The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery- page 34

"It is the time I have wasted for my rose — " said the little prince, so that he would be sure to remember.

• It is: emphasizing the following statement [ɪt ɪz]
• the time: a period during which something happens or a specific moment [ðə taɪm]
• I: pronoun referring to the speaker [aɪ]
• have wasted: have used carelessly or without valuable result [hæv ˈweɪstɪd]
• for my rose: on behalf of a specific rose, likely one the speaker cares about [fər maɪ roʊz]
• said: past tense of 'say', indicating speech [sɛd]
• the little prince: a specific character, likely the protagonist of the story [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• so that: in order that [soʊ ðət]
• he: pronoun referring to the little prince [hi]
• would be: conditional form of 'to be' [wʊd bi]
• sure: certain; confident [ʃʊr]
• to remember: to retain in one's memory [tɪ rɪˈmɛmbər]

"Men have forgotten this truth," said the fox. "But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed. You are responsible for your rose..."

• Men: plural of 'man', referring to human males [mɛn]
• have forgotten: past perfect tense of 'forget', indicating that the act of forgetting happened before the present [hæv fərˈgɑtən]
• this truth: 'this' refers to a specific truth that has been previously mentioned or is about to be explained; 'truth' refers to something that is considered to be factual or real [ðɪs truθ]
• said: indicates who is speaking [ sɛd]
• the fox: a wild animal of the dog family with a pointed snout and bushy tail, often used symbolically in literature [ðə fɑks]
• you: second-person pronoun, referring to the person being addressed [ju]
• must not forget: expresses a strong obligation or necessity not to forget something [məst nɑt fərˈgɛt]
• it: pronoun referring back to 'this truth' [ɪt]
• become: to start to be or experience a change in condition [bɪˈkəm]
• responsible: having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one's job or role [riˈspɑnsəbəl]
• forever: for all time in the future; eternally [fərˈɛvər]
• for what: referring to the things or beings that [fər wət]
• you have tamed: past participle of 'tame', meaning to bring an animal from a wild or savage state to a domesticated one; also used metaphorically to mean to control or subdue something [ju hæv teɪmd]
• are responsible: having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one's job or role [ər riˈspɑnsəbəl]
• for your rose: 'rose' is likely used metaphorically to represent something or someone that is loved or cared for [fər jʊr roʊz]

"I am responsible for my rose," the little prince repeated, so that he would be sure to remember.

• I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
• am responsible: having an obligation to do something, or having control over or care for someone, as part of one's job or role [æm riˈspɑnsəbəl]
• for my rose: 'rose' is likely used metaphorically to represent something or someone that is loved or cared for [fər maɪ roʊz]
• the little prince: indicates who is speaking, referring to a young royal character [ ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• repeated: said again [rɪˈpitɪd]
• so that: in order that; with the aim that [soʊ ðət]
• he: third-person singular pronoun, referring to the little prince [hi]
• would be: conditional form of 'to be', expressing a possibility or intention [wʊd bi]
• sure: confident or certain [ʃʊr]
• to remember: to keep in mind; to not forget [tɪ rɪˈmɛmbər]

XXII

Good morning," said the little prince.

• Good morning: a greeting used when meeting someone in the morning [gʊd ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• said: indicates who is speaking [ sɛd]
• the little prince: referring to a young royal character [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]

"Good morning", said the railway switchman.

• Good morning: a greeting used when meeting someone in the morning [gʊd ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• said: indicates who is speaking [sɛd]
• the railway switchman: a person who operates switches on a railway to control the movement of trains [ðə ˈreɪlˌweɪ switchman]

"What do you do here?" the little prince asked.

• What: interrogative pronoun used to ask a question about something [wət]
• do you do: present simple tense, asking about someone's job or activity [du ju du]
• here: in or at this place [hir]
• the little prince: indicates who is speaking, referring to a young royal character [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• asked: to put a question to someone [æst]

"I sort out travelers, in bundles of a thousand" , said the switchman. "I send off the trains that carry them: now to the right, now to the left."

• I: first-person singular pronoun, referring to the speaker [aɪ]
• sort out: to separate things into different categories or groups [sɔrt aʊt]
• travelers: people who are traveling [ˈtrævələrz]
• in bundles of a thousand: grouped together in large quantities [ɪn ˈbəndəlz əv ə ˈθaʊzənd]
• said: indicates who is speaking [ sɛd]
• the switchman: a person who operates switches on a railway to control the movement of trains [ðə switchman]
• send off: to dispatch or cause to depart [sɛnd ɔf]
• the trains: a series of connected railroad cars moved by a locomotive [ðə treɪnz]
• that: relative pronoun referring to the trains [ðət]
• carry: to transport or convey [ˈkɛri]
• them: pronoun referring to the travelers [ðɛm]
• now: at the present time [naʊ]
• to the right: direction to the right side [tɪ ðə raɪt]
• now: at the present time [naʊ]
• to the left: direction to the left side [tɪ ðə lɛft]

And a brilliantly lighted express train shook the switchman's cabin as it rushed by with a roar like thunder.

• And: used to connect clauses or sentences [ənd]
• a brilliantly lighted express train: a train that is brightly illuminated and travels at high speed, used for express delivery or passenger service [ə ˈbrɪljəntli ˈlaɪtɪd ɪkˈsprɛs treɪn]
• shook: past tense of 'shake', meaning to move with quick, forceful movements [ʃʊk]
• the switchman's cabin: the small building where the switchman works, typically located near railway tracks [ðə switchmans ˈkæbən]
• as: used to indicate that something happens during the time when something else is happening [ɛz]
• it: referring to the express train [ɪt]
• rushed by: moved past quickly [rəʃt baɪ]
• with a roar: making a loud, deep, prolonged sound [wɪθ ə rɔr]
• like thunder: resembling the sound of thunder, which is a loud crash of sound during a storm [laɪk ˈθəndər]

"They are in a great hurry," said the little prince. "What are they looking for?"

• They: referring to the people on the train [ðeɪ]
• are in a great hurry: they are rushing and have no time [ər ɪn ə greɪt ˈhəri]
• said: past tense of 'say', used to indicate who is speaking [sɛd]
• the little prince: a young royal person [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• What: used to ask for specific information [wət]
• are they looking for: what are they trying to find [ər ðeɪ ˈlʊkɪŋ fər]

"Not even the locomotive engineer knows that," said the switchman.

• Not even: emphasizing that not even a particular person knows something [nɑt ˈivɪn]
• the locomotive engineer: the person who operates the train [ðə ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtɪv ˈɛnʤəˈnɪr]
• knows: is aware of [noʊz]
• that: referring to what the people on the train are looking for [ðət]
• said: past tense of 'say', used to indicate who is speaking [sɛd]
• the switchman: a person who operates railway switches [ðə switchman]

And a second brilliantly lighted express thundered by, in the opposite direction.

• And: used to connect clauses or sentences [ənd]
• a second: another one; a repetition [ə ˈsɛkənd]
• brilliantly lighted express: very brightly illuminated and fast moving [ˈbrɪljəntli ˈlaɪtɪd ɪkˈsprɛs]
• thundered by: passed by making a loud, rumbling noise [ˈθəndərd baɪ]
• in the opposite direction: moving towards the reverse side [ɪn ðə ˈɑpəzɪt dɪˈrɛkʃɪn]

"Are they coming back already?" demanded the little prince.

• Are they coming back already: are they returning so soon [ər ðeɪ ˈkəmɪŋ bæk ɔˈrɛdi]
• demanded: asked in a forceful way [dɪˈmændɪd]
• the little prince: a young royal person [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]

"These are not the same ones," said the switchman. "It is an exchange."

• These: referring to the trains [ðiz]
• are not the same ones: not the identical trains that passed earlier [ər nɑt ðə seɪm wənz]
• said: past tense of 'say', used to indicate who is speaking [sɛd]
• the switchman: a person who operates railway switches [ðə switchman]
• It is: referring to the situation [ɪt ɪz]
• an exchange: a swap or trade [ən ɪksˈʧeɪnʤ]

"Were they not satisfied where they were?" asked the little prince.

• Were they not satisfied: did they not feel content [wər ðeɪ nɑt ˈsætɪsˌfaɪd]
• where they were: in their previous location [wɛr ðeɪ wər]
• asked: past tense of 'ask', used to indicate who is speaking [æst]
• the little prince: a young royal person [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]

"No one is ever satisfied where he is," said the switchman.

• No one: nobody; not a single person [noʊ wən]
• is: third-person singular present of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
• ever: at any time; used to emphasize that something never happens [ˈɛvər]
• satisfied: content; pleased [ˈsætɪsˌfaɪd]
• where: in the place or position that [wɛr]
• he: the male person referred to [hi]
• is: third-person singular present of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
• said: past tense of the verb 'to say'; to utter words [sɛd]
• the switchman: a person who operates switches on a railway track [ðə switchman]

And they heard the roaring thunder of a third brilliantly lighted express.

• And: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• they: refers to a group of people or things previously mentioned or easily identified [ðeɪ]
• heard: past tense of the verb 'to hear'; to perceive with the ear [hərd]
• the roaring thunder: a loud, deep, continuous noise resembling thunder [ðə ˈrɔrɪŋ ˈθəndər]
• of: expressing the relationship between a part and a whole [əv]
• a third: the number three in a sequence [ə θərd]
• brilliantly: in a way that is extremely bright or impressive [ˈbrɪljəntli]
• lighted: past participle of 'light'; illuminated [ˈlaɪtɪd]
• express: a fast train that makes few stops [ɪkˈsprɛs]

"Are they pursuing the first travelers?" demanded the little prince.

• Are: present tense form of the verb 'to be', used in questions [ər]
• they: referring to a group of people or things previously mentioned [ðeɪ]
• pursuing: following or chasing someone or something [pərˈsuɪŋ]
• the first: coming before all others in order or time [ðə fərst]
• travelers: people who are traveling [ˈtrævələrz]
• demanded: asked forcefully [dɪˈmændɪd]
• the little prince: a young member of a royal family [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]

"They are pursuing nothing at all," said the switchman. "They are asleep in there, or if they are not asleep they are yawning.

• They: referring to a group of people or things previously mentioned [ðeɪ]
• are: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ər]
• pursuing: following or chasing someone or something [pərˈsuɪŋ]
• nothing at all: absolutely nothing; not anything [ˈnəθɪŋ æt ɔl]
• said: past tense of the verb 'to say'; to utter words [sɛd]
• the switchman: a person who operates switches on a railway track [ðə switchman]
• They: referring to a group of people or things previously mentioned [ðeɪ]
• are: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ər]
• asleep: in a state of sleep [əsˈlip]
• in there: in that place [ɪn ðɛr]
• or: used to link alternatives [ər]
• if: introducing a condition [ɪf]
• they: referring to a group of people or things previously mentioned [ðeɪ]
• are: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ər]
• not: used to negate a word or clause [nɑt]
• asleep: in a state of sleep [əsˈlip]
• they: referring to a group of people or things previously mentioned [ðeɪ]
• are: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ər]
• yawning: opening the mouth wide and inhaling deeply due to tiredness or boredom [ˈjɔnɪŋ]

"Only the children know what they are looking for," said the little prince. "They waste their time over a rag doll and it becomes very important to them; and if anybody takes it away from them, they cry..."

• Only: exclusively; just [ˈoʊnli]
• the children: young human beings [ðə ˈʧɪldrən]
• know: to be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information [noʊ]
• what: asking for information specifying something [wət]
• they: referring to a group of people or things previously mentioned [ðeɪ]
• are: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ər]
• looking for: trying to find something [ˈlʊkɪŋ fər]
• said: past tense of the verb 'to say'; to utter words [sɛd]
• the little prince: a young member of a royal family [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• They: referring to a group of people or things previously mentioned [ðeɪ]
• waste: use carelessly or extravagantly [weɪst]
• their: belonging to or associated with the people or things previously mentioned [ðɛr]
• time: the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole [taɪm]
• over: concerning [ˈoʊvər]
• a rag doll: a doll made from cloth scraps [ə ræg dɑl]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• it: referring to something previously mentioned or easily identified [ɪt]
• becomes: to begin to be [bɪˈkəmz]
• very: in a high degree [ˈvɛri]
• important: of great significance or value [ˌɪmˈpɔrtənt]
• to them: for them; directed towards them [tɪ ðɛm]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• if: introducing a condition [ɪf]
• anybody: any person [ˈɛnibədi]
• takes: to get into one's possession, power, or control [teɪks]
• it: referring to something previously mentioned or easily identified [ɪt]
• away: to or at a distance [əˈweɪ]
• from them: from their possession or proximity [frəm ðɛm]
• they: referring to a group of people or things previously mentioned [ðeɪ]
• cry: shed tears, typically as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow [kraɪ]

"They are lucky," the switchman said.

• They are lucky: Direct quote indicating someone believes others are fortunate. [ðeɪ ər ˈləki]
• the switchman: A person who operates switches on a railway. [ðə switchman]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating the switchman spoke. [sɛd]

XXIII

"Good morning," said the little prince.

• Good morning: A standard greeting used in the morning. [gʊd ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating the little prince spoke. [sɛd]
• the little prince: Referring to a character known as the little prince. [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]

"Good morning," said the merchant.

• Good morning: A standard greeting used in the morning. [gʊd ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• said: Past tense of 'say', indicating the merchant spoke. [sɛd]
• the merchant: A person who buys and sells goods. [ðə ˈmərʧənt]

This was a merchant who sold pills that had been invented to quench thirst.

• This: Referring to the merchant mentioned in the previous sentence. [ðɪs]
• was: Past tense of 'be', linking the subject to the description. [wɑz]
• a merchant: A person who buys and sells goods. [ə ˈmərʧənt]
• who: Relative pronoun referring back to the merchant. [hu]
• sold: Past tense of 'sell', meaning to exchange goods for money. [soʊld]
• pills: Small, solid doses of medicine. [pɪlz]
• that: Relative pronoun referring back to the pills. [ðət]
• had been invented: Past perfect passive voice, indicating the pills were created at some point in the past. [hæd bɪn ˌɪnˈvɛntɪd]
• to quench: To satisfy or put an end to. [tɪ kwɛnʧ]
• thirst: The feeling of needing to drink. [θərst]

You need only swallow one pill a week, and you would feel no need of anything to drink.

• You: General pronoun referring to anyone. [ju]
• need: To require or be obliged to do something. [nid]
• only: Just; merely. [ˈoʊnli]
• swallow: To cause something to pass down the throat. [sˈwɔloʊ]
• one pill: A single dose of the medicine. [wən pɪl]
• a week: Every seven days. [ə wik]
• and: Conjunction connecting two clauses. [ənd]
• you: General pronoun referring to anyone. [ju]
• would feel: Conditional tense, indicating a hypothetical feeling. [wʊd fil]
• no need: Absence of requirement. [noʊ nid]
• of anything: Referring to any substance. [əv ˈɛniˌθɪŋ]
• to drink: To consume liquid. [tɪ drɪŋk]