D'abord un peu,
A little at first,
Language note: 'D'abord' establishes sequence or initial actions.
Culture note: Foreshadowing is often used in French storytelling for building tension.
Context: He started modestly, according to the concierge.
Word-by-Word Breakdown
D'
[d]
at
Used to indicate exclusivity of time order.
Nous allons d'abord manger.
We will eat first.
abord
[ah-bor]
first
Before anything else.
D'abord, écoutez bien.
First, listen carefully.
un
[uhn]
a
Indefinite article, masculine singular.
Un homme est venu.
A man came.
peu
[puh]
little
Used to indicate a small amount.
Il y a peu de gens.
There are few people.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered speech recognition to perfect your accent
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Custom Scenarios
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Download Full Lesson