FRENCH Language Help

[ElectronicQuillster]

A NOTE TO THOSE WHO WANT WORDS TRANSLATED:

I'm not gonna lie to you: online translators should not be held as the iron-clad rules when it comes to translating.

Remember that you might need to give a bit of background in order for someone to give you the best possible translation. (For example, verbs can change drastically when conjugated into different tenses. Also, many adjectives have masculine and feminine forms. If you give a translator a bit of context, he or she might tell you that a slang word would work best.)

Example:
I need to know how to say, "Please get over here immediately." This is Harry talking to Ron through the Floo.

A NOTE TO TRANSLATORS:

Anyone can use Google to find an online translator. There's nothing wrong with using these Internet tools, but translators should have at least a little knowledge of the language. (You don't have to be a native speaker, by any means.)

Please note: if you're not 100% comfortable with your translating skills, please state that.

[sirius_rocks]

If someone could translate or give me some insults in French, like go away, I hate you, and maybe the occasional swear word, it'd be great!

Thanks for your time!:D :) :D

[ElectronicQuillster]

The posts that have been deleted here should be dealt with via pm if you feel you need that kind of language. We're a family friendly forum, and we don't have a rating system for this branch of our site, so we need to keep it clean.

[sirius_rocks]

that would kind of be my fault, sorry...:( Maybe just go away will do... maybe...:p

[Viv]

Go away is "Va t'en" or "Laisse-moi tranquille", if you want the person to leave you alone. I hate you is "Je te déteste" or "Je te hais". "Je ne t'aime pas" is I don't like you, which can goes with I hate you. It can also fit, but it depends on the context.

[littleWoNdErFuL]

Would this be the correct way of asking to go to the bathroom, if Gabrielle was asking Fleur?

“Est-ce que je peux aller à la toilette?” For, "Can I go to the bathroom?"
“Oui, d'accord. Vas-tu,” For "Yes, all right. Go." (I added the "d'accord" because in my French book they're always tacking on a "d'accord" at the end of "oui" so I thought it would be okay to.)

I think it might be too proper asking it this way, but I tried inverting the verb and it didn't sound quite right. Also, for the "Vas-tu", is that correct? Or would Fleur just reply with "Aller"? I can't remember if it should be conjugated or left as an infinitive.

I really should know this...*will fail her French final* Thanks for the help, though!

[little_kitty]

Would this be the correct way of asking to go to the bathroom, if Gabrielle was asking Fleur?

“Est-ce que je peux aller à la toilette?” For, "Can I go to the bathroom?"
“Oui, d'accord. Vas-tu,” For "Yes, all right. Go." (I added the "d'accord" because in my French book they're always tacking on a "d'accord" at the end of "oui" so I thought it would be okay to.)

I think it might be too proper asking it this way, but I tried inverting the verb and it didn't sound quite right. Also, for the "Vas-tu", is that correct? Or would Fleur just reply with "Aller"? I can't remember if it should be conjugated or left as an infinitive.

I really should know this...*will fail her French final* Thanks for the help, though!
It seems okay. Personally, I would put aux toilettes rather than à la toilette, but maybe that's just me.

I have heard people say "Puis-j'aller aux toilettes", but I think "est-ce que je peux aller..." works as well.

As for the vas-tu part, I think it sounds a bit odd. I'd just say, vas-y. That would work. It means something like "go!" or "go on!"

Someone ought to double check on this because my French isn't that good.

--Little Kitty

[rita_skeeter]

As far as I know, this is basically correct, but it does sound a little formal, I agree.
I would suggest changing it to the following:

"Est-ce que je peux aller aux WC?"
"Bien sûr."

This would probably sound more realistic. Good luck with your fic!

Until we meet again, rita_skeeter.

[mecredi]

I have heard people say "Puis-j'aller aux toilettes", but I think "est-ce que je peux aller..." works as well.
--Little Kitty

Yeah, my french teacher has us say that for going to the bathroom in class, but that might mean it's kind of formal.

[HPobsession]

"Est-ce que je peux aller aux WC?"


I think this is still pretty formal. I was taught, "Je peux aller a WC" with an accent grave over the a.

[Tinn Tam]

I was taught, "Je peux aller a WC" with an accent grave over the a.

Err... I'm French, and I don't know who taught you that, but personally I've never heard "Je peux aller à WC?". It's not quite correct, it would be considered as "beauf", as we say (and it's not a compliment, it's more like... like Dudley talking).

The best translation would be: "Je peux aller aux toilettes?" It would be the most common and most logical translation.

[Scarlet Crystal]

Personally, I find nothing wrong with being formal/polite. Gabrielle has a lot of respect for her sister, so it would make sense. I'd go with "Je peux aller aux toilettes?" as stated above.

[TheEvilBroomstick]

“Est-ce que je peux aller à la toilette?” For, "Can I go to the bathroom?"
“Oui, d'accord. Vas-tu,” For "Yes, all right. Go." (I added the "d'accord" because in my

"Peux-je aller aux toilettes?" could work for the first one. Personally I don't think it's too formal

As for the second one, "d'accord" doesn't quite fit in my perspective, but the "Vas-tu" seems perfect.

[Vorona]

About going to the bathroom. It seems, since they're siblings, that Gabrielle would just say she was going to the bathroom, unless she didn't know where it was. In that case, she'd probably ask where they were... unless, of course, they weren't working or the bathroom was in some way inaccessible due to cleaning or repair or ...

The thing is, when I was in France, I almost never asked this question, and the last time I remember asking was in grade school. Instead, I would say things like, "I have to go to the bathroom", or simply, "I'm going to the bathroom now." If you want to keep "Can I go to the bathroom", you'd either use:

Puis-je aller aux toilettes?
Or
Est-ce que je peux aller aux toilettes?

WC means "water closet" and the French use that expression about as often as we do. Stick with "toilettes".

To say "I need to go to the bathroom", you would say:

Je dois aller aux toilettes.

For, "I'm going to the bathroom":

Je vais aux toilettes.

The best way for Fleur to say "Go ahead" is definitely: Vas-y.

[LexiGirl]

I don't speak any French and I checked an online translator but I got so many results I don't know which to use. I just need something like 'but mum' and then 'don't argue'. Thanks,

[Tinn Tam]

I don't speak any French and I checked an online translator but I got so many results I don't know which to use. I just need something like 'but mum' and then 'don't argue'. Thanks,

That would be:

"Mais Maman..."

"Ne discute pas!"

PS: if I start writing everything I think about online translators, it would fill several pages of non-too-polite criticism. Please, please don't trust online translators! Most of the times the translation they give makes me laugh aloud -- or cry. Depends on my mood.

[nysuperstarz]

How would you say "Mother this is my fiance Bill" (ive been taking french for the last two years but it doesnt seem t have gotton thruogh to me.

[little_kitty]

How would you say "Mother this is my fiance Bill" (ive been taking french for the last two years but it doesnt seem t have gotton thruogh to me.
I think it would work if you said this: "Maman, voici mon fiancé Bill."

--Little Kitty

[MithrilQuill]

Ok, so I just got back from my summer vacation and I need to ask about this little poem that came into my head randomely one-day...it's probably going to go into a fanfic I'm working on, but even though I've taken loads of French in school I'm not going to trust myself when it comes to poetry or grammar...


hem...yeah, the poem...


On Cherche la vérité
Dans l’effrayante réalité


Et quand je tombe au-dessous
Pense: Qui est moi? Marcherai ou?

Be harsh...pretty please with a cherry on top...

does it even make any sense?


EDIT: Ooooh, thanks Tinn Tam ... I'll go send you a PM right away!

[Tinn Tam]

On Cherche la vérité
Dans l’effrayante réalité


Et quand je tombe au-dessous
Pense: Qui est moi? Marcherai ou?


The first two verses are fine, but the other two are... well... difficult to understand. What do you mean by "Quand je tombe au-dessous"?

About the last verse: it doesn't make much sense in French (you can see it's literally translated from English). If you meant: "I'm thinking: Who am I? Where will I walk?" (is that it?), you should say:

Je pense: Qui suis-je? Où marcherai-je?

I know, it ruins the rhyme. Sorry!

Otherwise, I don't have much to say... You don't have the same number of syllabes in all your verses, but that can be called an "artistic choice";) .

Can you send me whatever you meant to say in English? Maybe I'll be able to be more helpful...

Congrats for writing poetry in French, I'm very impressed!!

[MrTibbles]

"How would you say "Mother this is my fiance Bill" (ive been taking french for the last two years but it doesnt seem t have gotton thruogh to me."

I think it would work if you said this: "Maman, voici mon fiancé Bill."

Another option would be: "Maman, je te présente mon fiancé Bill."

It's a bit more formal, which could work if Fleur's mother is a bit old-fashioned.

:)MrTibbles

[paddlerpen]

How do you say "Do you take Bill to be your lawful husband?" and "Do you take Fleur to be your lawful wife?" in French? Also how do you say "You may now kiss the bride."? I don't know any French at all!:o Thanks!

[Tinn Tam]

How do you say "Do you take Bill to be your lawful husband?" and "Do you take Fleur to be your lawful wife?" in French? Also how do you say "You may now kiss the bride."? I don't know any French at all!:o Thanks!

"Fleur, voulez-vous prendre pour époux, [add Bill's full name]?"

"William ("Bill" is short for William, isn't it?), voulez-vous prendre pour épouse, [add Fleur's full name]?"

And "You may now kiss the bride." = "Vous pouvez embrasser la mariée", but I don't think it's customary in France to kiss the bride during the ceremony.

By the way, are you sure Bill and Fleur's wedding is to take place in France? (*stops being picky and goes back to her fic*)

[paddlerpen]

I was going to have the wedding take place in Britian but have the vows said in both French and English. That way Fluer's relatives can understand what is going on. Thanks for your help!:D

[miss padfoot]

How do you say "thank you for your wonderful teaching/coaching"

It's a line Fleur says to Bill for her lessons in English.

Merci beaucoup to anyone who answers! :)

[anAnachronism]

Ah ha, finally years of being brainwashed in French are paying off:

How do you say "thank you for your wonderful teaching/coaching"

This could be "Merci pour l'enseignement merveilleux."

[Tinn Tam]

This could be "Merci pour l'enseignement merveilleux."

It is a bit awkward, though correct. French people wouldn't say that.

I would recommend, "Merci pour tes leçons, c'était merveilleux!"

Still not very natural, but quite Fleur-like. Can't seem to find a better translation right now -- my brain is working twice as slow as usual. If I am struck by an idea of genius, I'll PM you :).

[Viv]

You could also say "Je te remercie pour ton aide, c'était excellent" or "Je te remercie pour tes excellentes leçons". I think the second one sounds better, but Fleur would probably say the first one, it sticks to her character better. You choose!

[miss padfoot]

Thanks everyone for your help!

I think I'll go with Merci pour tes lecons, c'etait merveilleux.

If I put vous instead of tes, would it be right? Merci pour vous lecons, c'etait merveilleux.

Edit: Thanks for your help, Viv! Silly of me...

So, I'm going to say "Merci pour vos lecons, c'etait merveilleux."

Thanks again!

[Viv]

Try "vos" instead of "vous", that's the right word.;) "Merci pour vos leçons, c'était merveilleux." "Vous" is a pronoun, it's the equal of "you", so it doesn't fit there. Just wanted to correct that!

[Pheonix song]

How do you say "hope" in french, or maybe "Hopes light?"

Please help the crazy American that speaks no french. . . :)

[Tinn Tam]

How do you say "hope" in french, or maybe "Hopes light?"

Please help the crazy American that speaks no french. . .

"Hope": espoir, or espérance (espoir is more commonly used, but sometimes because of "sonority issues", we use espérance; it depends on the context).

"Hopes light": Err... "Espoir" in plural ("Hopes") is simply "espoirs", with a final "s". "Light" = lumière. If you mean "Hope's light" or something of the sort... La lumière de l'espoir.

Could you give me the context? Then I may be able to give you better help.

[Viv]

Hope is "espoir" in French. For your hopes light, I'm not quite sure though... Maybe "la lumière de l'espoir", but that sounds weird to me when I try to translate it. Somebody else has an idea?

Edit: Now that's weird. I thought I had answered before Tinn Tam on this one... My post was right after Phoenix song when I checked last time... Crazy things are going on on these forums...

[Wand_Waver2006]

Well...like Tam said, lumière is light, though I'm lost for hope, so I'm guessing you guys have it right. So, yeah, I agree with la lumière de l'espoir. Wouldn't there be an e on the end, though, since lumière is feminine? Or is espoir masculin? Uh, adding e's and s's is not my strong point...

[Tinn Tam]

Well...like Tam said, lumière is light, though I'm lost for hope, so I'm guessing you guys have it right. So, yeah, I agree with la lumière de l'espoir. Wouldn't there be an e on the end, though, since lumière is feminine? Or is espoir masculin? Uh, adding e's and s's is not my strong point...

Trust me on this one, I'm French :D . "Espoir" is masculin; "lumière" is, indeed, féminin, but "espoir" doesn't agree with "lumière" as it's a noun, complement of another noun. On the other hand, attributive adjectives and articles do agree (in gender and number) with the nouns they qualify.

Yes, French grammar IS complicated :) .

[ElectronicQuillster]

Ta da! Here I am, begging the guiding help of some of our lovely French speakers. I studies French all through high school, and I'm alright with basics, I suppose. I'm taking a conversational class this semester, so it's coming back to me, but I'm not confident with this bit I've written for one of my new stories.

Sirius and his brother have a governess in this story before they go to Hogwarts. They're having a French session right now (since 'Toujours Pur' is the family motto, I assumed they had a French heritage), and this is the scene I've got.

Sirius, on the other hand, threw his quill down on the table. “No, French is pointless. I don’t like Latin, but I need it for spells. I don’t need French for anything!”

“Your father insists. It’s part of your heritage as a Black,” Isabelle explained.

“I’m not going to talk to my dead relatives.”

Isabelle had to try very hard not to laugh at the young man’s blunt statement. She hardly took notice of the objects on the other side of the room moving positions to different tables or corners of the room. “Peut être to as raison, Sirius, mais tes cheveux sont bleus.”

Regulus snorted, and a moment later Sirius also caught on. “What did you do to my hair?” he exclaimed, rushing out of the room to look at his reflection in the mirror at the end of the hall.

“Si tu parle de la français, tes cheveux vas retour au normal!” Isabelle yelled after him.

Am I on track with the grammar? Is there anything I need to change? Thanks SO much, ahead of time!!!

[Tinn Tam]

“Peut être to as raison, Sirius, mais tes cheveux sont bleus.”

"To" isn't a word :). You meant "tu". And in good French, you wouldn't put "peut-être" at the beginning of the sentence, unless you invert the subject and the verb.

So, you can choose between: Peut-être as-tu raison, and: Tu as peut-être raison, If I were you, I would choose the latter. "Peut-être as-tu raison" is too formal. The "Tes cheveux sont bleus" part is okay.


“Si tu parle de la français, tes cheveux vas retour au normal!”

Several problems here.

1) Verbs of the first group, like "parler," are written with an "s" at the end when the subject is "tu". So you need to write: "Si tu parles."

2) Your sentence contains a conditional clause, beginning with "si", and a main clause. In that context, the conditional clause must be in the present tense and the main clause in the future. "Vas" is 2nd person in the present for "aller", whereas you need to put a 3rd person in plural (as "hair" is plural in French) in the future.

3) The other mistakes are idiomatic expressions you translated literally into French. To speak French is translated as Parler français, not "de la français". Speaking of which, "français" is masculine, not feminine :).
Go back to normal is in French redevenir normal (literally, "to become normal again").

So, all in all, the correct sentence would be:
"Si tu parles français, tes cheveux redeviendront normaux!"

But If I were you, I would replace it with the following sentence (same meaning):
"Parle français, et tes cheveux redeviendront normaux!"

I think that's all :D.

EDIT: Maybe that third version is the best after all:
"Tu n'as qu'à parler français, et tes cheveux redeviendront normaux!"

All right, I'll stop now!

[AshNight]

I'd like for the title of my story to be in french and to say: To Love!

It would be similar to a salute like, to life! or to hope! but...yeah. I take German so that's no use here at all. n_n

[Tinn Tam]

I'd like for the title of my story to be in french and to say: To Love!

It would be similar to a salute like, to life! or to hope! but...yeah. I take German so that's no use here at all. n_n

"A l'amour!"

There you go, fifty characters I hope.

[Viv]

Now I'm having this little problem and I really don't know if I can post this here... You see, I speak French, it's my first language and now there's some french words I'm trying to translate in English, but my dictionnary doesn't really help on this one. So I thought that maybe my French speaking fellows could help me...

The words I need are related to Christmas in a way. How do you say a "couronne de Noel" in English? You know, those things we hang on our front doors... And also, how do you call the "fruits" from a pine tree, you know, the brown thing? In here, we call it a "cône de pin". Can anybody help me??

[moonymaniac]

Hello, I would appreciate it if someone could translate the following for me. :)


Black magic

Modern magical woman

Take control of your power.

Everyone has a dark side.

Use it to your advantage.


Thank you for any help. :cool:

And Viv, I obviously do not speak French, but I think you mean pine cone. And we put a Christmas wreath on our doors over here. :)


edit: Thanks so much, Tinn Tam :cool:

[Tinn Tam]

Viv:

Extracted from Lexibase Pro - Collins:

couronne
nf crown
[+de fleurs] wreath, circlet
couronne (funéraire ou mortuaire): (funeral) wreath

I'd go with wreath on this one.

I recommend the Lexibase Pro - Collins, see if you can download it...

Moonymaniac:

Black magic -- Magie Noire

Modern magical woman -- Magicienne moderne

Take control of your power. -- Contrôle ton/votre pouvoir. (depends on who you're talking to. Use "ton" if whoever is talking is older/knows the character very well/is on first-name basis with them, etc. Use "votre" if they don't know each other or if they have too much respect for each other to be on first-name basis.)

Everyone has a dark side. -- On a tous notre côté obscur.

Use it to your advantage. -- Tire-s-en profit.

[Viv]

Actually, I saw wreath in my dictionnary, which is a Robert & Collins by the way, but I just wasn't sure if I could use it for the Christmas thing. And pine cone! That's it! (I should've thought about it, I wasn't really fast on this one...:o ) Thanks to both of you!

[Voldie Schmitt]

Could someone please translate "Little Mouse" or something to that extent for me? It's going to be My character's mother's Pet name for her, and her mother was born in france. I don't know much french at all (I can't take it in my school...we only have spanish. Yeah, very small school...:o :rolleyes: ).

[rachelprue]

Could someone please translate "Little Mouse" or something to that extent for me? It's going to be My character's mother's Pet name for her, and her mother was born in france. I don't know much french at all (I can't take it in my school...we only have spanish. Yeah, very small school...:o :rolleyes: ).

It would be "petite souris" for little mouse.

Ha, at my schools French is mandatory- oh, Canada.

[Voldie Schmitt]

It would be "petite souris" for little mouse.

Ha, at my schools French is mandatory- oh, Canada.

Thank-you very much! you were a very big help. :D

[BloodRayne]

How would a teenage girl from Paris say "Bonjour" in slang?

[Eowyn89]

Well, I would highly recommend confirmation of this from someone who actually speaks French (I speak French, but it is not my first language), but according to the Lexibase Collins French/English Dictionary:

“Hé” is pretty much the equivalent of “Hey!”

Perhaps, she would say, “Salut!” ("Hi!")

Or maybe, “Ça va?” ("How's it going?")

Again, I would have someone who speaks French confirm this…..hope I helped!

~Katie:)

[Vorona]

Hmm... All those work, but if you want it to be specifically Parisian slang, I'd look for someone who actually knows Parisian slang - which I don't, either. Parisian slang is its own creature...

One possibiltiy is that some parts of Parisian slang involve inverting words -- I saw a movie called "Les ripoux", which is an iversion of "Les pourris" or "the corrupted", so a possibility might be "Lusa" (salut) or "Jourbon" (bonjour) ... but again, this is not my expertise...

[Wand_Waver2006]

The informal greeting in French is 'Salut!' which is hello.

Ca va is 'How are you?', just a shortened version of 'Comment ca va?' [ignore the accent marks. they don't work on my computer.]

I would go with 'Salut', or try and find someone who can speak Parisian slang [I have a French lesson tomorrow, I'll try and ask] which, even though I speak Canadian French (which is slang in itself), I don't know.

Hope my advice helps a little.

♪Star♪

[Disappearance_26]

I'd go with "Salut!" It's pretty much the same as "Hello" and it'd work *shrugs* it depends on the character you're using though... is she normally formal or just carefree?

However, I'd have to agree with others' advice about finding someone who actually speaks Parisian slang...

[SiriuslyMental]

I know Parisian slang !

I'd say Salut is very safe, but you could use "wesh bien ou koi", which is like, "yo, you good or what", to which one would reply "trankil, t'as vu", "bien", or "ça va". There are other responses, but these are the most common.

Trankil, t'as vu - fine, you know
Bien - good, well
ça va - literally "it goes". It basically means that you're doing fine.

[Tinn Tam]

I know Parisian slang !

I'd say Salut is very safe, but you could definitely use "wesh bien ou koi", which is like, "yo, you good or what", to which one would reply "trankil, t'as vu", "bien", or "ça va". There are other responses, but these are the most common.

Trankil, t'as vu - fine, you know
Bien - good, well
ça va - literally "it goes". It basically means that you're doing fine.

*tears her eyes out*

Okay, I'm Parisian... As was said before, "Salut!" is good, "ça va?" is getting pretty common, and I've never ever heard "wesh bien ou koi". Nor do I hope to ever hear it. That sounds rather horrifyingly idiotic (no offence to SiriuslyMental). As for "Trankil", I've heard it--but please, please spell it "tranquille", as it's supposed to. "Wesh bien ou koi" and "trankil" are of the dumbest sort of netspeak, so not even correct slang, and I strongly recommend not to use them.

[SiriuslyMental]

Haha my boyfriend is Parisian.

Wesh bien ou koi is argot. Very, very slangy, but I've never met someone from Paris who didn't know what it meant. My friend from the Côte d'azur - no clue. But my friends from Paris or around it knew this, although I definitely think Salut and Ça va are safer.

Trankil is sms spelling for tranquille.

But I agree with salut and ça va. ;)

If it's in writing, the character could say coucou, which is another word for hello, but not orally.

Moderator's Edit: Please do not use net/sms speak on the forums, particularly in language threads.

[Wand_Waver2006]

I was reccomended some help so...here I am.

Yes, I help and need help. Kinda redundant, if you ask me.

Well, I need some things translated to see if I have them right. It's for ElectronicQuillster's Animagus Class.

It will be easy!~C'est serrai facile!
Do not worry.~N'inquite pas.
Tu n'aides rien.~You're no help at all.
pas encores! ~ Not again.
Viens avec nous!~Come with us!

I'm horrible with future and imperfect, and some verb tenses. How did I survive four years of French?:rolleyes:

Thanks,
♪Star♪

[SiriuslyMental]

It will be easy!~Il sera facile!
Do not worry.~Ne t'inquiètes pas.
Tu n'aides rien.~You're no help at all. - This is not really a French sentence, so I will change it to - Tu ne m'aides pas. You don't help me.
Pas encore! ~ Not again.
Viens avec nous!~Come with us!

[Wand_Waver2006]

ElectronicQuillster said 'Il sera facile!' could be 'Ce sera facile!' as well. Would that work?

Thanks, SM! *scampers off to change some stuff*

♪Star♪

[SiriuslyMental]

Ce sera facile, yes. They both mean the same thing.

And I had a typo in the last, lol. I wasn't thinking and wrote tu ne m'aimes pas, but I just looked and changed it to aides. I hate my keyboard. ;)

[no_day_but_today]

Hi guys,

I'm not the best with languages and I basically did this through dictionaries, so I don't know if these are right. Could you guys check and see if these are correct?

You choose your own fate - Vous choisissez votre propre destin. (This one's probably the most important one)

Where is the Great Hall? - Ou est le Grand Hall?
I'm sorry - Je suis desole
My French is very good - Mon Francais est magnifique.
Watch out - Montre dehors
You don't understand - Vous ne comprenez pas
Forgive me - Pardonne moi
You're being stupid - Vous etes stupide
Close your eyes - Fermer vos yeux
Good for you - Bon pour toi
Good luck - Bonne chance
No I'm not - non je ne suis pas

Thank you

[LadyAlesha]

Hi guys!

I need some help with a tiny bit of dialogue in my new one-shot. Ok, all I need is one sentence translated into French. The story is about Bill and Fleur and they have this mini-conversation:

Bill: Je t'aime.
Fleur: I love you, too. More than anything.

I want Fleur to say 'I love you, too' in English, but I want her to say the 'more than anything'-bit in French. Could someone translate that for me?

I'd be forever grateful to you.

Thanks a lot,
Ilka.

[Wand_Waver2006]

More than anything:

I would think 'Plus de quelque chose', but when I translate it back it's 'More of something'. When I asked my mum, she got 'Plus que n'importe quoi'.

Okay, fluent French speakers, you can take over...:rolleyes:

♪Star♪

[Viv]

Ok! Let's see what I can do to help you people!

no_day_but_today: I'll put my comments in some color...

You choose your own fate - Vous choisissez votre propre destin. (This one's probably the most important one) This is good, but you could also say "Tu choisis ton propre destin", if the person speaking is close to the other person, like if they know each other very well. "Vous" is when you're talking to someone you don't know, someone important that you need to show them respect (like a teacher or the Prime Minister).

Where is the Great Hall? - Où est le Grand Hall?
I'm sorry - Je suis désolé If it's a girl who's speaking, it will be "désolée" with an e at the end. Yes, French is complicated...
My French is very good - Mon Francais est magnifique. Here, I would say "Mon français est très bon". "Magnifique" means magnificient, "très bon" means very good. And you don't need a capital letter for "français".
Watch out - Montre dehors Watch out stands for "Fais attention". What you're saying with "montre dehors" is actually Show outside...;)
You don't understand - Vous ne comprenez pas It's good, but you could also say "Tu ne comprends pas", like I explained you for the first sentence.
Forgive me - Pardonne moi You need to add a hyphen between "pardonne" and "moi". Again, if you're speaking to someone not close to you, it will be "Pardonnez-moi".
You're being stupid - Vous êtes stupide Here also, "Tu es stupide" can work... I think you know the rule now!:p
Close your eyes - Fermez vos yeux Or "Ferme tes yeux".
Good for you - Bon pour toi I would say "C'est bien pour toi" or "C'est bon pour toi". In French, we don't really just say "Bon pour toi", it's a bit incomplete.
Good luck - Bonne chance
No I'm not - non je ne suis pas Here, it's more complicated, because it will depend on what your character isn't exactly... Because again, you can't leave your sentence like that, it is incomplete. You need to add something after "Non, je ne suis pas...", because it could mean so many things... Do you think you could tell what your character is saying, so I can tell you the right thing??

LadyAlesha: "Plus de quelque chose" definitely means "more of something". Now, "plus que n'importe quoi" is good, but you could also say "plus que tout", which to me, sounds better. In this precise situation, I would make Fleur say "Plus que tout au monde", which means "more than anything in the world". You could leave it like that, with "plus que tout", but it feels a bit incomplete in French... I feel a bit vague myself saying this, but French can be so complicated sometimes and translating isn't always easy, even if my first language is French.

Hope I helped!

[Snape's Talon]

I don't whether this is the right place, but I need something translated into either Cajun or French. If I understand correctly, Cajun is a dialect of French. In any case, this is for a Potion that is based from the voodoo arts of New Orleans.

"Death's Mask"

I think in French it's "le masque de mort", but I'm better with Spanish than French. Any help would be appreciated.

Edit: Many thanks, SiriuslyMental!

[SiriuslyMental]

Le masque de la mort.

Without the la, it's incomplete.

[Merlynne]

Hmm, I have something I'd like to check as well:

It is a child speaking to his aunt, asking her if she'd like to see his pet spider:
"Aimeriez-vous voir ma grande araignée?" Is that correct? I might be missing an "a" but I'm never certain, and I thought I should be if I'm going to put it in in French, or maybe there's a better way to say this. :D

-Merlynne

[miss padfoot]

I think that looks fine. :) Although you might want to say 'Voulez-vous' instead of 'Aimeriez-vous'. I think the former is more common. So it would read 'Voulez-vous voir ma grande araignee?'

Hope that helps a bit!

EDIT: I must probably warn you that I'm not a native French speaker, though. ;)

[SiriuslyMental]

I would say Est-ce que tu veux/voudrais voir ma grande araignée ? It sounds better, and aimer is to like in a different sense than vouloir.

[Poppet]

Is va c'et (or something similar) a way of saying "go", as in "leave now"? Or should I just stick with Allez?

[miss padfoot]

Allez sounds good. :) But since it sounds like a command, you should probably say va instead. Unless, of course, the command is being issued to more than one person, in which case you should use allez.

Hope that helps! :)

[SiriuslyMental]

On va. On doit aller. On y va. Allez. Vas. Va.
It depends on what you are trying to say, who is saying, and it whom.

[Mnemone Radford]

Agh, I posted my question in the French culture thread instead...*facepalm* Ok, I was considering "Soleil Sanglant" as the title for a fic I'm working on, and I just wanted to check the meaning. I'm pretty sure it means "bloody sun" or "the sun lies in blood", or at least something along those lines. However, it was part of a line in a song, so I don't know if it makes sense alone or whatnot. The whole line was "Il est tombe` il soleil sanglant, la lune tisse des pansements d'or." I don't speak French, but maybe tombe`, if it's the verb (fallen? set?), modifies sanglant in one way or another...psh, I shouldn't be speculating about grammar I don't understand; I should just stick with Italian.:rolleyes: There isn't a comma between tombe` and il, but that's probably the composer marking spots for breathing. Anyway, someone please correct me if I'm wrong! If I'm desperately off, I'd like to know how to really say "bloody sun". Gory, I know, but this is an angsty fic. *wiggles eyebrows sketchily*

Thanks so much,
~Mnemone~

[Tinn Tam]

Agh, I posted my question in the French culture thread instead...*facepalm* Ok, I was considering "Soleil Sanglant" as the title for a fic I'm working on, and I just wanted to check the meaning. I'm pretty sure it means "bloody sun" or "the sun lies in blood", or at least something along those lines. However, it was part of a line in a song, so I don't know if it makes sense alone or whatnot. The whole line was "Il est tombe` il soleil sanglant, la lune tisse des pansements d'or." I don't speak French, but maybe tombe`, if it's the verb (fallen? set?), modifies sanglant in one way or another...psh, I shouldn't be speculating about grammar I don't understand; I should just stick with Italian.:rolleyes: There isn't a comma between tombe` and il, but that's probably the composer marking spots for breathing. Anyway, someone please correct me if I'm wrong! If I'm desperately off, I'd like to know how to really say "bloody sun". Gory, I know, but this is an angsty fic. *wiggles eyebrows sketchily*

Thanks so much,
~Mnemone~

It does mean "bloody sun." The line you quoted doesn't make a lot of sense, you're sure of it?

...anyway, I guess I answered your question.

[I_LUV_MOONY]

Would ballet words (pointe, barre, pirouette, etc) be capitalized when not at the beginning of a sentence? Sorry if this is the wrong place for this question. :D

EDIT: Thank you very much, SiriuslyMental!

[SiriuslyMental]

They shouldn't be. If you're writing in English, you're just supposed to italicise them.

[Mnemone Radford]

It does mean "bloody sun." The line you quoted doesn't make a lot of sense, you're sure of it?

...anyway, I guess I answered your question.

Thank you so much, Tinn Tam! The line is from an English opera (The Medium), and the translations in French were underneath the lyrics, so whoever translated it must have done a pretty bad job then. Of course, the song itself is very strange, and undoubtedly difficult to render in another language; it's pretty convoluted and bizarre even in English. Thanks again,

Mnemone

[siriusly_insane]

Hey everyone! I just found this thread today and wanted to just let everyone know that I can be of great help when it comes to french. I've had my entire education in french and
still do. I am very confident in my translating skills, so if you need help, just shout! :D
Cheers,

[xpadfootsangelx]

The belle moves shouldn't be capitalized. They're just moves. Sort of like how you wouldn't capitalize 'waltz' or 'foxtrot' or even 'ballet'.

[jenny b]

Well, I'm writing a fic where a girl can speak fluent French. And the problem is, I can't. :o I don't trust the online translators much. My character speaks mostly English, so I only need a few sentences.

This would be such a help to me if someone was able to translate these into French.

I won't go!
Why are you doing this to me?
Let me out!
And - I hope this doesn't offend anyone - Oh my God.

Thanks in advance!

Jennifer

EDIT: Thanks so much, Tinn Tam!

[Tinn Tam]

Well, I'm writing a fic where a girl can speak fluent French. And the problem is, I can't. :o I don't trust the online translators much. My character speaks mostly English, so I only need a few sentences.

This would be such a help to me if someone was able to translate these into French.

I won't go!
Why are you doing this to me?
Let me out!
And - I hope this doesn't offend anyone - Oh my God.

Thanks in advance!

Jennifer

"Je n'irai pas!"
"Pourquoi tu me fais ça?" (informal) "Pourquoi est-ce vous me faites ça?" (when addressing someone formally, ie, a teacher, someone older than you that you don't know very well, etc.)
"Laisse-moi sortir!" (informal) "Laissez-moi sortir!" (see above)
"Oh mon Dieu."

[Eponine]

Hey everyone, I just have a quick question--

What is the French translation of "Move, filth."

"Move" would be a command, but using the informal version of "you," (there are formal and informal versions in French, right?) Also, it doesn't have to be exactly "filth," but a name just as derogatory. A Death Eater is saying it to a Muggle.

Thanks so much!

EDIT: Thanks so much, Merlynne! The translation of "dog" was a GREAT idea!

[Merlynne]

What is the French translation of "Move, filth."


My suggestion for that would be "Bouge, con." Which would be, "Move, idiot (but a strong way to say idiot)." You could also try "Bouge, pauvre con," which is "poor idiot" instead, and a little harsher. For a Death Eater speaking to a Muggle, I'd even use "Bouge, chien." chien meaning dog. It might relay the condescension best.
I'm not a French speaker, though, I just came out of a four month immersion program in France. I'd be confident using it for my own fic, but for thoroughness I'd hear the ideas of someone else too.
Bonne chance avec votre histoire!
(Good luck with your story!)

[Horsesbella219]

Wouldnt the verb "Bouger" be "Bougez", because it is in the imperetive? Bouger is the infinitve, so leaving it as that would literally mean "To move", where in this case we need to remove to "To" and have it as an instruction?

I oculd be wrong though.

[Evester]

Horsesbella - I don't know if you got an answer already, but bouge is the informal command of bouger. Bougez would be used with 'vous' which is either really formal or the second person plural, whereas bouge would be used with 'tu' (the second person singular). So it's correct.

Good luck with your story!

[SiriuslyMental]

For the context of your story (I speak French and asked a friend, as well, to be safe):

If the Death Eater (called a Mangemort) is telling the Muggle (Moldus) to move from the room or from his presence (to go to another room, etc), it would be, "Fiche le camp, charogne !"

If he is simply telling him to move, like, to step aside, "Avance, charogne!"

[sjam]

Could you please translate these phrases for me!
'Once upon a time'
'Not So Happily Ever After'
and
'Fairytale'

Thank you very much! :D

[cirelondiel]

sjam -

Once upon a time... = Il était une fois...
Fairytale (the noun) = un conte de fées (If you want to use fairytale as an adjective, such as in 'a fairytale wedding', it would be different.)

I'm not sure about 'Not so happily ever after' - I'll leave that to someone who speaks French better than me and can tell you what sounds best. I'm not a native speaker, so someone else might have better translations for those two than me anyway!

-- Chelsea

[sjam]

Thank you so much for what you have so far, I really appreciate it! :D

[Tinn Tam]

'Not so happily ever after' is hard to translate; while 'they lived happily ever after' does get a translation in fairy tales, as "ils vécurent heureux jusqu'à la fin des temps", it's never been used as an idiom in French.

Literally, it translates as "Pas si heureux jusqu'à la fin des temps", but frankly, it sounds horrible (not to mention the dubious syntax). One way to do it, if it was a story/chapter title, would be to say "Heureux jusqu'à la fin des temps?". It's subtler, since it's a doubt more than an outright denial, but it's all I can think of.

[sjam]

Thanks, that will be great - thanks for all your help!:D

[MarieEvans760]

I'm looking for some exclamations, such as my goodness, or wow. Something someone would say when they are scared or suprised.


Also I need: I've never been so insulted in my life. Never! The nerve of that girl.

It doesn't have to be exact but something along the lines of mumbeling and being upset.

THANK YOU

Marie

[luinrina]

Marie/MarieEvans760

Exclamations:
Oh my goodness! - Oh mon Dieu!
Thank God! - Dieu merci!
God forbid! - À Dieu ne plaise!
Oh my God!/For God's sake! - Pour l'amour de Dieu!

I've never been so insulted in my life. Never! The nerve of that girl. -
Jamais encore je suis insulté(e) de cette manière. Jamais! Cette insolence/effronterie! (Never before I've been this insulted. Never! Such nerve!)


I hope that helps. If someone has better/more ideas/translations, please go ahead. My French has grown (very) rusty.

~Bine

[Azhure]

Hey, guys! I was wondering if you could translate the following sentences for me:

-Hello, what's your name?
-Nice to meet you.
-I'm Gabrielle.
-My name is Gabrielle

Thanks in advance!

~~Azhure~~

[Tinn Tam]

Marie/MarieEvans760

Exclamations:
Oh my goodness! - Oh mon Dieu!
Thank God! - Dieu merci!
God forbid! - À Dieu ne plaise!
Oh my God!/For God's sake! - Pour l'amour de Dieu!

I've never been so insulted in my life. Never! The nerve of that girl. -
Jamais encore je suis insulté(e) de cette manière. Jamais! Cette insolence/effronterie! (Never before I've been this insulted. Never! Such nerve!)


I hope that helps. If someone has better/more ideas/translations, please go ahead. My French has grown (very) rusty.

~Bine

Heh, not bad, but 'God forbid' would be better translated as 'Dieu m'en garde!'. Both translations are rather old-fashioned, but the second would be still more used than the (very archaic) first.

We would probably say 'Pour l'amour du ciel!' more than 'Pour l'amour de Dieu!' too.

I've never been so insulted in my life. Never! The nerve of that girl. - Je n'ai jamais été autant insulté [insultée if it's a female speaking] de ma vie. Jamais! Quelle insolence!

And to Azhure:

-Hello, what's your name?
-Nice to meet you.
-I'm Gabrielle.
-My name is Gabrielle

- Bonjour, comment t'appelles-tu?
- Enchanté. (Enchantée if it's a girl speaking)
- Je m'appelle Gabrielle. (Same translation for the last two lines)


EDIT to luinrina: nice translations, "Tu t'appelles comment?" is a more familiar way of speaking -- maybe better than what I said, depending on the context. Teenagers at school would say "Tu t'appelles comment?".

Remember that "Allô" is exclusively used when answering the phone though. :P

"Je suis heureux (heureuse) de faire ta connaissance" is even more formal than "Enchanté(e)", too. And we don't say "Je suis Gabrielle" -- that's an English specialty. :D

[luinrina]

Hey Azhure, I'll try to translate these for you:

-Hello, what's your name?
Tu t'appelles comment? or Bonjour. Tu t'appelles comment?

-Nice to meet you.
Well, easiest would be Enchanté(e <-- for females saying that), although it sounds like coming from a good historical story. But the French still say that nowadays. Another way would be Je suis heureux (heureuse for female) de faire ta connaissance. although that is even more formal. (Thanks to Tinn Tam. :))

-I'm Gabrielle. / My name is Gabrielle.
Je m'appelle Gabrielle.

Hope that helps.

~Bine

EDIT: Seems that Tinn Tam was a bit faster than I was. :)

EDIT 2: Ah ok, thanks, Tinn Tam. *goes editing*

[Azhure]

Thanks for the help, guys! I have another couple of sentences which need to be translated:

-Gabrielle, it's time to come inside. You can play later.
-Goodbye. I will see you next time.

Thanks so much again!

~~Azhure~~

[cirelondiel]

-Goodbye. I will see you next time.
Au revoir. À la prochaine.

-Gabrielle, it's time to come inside. You can play later.
Gabrielle, il faut rentrer. Tu peux jouer plus tard. {Not so sure about this one - I think 'rentrer' is more like 'to come home', but I can't think of a better word}

-- Chelsea

[Tinn Tam]

-Gabrielle, it's time to come inside. You can play later.
Gabrielle, il faut rentrer. Tu peux jouer plus tard. {Not so sure about this one - I think 'rentrer' is more like 'to come home', but I can't think of a better word}

-- Chelsea

- Gabrielle, il est temps de rentrer. Tu pourras jouer plus tard.

"Rentrer" works here, and you can even translate "it's time to" word for word. On the other hand,it's better to translate "you can play later" with a future (literally, "you'll be able to play later").

[OliveOil_Med]

We all know that Hogwarts takes students from not only England, but from Scotland and Ireland as well. There are smaller countrie in Europe who speak French as one of their offical languages, but may be too small ti have a magic school of their own.

What nationalities other than French do you believe reside in Beauxbatons?

[luinrina]

Molly, I can imagine that some Belgian students as well as students from Switzerland where they speak French in some parts might go to Beauxbatons. Also, probably children from the Pyrenees, even if from Spain, might go to Beauxbatons if they speak French.

French is official language in Luxembourg and Monaco as well so students from these countries will most likely be going to Beauxbatons, too.

Andorra is a small country in the Pyrenees. Wikipedia says the official language is Spanish, but I can imagine children speaking French being able to go to Beauxbatons as well. The same might apply to Italian children, living near the borders. They might be speaking French next to Italian, too, but I have no idea if that would be enough knowledge to go to Beauxbatons.

A possibility you should think about is that France has departéments and terretories in oversea, the so called DOM-TOMs. Officially, these are part of the French governmental system, making the inhabitants French citizens. If the parents of children from the DOM-TOMs are rich, why not have the children be sent to Beauxbatons as well?

The same applies to Africa. Many countries were once French colonies, and the people today speak French as official language. If families are rich, they could be able to afford sending their children to Beauxbatons.

Hope that helped.

~Bine

[Tinn Tam]

A possibility you should think about is that France has departéments and terretories in oversea, the so called DOM-TOMs. Officially, these are part of the French governmental system, making the inhabitants French citizens. If the parents of children from the DOM-TOMs are rich, why not have the children be sent to Beauxbatons as well?

The same applies to Africa. Many countries were once French colonies, and the people today speak French as official language. If families are rich, they could be able to afford sending their children to Beauxbatons.

They wouldn't necessarily need to be rich. Hogwarts takes all students, rich or poor; we know they have a fund for students who can't afford studies. The same could apply for Beauxbâtons.

On a side note, people from the DOM-TOMs would certainly go to Beauxbâtons -- the DOM-TOMs are a part of France.

As for francophone-but-not-French countries...well, why not? No canon proof -- I'm not aware of the existence of Hogwarts students who aren't UK citizens -- but it's fanfiction, after all.

[Equinox Chick]

Hello

Could someone provide me with a translation, please.

The English phrase is, "This is wrong."

It's referring to behaviour that is wrong - not a piece of homework - and the behaviour is morally wrong (or so the speaker thinks) not evil or mischievous.

It is a woman speaking to another woman.

Also, what is the translation for Twins (a male pair and a pair that are male and female - if that makes a difference.)

Thank-you

Carole
xxx

[obsessed_with_jo]

The English phrase is, "This is wrong."

I would go with "C'est mal" or "C'est injuste." The latter is more like 'this is unfair'; I don't know if that's what you're going for.

Also, what is the translation for Twins (a male pair and a pair that are male and female - if that makes a difference.)

Both would be "les jumeaux" (*the* twins) or "des jumeaux" (twins in general)

[Viv]

Also, what is the translation for Twins (a male pair and a pair that are male and female - if that makes a difference.)

Both would be "les jumeaux" (*the* twins) or "des jumeaux" (twins in general)

I'd just like to add, that if one pair of twins are male and female, we often call them "faux jumeaux" (literaly, fake twins), because they are not identical twins. I don't know if it's used in English too, but I thought it was a good idea to mention it...

[FireAndIce]

I would go with "C'est mal" or "C'est injuste." The latter is more like 'this is unfair'; I don't know if that's what you're going for.

Hmnn...I went to french immersion school for a very long time and it seems to me that "Ceci" would be a bit more grammatically correct in this instance. (Instead of "C'est")

[Viv]

Hmnn...I went to french immersion school for a very long time and it seems to me that "Ceci" would be a bit more grammatically correct in this instance. (Instead of "C'est")

I would have to disagree here. The word "Ceci" sounds very formal to me and would be more used in narration, when someone is describing an object or a situation. Actually, "C'est" is the contraction of the the words "Ceci est" (This is), and is what we most use in the case of a dialogue or in a conversation. So to me, "C'est" is the correct word.

[Equinox Chick]

The phrase I'm looking for "This is wrong" or perhaps "This is all wrong." is not where wrong means incorrect or unjust. I need wrong to mean morally wrong.

The context is someone is kissing someone they shouldn't be and then they pull away and say 'This is wrong'

Thank-you for the faux jumeaux infromation. That sounds perfect!

Carole
xxx

[obsessed_with_jo]

The phrase I'm looking for "This is wrong" or perhaps "This is all wrong." is not where wrong means incorrect or unjust. I need wrong to mean morally wrong.

Correct me if I'm wrong (no pun intended :p ), but I think 'C'est mal' would serve that purpose. If you want to be a bit more specific, I guess you could say 'C'est immoral,' which is basically flat-out saying "This is immoral." That one seems a bit heavyhanded to me, though. Then again, I'm not a native speaker, so a second opinon might be advisable :)

[Viv]

"C'est mal" is definitely what I would use too. I didn't say anything about it when you first gave that translation, obsessed_with_jo, because I thought it was the right thing to say. (I'm a native speaker, so...) I hope we helped you Carole!

[Celtic_Jewel]

Hi, I was wondering, how would you say Grandmother and Grandfather? And it's kind of informal, they're a very close family.

Any help would be appreciated,
-Ema :)

[luinrina]

Grandfather is grand-père, and grandmother is grand-mère.

For grandpa you could use papé, pepé, papy, papi or grand-papa.

For grandma you coud use mamie, mémère, mémé or grand-maman.

That's what my dictionary tells me. The last each I'm definitely sure about, and they're also for informal use. For the other words, it would be great to have a native speaker confirm them.

Hope that helped a bit though. :)

~Bine

[bling_baby]

Hey, people!

Is there anyone who read the Harry Potter books in French who would know what they have as 'Muggle'. I know that they even have different words for spells sometimes, so I wondered if that would be different too. I would really appreciate the help!

Kathleen x

[A.H.]

There's an article on the different translations here (http://www.languagerealm.com/hplang/muggle.php). Here's what it says about the French translation:

There is one exception. The French version of Harry Potter uses moldu. This happened because when the first book was being translated, no one yet exercised any control over the terms related to magic and Harry Potter’s world. So the French translators created many new words to capture and convey Rowling’s English. Once the books became wildly popular, strict control was placed up all translations, so muggle is muggle around the world. Except in France, since moldu and other terms were already established.

Hope that helps!

/Ari

[mahogany_wand]

So, I'm writing a fic where a french guy shows up, and a bunch of overly-dramatic girls start talking about French misconceptions, which he shakes off. What are some things that people think of French people that really isn't true?

~M_W

[A.H.]

*has come with another link since she doesn't really know the French culture*

A google of "French stereotypes" brought me this (http://www.understandfrance.org/France/Intercultural.html). Seems neither side thinks too highly of the other. >.>

Hope that helps (and that someone might come along with better help :D)

/Ari

[TheCursedQuill]

People usually think that the French surrender to EVERYTHING. I come from a french background (though I have no french culture and no idea how to speak the language) and people always make fun of me saying that I could never win anything because I'd back out before the result. So I'd say that one is the most known misconception of the french. =)

I just thought of something else. Some people believe that the French take no effort whatsoever to learn English and they are snobby people who down on others. I recently just came back from Paris and people are NOT like this. Every one I met was very nice and mostly all spoke English. This was in Paris though, so the people there probably would know loads more english than others as it's a tourist site.

Writing that just made me realise that even in Harry Potter, Fleur is kind of portrayed as a snuck-up french person. But this could be becuase she's part Veela too, so this is probably irrelevant... :)

[Sainyn Swiftfoot]

I have Madame Maxime appearing in one of my fics, and I want her to sound as authentic as possible. She uses the odd French phrase in her speech, so I wanted to capture that in my story too... The only problem being that I speak next to no French. (All I know is.. Oui and, um, nothing else for sure, really)

So here is the part of my fic where Madame Maxime appears-- I want to know where it's possible to add a sentence in French, and what that would be.

We are now heading for the rooms where the heads of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons are staying. Reaching the door, Lucy knocks. “Come in!” says a woman in a thick French accent.

“And 'oo may you be?” asks a large, tall woman. “If you are ze person 'oo comes with ze coffee, I do not want any.”

“Oh, no,” says Lucy. “I'm a reporter from the Daily Prophet, and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions-- you <i>are</i> the headmistress of Beauxbatons, aren't you?”

“Yes, I am indeed! What do you 'ave to ask, reporter?”

“What do you think of the selection of the champions?”

“Ze champions? Mignon is a wonderful girl, I 'ave no problems with 'er.”

The parchment was once again on a table, along with the inkpot. “Are you satisfied with the fact that Hogwarts was once again chosen to host the Triwizard Tournament?”

“Zat is an absurd question! Of course I am satisfied! Oh, 'ogwarts is like a second 'ome to me. Pumpkin juice?” The woman pours out pumpkin juice into a glass.

“Oh, no, thank you! Do you know where I can find the head of Durmstra- oh, Tim, what have you done?” What I have done is exactly what I have been plotting to do all this time... Knocking over the ink bottle. “Tim, all my notes! What are you trying to do by being so naughty?”

“Is zere a problem?” asks the head of Beauxbatons.

Thank you!

[luinrina]

Well, you could write "Entré!" instead of "Come in", and "Qui, c'est moi" instead of "Yes, I am indeed". Also, an adjective in French in an English sentence would sound good, too, like "Mignon is a formidable girl". Another idea is to substitue "Of course I am satisfied" with "Bien sûr I am satisfied".

Hope that helps. :)


PS: The Daily Prophet needs to be italicised. ;)

[cirelondiel]

*cough* The imperative would be "entrez", not "entré" ;)

-- Chelsea

Bine: Meep! <.< That happens when you don't speak or read or listen to French for almost three years. :eek: Thanks, Chels.

[Sainyn Swiftfoot]

Thanks for the help, Bine and Chels! I've used it in the story...

BB

[Inverarity]

I am creating a magical version of the Institut de France. I want the society to be called "The European Wizarding Institute." (Unlike the Institut de France, it's not solely a French institution, but French is the primary language.)

Google Translator gives me L'Institut Européen de Sorciers, but I know not to trust Google Translator too much...

Would the correct name for "Academy of Magic" be Académie de Magie?

Merci!

[iamlordvoldemort]

Yes, but in French you always have to include an article, So "Academy of Magic" would have to be L'Académie de Magie.

[minnabird]

So I was trying to translate "Le Havre International Floo Point" and this is what I came up with:

Le Havre Point de Cheminette International

(I found the translation for Floo powder - poudre de cheminette - and deduced that cheminette must mean Floo. Not sure though. Plus, when Kara helped me translate a German one, the literal translation ended up being "Munich International Floo NETWORK Point," and I wondered if French would have the same scruples.)

[ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor]

Is 'Le Havre' a proper name? If so, your translation is correct.

[minnabird]

Le Havre is a proper name - a city in France. And thanks! I'm glad!