The geographer(A person who studies and creates maps of the Earth's surface [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]) was(Past tense of 'is'; indicates a state of being in the past [wɑz]) suddenly(Happening quickly and unexpectedly [ˈsədənli]) stirred(To arouse or excite an emotion or feeling [stərd]) to excitement(A state of great enthusiasm and eagerness [tɪ ɪkˈsaɪtmənt]).
"But(Introduces a contrasting statement [bət]) you(The person being addressed [ju]) (Indicates a pause or break in thought)— you(The person being addressed [ju]) come(To move or travel towards a place [kəm]) from far away(From a distant place [frəm fɑr əˈweɪ])! You(The person being addressed [ju]) are(Indicates a state of being or condition [ər]) an explorer(A person who explores or investigates unknown regions [ən ɪkˈsplɔrər])! You(The person being addressed [ju]) shall(Indicates a future action or intention (formal [ʃæl]) describe(To give a detailed account of something [dɪˈskraɪb]) your planet(The celestial body on which the explorer lives [jʊr ˈplænət]) to me(To the geographer [tɪ mi])!"
And(Connects two clauses or sentences [ənd]), having opened(After opening [ˈhævɪŋ ˈoʊpənd]) his big register(A large book or record for keeping important information [hɪz bɪg ˈrɛʤɪstər]), the geographer(A person who studies and creates maps of the Earth's surface [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]) sharpened(Made sharper [ˈʃɑrpənd]) his pencil(A tool for writing or drawing [hɪz ˈpɛnsəl]). The recitals(A detailed account of something [ðə rɪˈsaɪtəlz]) of explorers(People who explore or investigate unknown regions [əv ɪkˈsplɔrərz]) are put down(Are written or recorded [ər pʊt daʊn]) first(Before anything else [fərst]) in pencil(Using a pencil [ɪn ˈpɛnsəl]). One(Refers to a person; used in a general sense to mean 'someone' or 'people' [wən]) waits(To remain inactive or in a state of expectation [weɪts]) until(Up to the point in time or the event mentioned [ənˈtɪl]) the explorer(A person who explores or investigates unknown regions [ðə ɪkˈsplɔrər]) has furnished(Has provided or supplied [həz ˈfərnɪʃt]) proofs(Evidence or arguments establishing a fact or the truth of a statement [prufs]), before(Prior to [ˌbiˈfɔr]) putting(Placing or setting something in a particular position [ˈpʊtɪŋ]) them(Referring to the recitals [ðɛm]) down(To write or record something [daʊn]) in ink(Using ink [ɪn ɪŋk]).
"Well(An interjection used to prompt a response or indicate impatience. [wɛl])?" said(Past tense of the verb 'to say', indicating that someone spoke. [sɛd]) the geographer(A person who studies the earth and its features. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]) expectantly(With anticipation or hope. [expectantly]).
"Oh(An interjection, often expressing surprise, understanding, or a change in thought. [oʊ]), where(In or at which place. [wɛr]) I live(The act of residing or making one's home. [aɪ lɪv])," said(Past tense of the verb 'to say'. [sɛd]) the little prince(A young royal figure. [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]), "it(Refers to a previously mentioned subject or situation. [ɪt]) is(A form of the verb 'to be', indicating existence or a state of being. [ɪz]) not(A word used to negate a statement. [nɑt]) very(To a great extent; extremely. [ˈvɛri]) interesting(Arousing curiosity or attention. [ˈɪntəˌrɛstɪŋ]). It(Refers to a previously mentioned subject or situation. [ɪt]) is(A form of the verb 'to be'. [ɪz]) all(The whole of; everything. [ɔl]) so(To such a great extent. [soʊ]) small(Limited in size; not large. [smɔl]). I(The speaker or writer. [aɪ]) have(To possess or hold. [hæv]) three volcanoes(Mountains with openings in the earth's crust through which molten rock, hot gases, and ash erupt. [θri vɑlˈkeɪnoʊz]). Two volcanoes(Referring to two of the previously mentioned volcanoes. [tu vɑlˈkeɪnoʊz]) are(A form of the verb 'to be'. [ər]) active(Currently erupting or likely to erupt. [ˈæktɪv]) and(A conjunction used to connect words or clauses. [ənd]) the other(The remaining one. [ðə ˈəðər]) is(A form of the verb 'to be'. [ɪz]) extinct(No longer erupting or likely to erupt. [ɪkˈstɪŋkt]). But(A conjunction used to introduce a contrasting statement. [bət]) one(A person; anyone. [wən]) never(At no time; not ever. [ˈnɛvər]) knows(Is aware of or understands. [noʊz])."
"One(A person; anyone. [wən]) never(At no time; not ever. [ˈnɛvər]) knows(Is aware of or understands. [noʊz])," said(Past tense of the verb 'to say'. [sɛd]) the geographer(A person who studies the earth and its features. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]).
"I(The speaker or writer. [aɪ]) have(To possess or hold. [hæv]) also(In addition; as well. [ˈɔlsoʊ]) a flower(The seed-bearing part of a plant, often brightly colored and fragrant. [ə flaʊər])."
"We(The speaker and one or more other people. [wi]) do(Auxiliary verb used to form negative statements and questions. [du]) not(A word used to negate a statement. [nɑt]) record(To write down or document. [ˈrɛkərd]) flowers(The seed-bearing part of a plant, often brightly colored and fragrant. [flaʊərz])," said(Past tense of the verb 'to say'. [sɛd]) the geographer(A person who studies the earth and its features. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]).
"Why(For what reason or purpose. [waɪ]) is(A form of the verb 'to be'. [ɪz]) that(Referring to the previous statement or situation. [ðət])? The flower(The seed-bearing part of a plant, often brightly colored and fragrant. [ðə flaʊər]) is(A form of the verb 'to be'. [ɪz]) the most(To the greatest degree. [ðə moʊst]) beautiful(Pleasing to the senses or mind. [ˈbjutəfəl]) thing(An object or entity. [θɪŋ]) on(Located or situated on. [ɔn]) my(Belonging to the speaker or writer. [maɪ]) planet(A celestial body that orbits a star. [ˈplænət])!"
"We(The speaker and one or more other people. [wi]) do(Auxiliary verb used to form negative statements and questions. [du]) not(A word used to negate a statement. [nɑt]) record(To write down or document. [ˈrɛkərd]) them(Referring to the flowers. [ðɛm])," said(Past tense of the verb 'to say'. [sɛd]) the geographer(A person who studies the earth and its features. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]), "because(For the reason that. [bɪˈkəz]) they(Referring to the flowers. [ðeɪ]) are(A form of the verb 'to be'. [ər]) ephemeral(Lasting for a very short time. [ɪˈfɛmərəl])."
"What(Used to ask for specific information. [wət]) does(Auxiliary verb used to form questions. [dɪz]) that(Referring to something previously mentioned. [ðət]) mean(To signify or represent. [min]) (Used to indicate a pause or break in thought.)— 'ephemeral(Lasting for a very short time. [ɪˈfɛmərəl])'?"
"Geographies(Plural of "geography," referring to the study of the Earth's physical features, atmosphere, and human activities. [geographies])," said(past tense of "say," indicating that someone spoke. [sɛd]) the geographer(the person who studies geography. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]), "are(present tense of the verb "to be," linking the subject to the description. [ər]) the books(referring to written works. [ðə bʊks]) which(a relative pronoun referring back to "the books." [wɪʧ]), of all books(out of all the books that exist. [əv ɔl bʊks]), are(present tense of the verb "to be," linking the subject to the description. [ər]) most concerned(most interested or involved. [moʊst kənˈsərnd]) with matters(with subjects or issues. [wɪθ ˈmætərz]) of consequence(of importance or significance. [əv ˈkɑnsəkwəns]). They(referring to "geographies." [ðeɪ]) never(at no time; not ever. [ˈnɛvər]) become(to change into or start to be. [bɪˈkəm]) old-fashioned(no longer modern or popular. [ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd]). It(referring to a situation or event. [ɪt]) is(present tense of the verb "to be." [ɪz]) very rarely(almost never; seldom. [ˈvɛri ˈrɛrli]) that(used to introduce a clause. [ðət]) a mountain(a large natural elevation of the earth's surface. [ə ˈmaʊntən]) changes(to become different. [ˈʧeɪnʤɪz]) its(possessive pronoun referring to the mountain. [ɪts]) position(the place where something is located. [pəˈzɪʃən]). It(referring to a situation or event. [ɪt]) is(present tense of the verb "to be." [ɪz]) very rarely(almost never; seldom. [ˈvɛri ˈrɛrli]) that(used to introduce a clause. [ðət]) an ocean(a very large expanse of sea. [ən ˈoʊʃən]) empties(to remove everything from. [ˈɛmtiz]) itself(reflexive pronoun referring to the ocean. [ˌɪtˈsɛlf]) of(expressing removal or separation. [əv]) its(possessive pronoun referring to the ocean. [ɪts]) waters(the liquid that forms the seas, lakes, and rivers. [ˈwɔtərz]). We(the speaker and others. [wi]) write(to compose or create a written work. [raɪt]) of(about; concerning. [əv]) eternal(lasting or existing forever; without end. [ɪˈtərnəl]) things(objects, matters, or affairs. [θɪŋz])."
"But(used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said. [bət]) extinct(no longer active or existing. [ɪkˈstɪŋkt]) volcanoes(mountains with openings in the earth's crust through which molten rock, hot gases, and ash erupt. [vɑlˈkeɪnoʊz]) may(expressing possibility. [meɪ]) come(to move or travel toward or into a place. [kəm]) to life(to become active or functional again. [tɪ laɪf]) again(once more; another time. [əˈgɛn])," the little prince(a young royal person. [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]) interrupted(to stop someone from speaking by saying or doing something. [ˌɪntərˈəptɪd]). "What(used to ask for information. [wət]) does(auxiliary verb used to form questions. [dɪz]) that(referring to something previously mentioned. [ðət]) mean(to express or represent something such as an idea, thought, or fact. [min]) — 'ephemeral(lasting for a very short time. [ɪˈfɛmərəl])'?"
"Whether(expressing a choice or doubt between alternatives. [ˈwɛðər]) volcanoes(mountains with openings in the earth's crust through which molten rock, hot gases, and ash erupt. [vɑlˈkeɪnoʊz]) are(present tense of the verb "to be." [ər]) extinct(no longer active or existing. [ɪkˈstɪŋkt]) or(used to link alternatives. [ər]) alive(living; not dead. [əˈlaɪv]), it(referring to a situation or event. [ɪt]) comes(to move or travel toward or into a place. [kəmz]) to(expressing direction or purpose. [tɪ]) the same(exactly alike. [ðə seɪm]) thing(an object or entity. [θɪŋ]) for(intended to be given to. [fər]) us(the speaker and others. [ˈjuˈɛs])," said(past tense of "say," indicating that someone spoke. [sɛd]) the geographer(the person who studies geography. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]). "The(used to refer to something specific. [ðə]) thing(an object or entity. [θɪŋ]) that(used to introduce a clause. [ðət]) matters(to be important or significant. [ˈmætərz]) to(expressing direction or purpose. [tɪ]) us(the speaker and others. [ˈjuˈɛs]) is(present tense of the verb "to be." [ɪz]) the mountain(a large natural elevation of the earth's surface. [ðə ˈmaʊntən]). It(referring to the mountain. [ɪt]) does(auxiliary verb used to form questions and negative statements. [dɪz]) not(used to negate a statement. [nɑt]) change(to become different. [ʧeɪnʤ])."
"But(used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]) what does that mean(a question asking for the definition or explanation of something [wət dɪz ðət min]) — 'ephemeral(asking for the meaning of the word 'ephemeral' [ ɪˈfɛmərəl])'?" repeated(said again [rɪˈpitɪd]) the little prince(referring to the main character of the story [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]), who never in his life had let go of a question, once he had asked it(describing the little prince's persistent nature in seeking answers [hu ˈnɛvər ɪn hɪz laɪf hæd lɛt goʊ əv ə kˈwɛʃən wəns hi hæd æst ɪt]).
"It means(explaining the definition of something [ɪt minz]), 'which is in danger of speedy disappearance(defining 'ephemeral' as something that might disappear quickly [wɪʧ ɪz ɪn ˈdeɪnʤər əv ˈspiˌdi ˌdɪsəˈpɪrəns]).'"
"Is my flower in danger of speedy disappearance(questioning whether the flower is likely to disappear quickly [ɪz maɪ flaʊər ɪn ˈdeɪnʤər əv ˈspiˌdi ˌdɪsəˈpɪrəns])?"
"Certainly it is(confirming that the flower is indeed in danger of disappearing quickly [ˈsərtənli ɪt ɪz])."
"My flower is ephemeral(stating that the flower is short-lived or transient [maɪ flaʊər ɪz ɪˈfɛmərəl])," the little prince said to himself(indicating that the prince is thinking aloud [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns sɛd tɪ hɪmˈsɛlf]), "and she has only four thorns to defend herself against the world(describing the flower's limited protection against external threats [ənd ʃi həz ˈoʊnli fɔr θɔrnz tɪ dɪˈfɛnd hərˈsɛlf əˈgɛnst ðə wərld]). And I have left her on my planet, all alone(expressing regret and concern for leaving the flower unprotected [ənd aɪ hæv lɛft hər ɔn maɪ ˈplænət ɔl əˈloʊn])!"
That was(referring to a previous event or realization [ðət wɑz]) his first moment of regret(indicating the initial feeling of remorse or sadness [hɪz fərst ˈmoʊmənt əv rɪˈgrɛt]). But he took courage once more(indicating a renewed sense of bravery or determination [bət hi tʊk kərɪʤ wəns mɔr]).