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Le français au QuébecGlossaire · Chapter II

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Chapter II · IntermediateLevel 6

4410 words · Level 6

« ostie — prélèvement automatique »

  • Listen
    ostie[ɔs.ti]Level 6

    (medium sacre, from 'hostie')

    Sacre derived from the Eucharistic host. Slightly softer than 'tabarnak' but still impolite. Often used as 'ostie de…' to insult something.

    In the guidesUnderstanding the Quebec accent

  • Listen
    parrainer[paʁɛne]Level 6

    to sponsor (a relative)

    To sponsor a family member's immigration. The noun is 'parrainage'. Distinct from 'parrain' (godfather) — same root, different domain.

    In the guidesQuebec administrative vocabulary

  • Listen
    Passe-Partout[pas paʁtu]Level 6

    iconic Quebec children's show

    The iconic Quebec children's show, originally aired in the 70s-80s and rebooted in 2019 for a new generation. Slow speech, simple vocabulary, cultural references widely recognized in Quebec.

    In the guidesQuebec Media: Landscape and Language Learning

  • Listen
    passeport[pas.pɔʁ]Level 6

    Passport

    Your travel document; the officer checks it against your application.

    In the guidesCanadian Citizenship: Application, Test and Ceremony

  • Listen
    pause-café[poz kafe]Level 6

    coffee break

    The mid-morning or afternoon coffee break — short (10–15 min) but socially important. Often happens around the office coffee machine. Refusing them all signals withdrawal.

    In the guidesFrench at work in Quebec

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ostie — prélèvement automatique10 words

  • Listen
    permis de conduire[pɛʁmi də kɔ̃dɥiʁ]Level 6

    driver's license

    The driver's license. Note: 'permis' alone, in everyday speech, often refers specifically to this.

    In the guidesQuebec administrative vocabulary

  • Listen
    plaques d'immatriculation[plak dimatʁikylasjɔ̃]Level 6

    license plates

    The license plates. 'Immatriculer' = to register (a vehicle). The plate is the visible end-state of the immatriculation process.

    In the guidesQuebec administrative vocabulary

  • Listen
    points à l'ordre du jour[pwɛ̃ a lɔʁdʁ dy ʒuʁ]Level 6

    agenda items

    The items on a meeting agenda. 'Ordre du jour' = agenda. 'Points' = items. 'Le premier point à l'ordre du jour' = the first agenda item.

    In the guidesFrench at work in Quebec

  • Listen
    pow-wow[paw.waw]Level 6

    pow-wow

    An annual Indigenous gathering with dance, drumming, song and food. Many are open to the public; each one sets its own rules about photography and participation, so check before you go.

    In the guidesQuebec's eleven Indigenous nations

  • Listen
    prélèvement automatique[pʁelɛvmɑ̃ ɔtɔmatik]Level 6

    pre-authorized debit

    A standing authorization for someone to pull money from your account on a schedule. Common for rent, hydro, internet, gym memberships.

    In the guidesQuebec administrative vocabulary

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