier” followed by the thing being checked.

d'autres “D’autres” means “other” or “additional” in “d’autres itinéraires”. It introduces routes different from the one already being considered. It is formed from “de” and “autres”; a new example is “d’autres possibilités” for “other possibilities”.

itinéraires “Itinéraires” means “routes” or “itineraries” here, referring to possible travel routes. The plural form fits the idea of several alternatives after “d’autres”. A new example is “comparer plusieurs itinéraires” for “compare several routes”.

dès In “dès que le retard est confirmé”, “dès” helps express that something happens as soon as a condition is met. The full expression “dès que” means “as soon as”. A new example is “dès que vous arrivez” for “as soon as you arrive”.

que In “dès que le retard est confirmé”, “que” completes the expression “dès que”, which introduces the event that must occur first. Here it links the confirmation of the delay to the route check. The reusable pattern is “dès que” followed by a clause.

est “Est” means “is” in “le retard est confirmé”. It links “le retard” with the description “confirmé”. A new example is “Le train est prêt” for “The train is ready”.

confirmé “Confirmé” means “confirmed” here and describes the delay once its status is officially established. It appears after “est” in “le retard est confirmé”. A new example is “Le départ est confirmé” for “The departure is confirmed”.

préférerais “Préférerais” means “would prefer” here, expressing the speaker’s preference for making a plan now. It comes from “préférer” and is followed by “faire” in “Je préférerais faire”. The reusable pattern is “Je préférerais” followed by an infinitive.

faire “Faire” means “to make” in “faire un plan”. It is the infinitive after “Je préférerais”. A new example is “faire une réservation” for “make a booking”.

un “Un” means “a” before “plan” and introduces one plan without identifying a specific existing plan. It is used with the singular noun “plan”. A new example is “un itinéraire” for “a route”.

plan “Plan” means “plan” here: a plan for dealing with the possible missed connection. It is the object of “faire” in “faire un plan”. A new example is “préparer un plan” for “prepare a plan”.

maintenant “Maintenant” means “now” and places the planning at the present moment. It contrasts with “plus tard” later in the same sentence. A new example is “Nous devons décider maintenant” for “We have to decide now”.

plutôt In “plutôt que de me dépêcher”, “plutôt” contributes the idea of preference: rather than rushing, the speaker prefers to plan. The full expression “plutôt que de” introduces the alternative that is not preferred. A new example is “plutôt que d’attendre” for “rather than wait”.

me In “me dépêcher”, “me” refers back to the speaker as the person who would hurry. It is the reflexive pronoun used with “se dépêcher”, changed to “me” with “Je”. The reusable pattern is “Je dois me dépêcher” in a new example.

dépêcher In “me dépêcher”, “dépêcher” means “to hurry”. The full reflexive expression “se dépêcher” means “to hurry”, and “me” shows that the speaker is the one hurrying. A new example is “Il faut se dépêcher” for “We need to hurry”.

plus In “plus tard”, “plus” helps form the time expression meaning “later”. It does not mean “more” independently in this dialogue. The reusable expression is “plus tard”, as in a new example “Nous déciderons plus tard”.

tard In “plus tard”, “tard” refers to a later time, after the present moment. The complete expression “plus tard” means “later”. A new example is “Je reviendrai plus tard” for “I will come back later”.

Alors “Alors” means “then” or “so” here and moves the conversation to the next proposed action. It introduces the suggestion to compare the options. A new example is “Alors, commençons” for “Then, let’s begin”.

comparons “Comparons” means “let us compare” and proposes comparing the available options together. It comes from “comparer” and is used as a direct suggestion to the group. The reusable pattern is “Comparons” followed by the things being compared.

les “Les” means “the” before the plural noun “options”. It refers to the specific options already under discussion. A new example is “les itinéraires” for “the routes”.

options “Options” means “options” here, referring to the possible rebooking choices. It is plural because there is more than one choice to compare. A new example is “examiner les options” for “examine the options”.

mais “Mais” means “but” and introduces a qualification to the suggestion to compare the options. It connects the comparison with the warning that the options may change. A new example is “Je peux venir, mais je dois partir tôt”.

gardons In “gardons à l’esprit”, “gardons” means “let us keep” and introduces a shared reminder. The full expression “garder à l’esprit” means “keep in mind”. A new example is “Gardons cela à l’esprit” for “Let’s keep that in mind”.

l'esprit In “gardons à l’esprit”, “l’esprit” refers to the mind or awareness in which something is kept. The full expression means “keep in mind”, so the contribution of “l’esprit” is the idea of holding something mentally. A new example is “à l’esprit” in “Je l’ai toujours à l’esprit”.

qu'elles “Qu’elles” means “that they” in “qu’elles peuvent changer”. It introduces the clause describing what should be kept in mind, and “elles” refers to the feminine plural “options”. It combines “que” and “elles”; a new example is “Je sais qu’elles arrivent” for “I know that they are arriving”.

peuvent “Peuvent” means “can” or “may” here, indicating that the options may change. It agrees with the plural subject “elles”. A new example is “Les horaires peuvent changer” for “The schedules may change”.

changer “Changer” means “to change” here, describing what the options may do. It follows “peuvent”, so it is in the infinitive form. The reusable pattern is “peuvent changer” for things that may change.

Pouvez “Pouvez” means “can” in the polite question “Pouvez-vous vérifier”. It asks whether the other person is able to perform the check. It comes from “pouvoir” and is used with “vous”; a new example is “Pouvez-vous aider ?”.

vous “Vous” means “you” here and addresses the service worker politely. In “Pouvez-vous vérifier”, it is the person being asked to check. A new example is “Pouvez-vous répéter ?” for “Can you repeat?”.

si After “vérifier”, “si” means “whether” and introduces the point that needs to be checked: whether flexible rebooking is possible. The reusable pattern is “vérifier si” followed by a clause. A new example is “Je vais vérifier si c’est ouvert”.

changement “Changement” means “change” here as part of “changement de réservation”, a change to a booking. The following “de réservation” specifies what is being changed. A new example is “un changement de date” for “a change of date”.

réservation “Réservation” means “booking” or “reservation” in “changement de réservation”. It identifies the booking that can be changed. A new example is “confirmer une réservation” for “confirm a booking”.

flexible “Flexible” describes the rebooking change as allowing flexibility. It modifies “changement de réservation” in “un changement de réservation flexible”. A new example is “une réservation flexible” for “a flexible booking”.

possible “Possible” means “possible” here and asks whether the flexible booking change can be arranged at this location. It follows “est” in “est possible”. A new example is “Est-ce possible aujourd’hui ?” for “Is it possible today?”.

ici “Ici” means “here” and refers to the service desk or place where the question is being asked. It specifies where the flexible change might be available. A new example is “Vous pouvez attendre ici” for “You can wait here”.

peux “Peux” means “can” here: the speaker says they are able to ask about the change. It is the first-person form used with “Je”. A new example is “Je peux vérifier” for “I can check”.

demander “Demander” means “to ask” or “to request” here, referring to asking about flexible rebooking. It follows “Je peux”, so it is in the infinitive form. The reusable pattern is “demander” followed by the information or permission being requested.

l'opérateur “L’opérateur” means “the operator”, the person or company representative whose approval is required. The article is shortened to “l’” before the vowel in “opérateur”. A new example is “contacter l’opérateur” for “contact the operator”.

doit “Doit” means “must” or “has to” here, expressing the operator’s requirement to approve the change. It is used with the subject “l’opérateur”. A new example is “Le responsable doit confirmer” for “The person in charge has to confirm”.

l'approuver “L’approuver” means “to approve it”: “l’” refers to the flexible booking change, and “approuver” means “approve”. It follows “doit”, so the verb is in the infinitive form. The reusable pattern is “doit l’approuver” when someone has to approve a previously mentioned item.

Veuillez “Veuillez” is a polite way to say “please” in a direct request. In “Veuillez chercher”, it introduces the requested action in a formal service context. The reusable pattern is “Veuillez” followed by an infinitive, as in “Veuillez patienter” in a new example.

chercher “Chercher” means “to look for” or “to search for” routes with sufficient transfer time. It follows the polite request formula “Veuillez”. A new example is “chercher une solution” for “look for a solution”.

des “Des” introduces the plural noun “itinéraires” in “des itinéraires”. Here it refers to some routes that meet the requested condition. A new example is “des options flexibles” for “some flexible options”.

avec “Avec” means “with” and introduces the feature the requested routes should have: enough time between transfers. It links “itinéraires” with “assez de temps”. A new example is “un itinéraire avec une escale” for “a route with a stopover”.

assez In “assez de temps”, “assez” means “enough” and indicates that the amount of time should be sufficient. The reusable pattern is “assez de” followed by a noun, as in “assez de temps” or “assez de place” in new examples.

temps “Temps” means “time” here, specifically the time available between transfers. It is used in the quantity expression “assez de temps”. A new example is “avoir du temps” for “have time”.

entre “Entre” means “between” and places the available time between the transfers. It introduces the two points or events that frame the interval. A new example is “entre deux trains” for “between two trains”.

correspondances “Correspondances” means “connections” or “transfers” here, referring to the changes between parts of the journey. The plural form fits the phrase “entre les correspondances”. A new example is “rater deux correspondances” for “miss two connections”.

vais In “Je vais mettre”, “vais” helps express what the speaker is going to do next: put the requested routes first. It is used with “Je” and followed by an infinitive. The reusable pattern is “Je vais” plus an infinitive, as in “Je vais vérifier”.

mettre “Mettre” means “to put” or “to place” here, meaning to place the requested routes first in the results or priorities. It follows “Je vais”. A new example is “mettre une option en priorité” for “put an option first”.

ceux “Ceux” means “those” or “those ones” and refers to the routes just requested. It is a demonstrative pronoun used here with “là” in “ceux-là”. A new example is “Je préfère ceux-ci” for “I prefer these ones”.

là In “ceux-là”, “là” helps point to the particular routes being discussed: “those ones”. It reinforces the reference to the routes with enough time between transfers. A new example is “prenez celui-là” for “take that one”.

en In “en priorité”, “en” is part of the expression meaning “as a priority” or “first”. It links the action of putting something with the status of priority. A new example is “traiter une demande en priorité” for “handle a request as a priority”.

priorité “Priorité” means “priority” in “mettre ceux-là en priorité”. It indicates that the selected routes will be placed first for consideration. A new example is “donner la priorité à un itinéraire” for “give priority to a route”.

Comme In “Comme ça”, “Comme” contributes to the expression meaning “so” or “that way”. The phrase introduces the intended result of choosing routes with more transfer time. A new example is “Comme ça, nous aurons le temps” for “That way, we will have time”.

ça In “Comme ça”, “ça” refers to the plan or way of proceeding just described. The full expression means “so” or “that way”, explaining the intended result. A new example is “Fais comme ça” for “Do it like that”.

nous “Nous” means “we” here and refers to the traveler and the service worker together. It is the subject of “ne courrons pas”. A new example is “Nous pouvons attendre” for “We can wait”.

ne “Ne” is one part of the French negative structure “ne … pas” in “nous ne courrons pas”. It helps mark the statement as negative and works together with “pas”. A new example is “Nous ne partons pas” for “We are not leaving”.

courrons “Courrons” means “will run” here, referring to running in order to catch the next train. It is used with “nous” and is negated by “ne … pas”. A new example is “Nous courrons si nécessaire” for “We will run if necessary”.

pas “Pas” completes the negative structure “ne … pas” in “nous ne courrons pas”, meaning “we will not run”. It is used together with “ne”, not as an independent translation of the whole sentence. A new example is “Je ne sais pas” for “I don’t know”.

pour In “pour prendre le prochain train”, “pour” introduces the purpose of running: to catch the next train. The reusable pattern is “pour” followed by an infinitive to express “in order to”. A new example is “partir tôt pour éviter les retards” for “leave early to avoid delays”.

prendre In “prendre le prochain train”, “prendre” means “to take” or “to catch” the train. It follows “pour”, so it is in the infinitive form. A new example is “prendre un bus” for “take a bus”.

prochain “Prochain” means “next” and identifies the train that comes after the current one. It agrees with the masculine noun “train”. A new example is “le prochain départ” for “the next departure”.

train “Train” means “train” here, the train the travelers might otherwise have to run to catch. It is the object of “prendre”. A new example is “attendre le train” for “wait for the train”.

Grammar Points

Je préférerais + infinitif

Je préférerais comparer les itinéraires.

zhuh pray-fay-ruh-RAY kohn-pah-RAY lay zee-tee-nay-RAIR

I would prefer to compare the routes.

The conditional form préférerais expresses a polite or tentative preference.

plutôt que + infinitif

Je préférerais comparer plutôt que courir.

zhuh pray-fay-ruh-RAY kohn-pah-RAY ploo-TOH kuh koo-REER

I would prefer to compare rather than run.

Plutôt que is followed by an infinitive when contrasting two actions.

French Vocabulary

à cause de prep

ah KOHZ duh because of

confirmé adj

kohn-feer-MAY confirmed

correspondance noun

koh-reh-spohn-DAHNS connection; transfer

dès que conj

deh kuh as soon as

itinéraire noun

ee-tee-nay-RAIR route; itinerary itinéraires

préférer verb

pray-fay-RAY to prefer préférerais

rater verb

rah-TAY to miss

retard noun

ruh-TAHR delay

risquer verb

rees-KAY to risk; might risque

se dépêcher verb

suh day-pay-SHAY to hurry me dépêcher

service d'assistance phrase

sehr-VEES dah-sees-TAHNS service desk; assistance service

vérifier verb

vay-ree-FYAY to check; to verify

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I will put those first.

Show Answer

Je vais mettre ceux-là en priorité.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

route; itinerary

Show Answer

itinéraires

to check; to verify

Show Answer

vérifier

to miss

Show Answer

rater

delay

Show Answer

retard