French Phrase
Une radio à manivelle, c'est pratique.
Meaning
The sentence means 'A hand‑crank radio, it's convenient.' It highlights the usefulness of a radio that can be powered by turning a crank, especially when electricity is unavailable.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to comment on the practicality of a device, especially in contexts like camping, emergency preparedness, or outdoor activities where power sources are limited.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Uneradioàmanivellec'estpratique
Indefinite article (Une)
Use 'une' for feminine singular nouns; 'radio' is feminine, so 'une radio' is correct.
Preposition à
The preposition 'à' can indicate the means or characteristic, here 'radio à manivelle' means a radio with a crank.
Contraction c'est
'c'est' = 'ce + est' and is used to comment on a whole idea or object, not just a specific noun.
Adjective placement (pratique)
When using 'c'est', the adjective follows directly: 'c'est pratique' (it's convenient).
🗨In Conversation
Une radio à manivelle, c'est pratique.
A hand‑crank radio, it's convenient.
Oui, surtout quand il n'y a pas d'électricité.
Yes, especially when there’s no electricity.
✕Common Mistakes
Une radio à manivelle, il est pratique.
When commenting on an entire object or idea, use 'c'est' not 'il est'.
Radio à manivelle, c'est pratique.
The indefinite article is required for a singular countable noun.
↔Alternatives
Une radio à manivelle, c'est utile.
A hand‑crank radio, it's useful.
Une radio à manivelle, c'est commode.
A hand‑crank radio, it's handy.
Une radio à manivelle, c'est pratique à emporter.
A hand‑crank radio, it's convenient to take with you.
Cultural Tip
In France, hand‑crank radios are often part of emergency kits, especially in rural areas prone to power outages. The adjective 'pratique' is informal but widely used in everyday conversation to express that something is handy or useful.