k&k learn french 113 -
(il n')y a pas un chat
"Y a pas un chat" (there's no one around) is a useful expression to describe the empty Paris streets at 6am (Paris is not a city of early risers!). Hear all about it show 113.
Literal translation
There is not a cat
English equivalents
There isn't anyone in sight
There's no one around
There's not a (living) soul (to be seen)
It's a ghost town
The streets are empty
French equivalents
(Il n')y a personne
(Il n')y a pas âme qui vive
(Il n')y a pas l'ombre d'un chat
(Il n')y a pas un rat (mort)
(Il n')y a pas un pékin
C'est désert
Frog's phrase
Le quartier de Kyliemac a beau être très chic, le soir après vingt heures, il y a pas un chat dans la rue.
Translation
Even though Kyliemac's neighbourhood is very chic, after 8pm at night, there's not a soul to be seen!
Listen to our explanation of the phrase :
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