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A2 verb #2,500 الأكثر شيوعاً 9 دقيقة للقراءة

relaxer

At the A1 level, 'relaxer' is a useful word to describe your hobbies and daily routine. You will mostly use it in the reflexive form 'se relaxer'. It's important to know that it belongs to the first group of verbs (-er verbs), which are the easiest to conjugate. You can use it to say things like 'I relax on the weekend' (Je me relaxe le week-end). At this stage, don't worry about the legal meaning; just focus on the idea of resting and feeling good. It's a great word to include when you are learning how to talk about your 'temps libre' (free time). Remember to always include the 'me, te, se' before the verb!
At the A2 level, you should start using 'se relaxer' to describe more complex feelings and situations. You can combine it with adverbs like 'souvent' (often), 'parfois' (sometimes), or 'jamais' (never). You should also be able to use it in the passé composé: 'Je me suis relaxé'. At this level, you might also see the word in advertisements or on signs in a 'centre de bien-être' (wellness center). You should understand that it is a synonym for 'se détendre', but 'se relaxer' often has a slightly more physical or 'wellness' focus. It's also a good time to learn the noun 'la relaxation'.
At the B1 level, you should be aware of the difference between 'se relaxer' and the transitive 'relaxer'. You can use the verb to discuss health, stress management, and lifestyle choices in more detail. You might use it in the conditional to express a wish: 'Je devrais me relaxer plus souvent' (I should relax more often). You should also be comfortable using it with the gerund to explain *how* you relax: 'Je me relaxe en faisant du yoga'. At this level, you are expected to handle the reflexive pronoun correctly in all tenses, including the futur simple and the imparfait.
At the B2 level, you must understand the legal meaning of 'relaxer'. If you are reading a newspaper or watching the news, 'relaxer un accusé' means to acquit them. This is a key distinction for advanced learners. You should also be able to use the word in more abstract contexts, such as 'relaxer la pression' (to ease the pressure). Your vocabulary should now include related terms like 'une relaxe' (an acquittal) and 'relaxant' (relaxing - the adjective). You should be able to debate the importance of relaxation in modern society using this verb and its synonyms effectively.
At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of 'relaxer'. You can use it to discuss complex legal procedures or psychological states. You should understand its etymological roots and how it differs from 'élargir' or 'libérer' in a legal context. You can use the verb in formal writing to describe the loosening of social norms or economic policies ('relaxer les règles'). Your use of the reflexive and non-reflexive forms should be flawless, and you should be able to appreciate the stylistic choice of using 'relaxer' over 'se détendre' to achieve a specific tone in your speech or writing.
At the C2 level, you are expected to understand the most subtle uses of 'relaxer', including its use in technical, medical, or highly specialized legal texts. You can distinguish between 'une relaxe' (in a 'tribunal correctionnel') and 'un acquittement' (in a 'cour d'assises'). You can use the verb metaphorically in high-level academic or literary discourse. You are also aware of regional variations, such as how 'relaxer' is used more broadly in Quebec French compared to Metropolitan French. You can play with the word's double meaning in creative writing or sophisticated wordplay.
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relaxer في 30 ثانية

  • Relaxer primarily means to release tension, either physically or mentally, often used reflexively as 'se relaxer'.
  • In French legal terms, it specifically means to acquit a defendant in a correctional court.
  • It is a regular -er verb, making it easy to conjugate for beginners.
  • Commonly used in wellness, health, and legal news contexts.

The French verb relaxer is a fascinating word that bridges the gap between everyday physical comfort and the formal world of the judiciary. At its core, especially at the A2 level, it refers to the act of releasing tension, whether physical or mental. It is often used reflexively as se relaxer to describe the process of unwinding after a long day. However, a crucial distinction must be made for learners: while in English 'to relax' is almost always about chilling out, in French, relaxer (without the 'se') has a very specific legal meaning: to acquit or release a prisoner due to lack of evidence.

Physical Release
The loosening of muscles or the easing of bodily tension through exercise, massage, or rest.
Mental Calm
The state of becoming less anxious or stressed, often achieved through meditation or leisure activities.
Legal Acquittal
A formal court decision declaring that a person is not guilty of the charges brought against them.

"Après une longue journée de travail, j'aime me relaxer en écoutant de la musique classique."

— Example of everyday usage

Understanding the nuances of relaxer requires looking at its Latin roots, relaxare, which means to stretch out or loosen. In the modern French context, the word has evolved. While se détendre is perhaps more common in casual conversation for 'relaxing,' relaxer carries a slightly more modern, sometimes even medical or technical, connotation of stress management. It is a word you will frequently encounter in the context of wellness (le bien-être), spas, and psychology.

"Le juge a décidé de relaxer le prévenu faute de preuves suffisantes."

— Example of legal usage

In the A2 learner's journey, focusing on the reflexive se relaxer is the most practical approach. It fits perfectly into daily routine descriptions. You might use it when talking about your hobbies, your weekend plans, or how you handle stress at school or work. It is a versatile verb that, despite its legal double-life, remains a staple of the French vocabulary for health and lifestyle.

"Cette technique de respiration aide à relaxer les muscles du cou."

"Il est important de se relaxer avant un examen important."

"Le spa propose des massages pour relaxer tout le corps."

Synonym: Se détendre
More common in general speech for 'to chill out'.
Synonym: Décompresser
Slang/Informal for 'to let off steam' or relax after high pressure.

Using relaxer correctly depends heavily on whether you are using it as a transitive verb or a reflexive verb. For most learners, the reflexive form se relaxer will be the most frequent. This follows the standard pattern for -er verbs in the present tense: je me relaxe, tu te relaxes, il se relaxe, nous nous relaxons, vous vous relaxez, ils se relaxent. In the passé composé, it uses the auxiliary être: je me suis relaxé(e).

Reflexive Usage
Used when the subject is relaxing themselves. Example: 'Je me relaxe sur le canapé.'
Transitive Usage (Physical)
Used when something relaxes a part of the body. Example: 'Ce thé relaxe mes nerfs.'
Transitive Usage (Legal)
Used when a court releases someone. Example: 'Le tribunal a relaxé l'accusé.'

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the prepositions. You relax après (after) something, avec (with) someone or something, or en (by/while) doing something. For example, "Je me relaxe en lisant" (I relax by reading). This 'en + present participle' construction is a great way to elevate your French from A2 to B1.

"Pour bien dormir, il faut se relaxer l'esprit avant de se coucher."

In professional contexts, you might hear about 'techniques de relaxation.' Here, the noun form is used, but the verb relaxer remains the root. If you are at a gym or a yoga studio, the instructor will often use the imperative: "Relaxez-vous !" (Relax!). Note that in French, this sounds slightly more formal or instructional than the English 'Just relax,' which might be translated as "Détends-toi" in a casual setting.

Another important aspect is the negation. In the present tense, the 'ne... pas' goes around the reflexive pronoun and the verb: "Je ne me relaxe pas assez." (I don't relax enough). This is a common stumbling block for A2 students, so practicing this specific structure is vital for fluency.

"Est-ce que tu arrives à te relaxer pendant les vacances ?"

Common Adverbs
Use with 'totalement', 'profondément', or 'un peu' to add detail.
Common Time Phrases
Use with 'le soir', 'le weekend', or 'pendant la pause'.

The word relaxer echoes through various corridors of French life, from the most tranquil to the most stressful. In the wellness and health industry, it is omnipresent. If you visit a centre de thalassothérapie (spa) in Brittany or a yoga studio in Paris, you will see 'relaxer' on every brochure. It is the marketing word of choice for anything involving essential oils, massages, or meditation apps.

"Notre nouveau gel douche à la lavande est conçu pour relaxer vos sens."

— Advertising slogan

In news and media, you will hear the transitive version of the verb. When a high-profile court case concludes, the news anchor might announce: "L'ancien ministre a été relaxé par le tribunal correctionnel." This can be confusing for learners who expect the word to mean he was sent to a spa! In this context, it specifically means he was cleared of criminal charges. This is a common feature in French newspapers like Le Monde or Le Figaro.

In everyday conversation, especially among younger generations or in urban environments, se relaxer is used interchangeably with se détendre. You might hear a colleague say, "J'ai besoin de me relaxer, cette semaine était intense." It is also common in the imperative form when giving advice to a stressed friend: "Relaxe-toi, tout va bien se passer !"

"Le médecin m'a conseillé de faire du sport pour me relaxer."

Radio/Podcasts
Wellness experts often use it when discussing mental health.
Sports Coaching
Coaches tell athletes to 'relaxer les muscles' before a race.
Legal Dramas
TV shows like 'Engrenages' use the legal sense frequently.

Finally, in literature and poetry, though less common than s'apaiser or se calmer, relaxer can be used to describe the loosening of a grip or the softening of a gaze. It carries a sense of physical release that is very evocative in descriptive writing.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with relaxer is treating it exactly like the English 'to relax'. In English, 'to relax' is both transitive and intransitive without a pronoun change. In French, if you are the one doing the relaxing, you must use the reflexive pronoun se. Saying "Je relaxe" is grammatically incomplete in standard French and sounds like an anglicism (though it is common in Quebec French).

The 'Je relaxe' Error
Incorrect: 'Je relaxe après l'école.' Correct: 'Je me relaxe après l'école.'
The Legal False Friend
Confusing 'relaxer' (to acquit) with 'reposer' (to rest). If you say 'Le juge a relaxé l'homme,' it doesn't mean the judge gave him a nap!
Confusion with 'Détendre'
While similar, 'se détendre' is often more natural for social relaxation. 'Se relaxer' can sound a bit more 'clinical' or focused on the physical body.

"Attention : Ne dites pas 'Je vais relaxer' mais 'Je vais me relaxer'."

Another mistake involves the past participle agreement. Since se relaxer is reflexive, it uses être. However, the agreement rules for reflexive verbs can be tricky. If the reflexive pronoun is the direct object (which it usually is for this verb), the participle agrees: "Elle s'est relaxée." If you are relaxing a specific body part, the agreement changes: "Elle s'est relaxé les muscles" (no 'e' because 'les muscles' is the direct object). This is a B2/C1 level nuance, but good to keep in mind!

Finally, don't confuse relaxer with relâcher. While they share a root, relâcher is used for letting go of a physical object (like a rope) or releasing a prisoner (similar to the legal 'relaxer' but broader). You wouldn't say "Je me relâche" to mean you are relaxing on vacation; that would imply you are letting yourself go or becoming lazy!

"Il ne faut pas confondre relaxer (to relax/acquit) et reposer (to rest)."

French has a rich vocabulary for the concept of relaxation, and choosing the right word can make you sound much more like a native speaker. The most common alternative to relaxer is se détendre. This verb literally means 'to un-stretch' or 'to loosen'. It is used in almost every situation where an English speaker would say 'relax'.

Se détendre
The go-to verb for general relaxation. 'On va se détendre à la plage.'
Se reposer
Specifically means 'to rest' or 'to sleep'. Use this if you are physically tired.
Décompresser
Informal. Used for 'decompressing' after a high-stress period, like a big project at work.
S'apaiser
To become peaceful or calm. Often used for emotions or a stormy sea.

"Après le stress des examens, les étudiants ont besoin de décompresser."

Another interesting synonym is flâner. While it doesn't mean 'to relax' in the sense of sitting still, it means to wander aimlessly and enjoy the moment, which is a very French way of relaxing. If you are 'relaxing' by walking through the streets of Paris, you are flânant.

In a more formal or literary context, you might encounter se décontracter. This is often used in sports or medicine to describe the loosening of muscles. It is very close to se relaxer but focuses more on the physical absence of contraction. Conversely, buller is a very informal slang term meaning 'to do nothing' or 'to bubble' (like a bubble in a spirit level that doesn't move), which is the ultimate form of relaxation for some!

"Le dimanche, j'adore buller toute la journée devant la télé."

S'évader
To escape. Used when relaxation involves getting away from one's daily life.
Se ressourcer
To recharge one's batteries. A very popular term in French wellness culture.

How Formal Is It?

رسمي

""

غير رسمي

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مستوى الصعوبة

قواعد يجب معرفتها

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Je me relaxe après l'école.

I relax after school.

Present tense, reflexive.

2

Tu te relaxes le samedi ?

Do you relax on Saturdays?

Question form.

3

Il se relaxe dans le jardin.

He relaxes in the garden.

Third person singular.

4

Nous nous relaxons ensemble.

We relax together.

First person plural.

5

Vous vous relaxez avec un café.

You (plural) relax with a coffee.

Second person plural.

6

Elles se relaxent à la plage.

They (feminine) relax at the beach.

Third person plural.

7

Je ne me relaxe pas le lundi.

I don't relax on Mondays.

Negative form.

8

On se relaxe !

We are relaxing! / Let's relax!

Informal 'on'.

1

Je me suis relaxé hier soir.

I relaxed last night.

Passé composé.

2

C'est un massage pour relaxer le dos.

It's a massage to relax the back.

Transitive use (physical).

3

Elle aime se relaxer en écoutant de la musique.

She likes to relax by listening to music.

Infinitive after 'aimer'.

4

Nous allons nous relaxer ce week-end.

We are going to relax this weekend.

Futur proche.

5

Est-ce que tu peux te relaxer un peu ?

Can you relax a bit?

Modal verb 'pouvoir'.

6

Le yoga aide à se relaxer.

Yoga helps to relax.

Reflexive infinitive.

7

Ils se sont relaxés après le sport.

They relaxed after sports.

Passé composé plural agreement.

8

Je me relaxe souvent dans mon bain.

I often relax in my bath.

Adverb placement.

1

Si j'avais le temps, je me relaxerais.

If I had time, I would relax.

Conditional mood.

2

Il est essentiel que tu te relaxes.

It is essential that you relax.

Subjunctive mood.

3

En se relaxant, on réduit le stress.

By relaxing, one reduces stress.

Gerund (en + participe présent).

4

Je me relaxais quand le téléphone a sonné.

I was relaxing when the phone rang.

Imparfait for ongoing action.

5

Cette musique est très relaxante.

This music is very relaxing.

Adjective derived from the verb.

6

Elle s'est relaxée malgré le bruit.

She relaxed despite the noise.

Concession with 'malgré'.

7

Nous nous relaxerons dès que possible.

We will relax as soon as possible.

Futur simple.

8

Vous devriez essayer de vous relaxer.

You should try to relax.

Conditional of 'devoir'.

1

Le tribunal a décidé de relaxer le suspect.

The court decided to acquit the suspect.

Legal transitive use.

2

Il a été relaxé au bénéfice du doute.

He was acquitted on the benefit of the doubt.

Passive voice, legal context.

3

Le kiné travaille pour relaxer les tensions musculaires.

The physiotherapist works to relax muscular tensions.

Technical physical use.

4

Bien qu'il soit stressé, il arrive à se relaxer.

Although he is stressed, he manages to relax.

Subjunctive after 'bien que'.

5

La relaxe a été accueillie avec soulagement.

The acquittal was received with relief.

Noun form 'la relaxe'.

6

Il faut relaxer les contrôles aux frontières.

Border controls need to be relaxed.

Metaphorical/Policy use.

7

Elle s'est relaxé les jambes après la randonnée.

She relaxed her legs after the hike.

Reflexive with direct object (no agreement).

8

Ne nous relaxons pas, le travail n'est pas fini.

Let's not relax, the work isn't finished.

Imperative negative.

1

L'avocat a plaidé la relaxe pure et simple.

The lawyer pleaded for a full and plain acquittal.

Legal terminology.

2

Il est impératif de relaxer la pression fiscale.

It is imperative to ease the fiscal pressure.

Economic context.

3

S'étant relaxé, il put enfin réfléchir calmement.

Having relaxed, he could finally think calmly.

Past participle phrase.

4

La politique de détente visait à relaxer les relations internationales.

The policy of détente aimed to relax international relations.

Historical/Political context.

5

On ne saurait se relaxer dans une telle situation.

One cannot possibly relax in such a situation.

Formal 'ne saurait'.

6

Le prévenu a bénéficié d'une relaxe totale.

The defendant benefited from a total acquittal.

Formal legal phrasing.

7

Il s'agit de relaxer l'atmosphère pesante de la réunion.

It's about relaxing the heavy atmosphere of the meeting.

Abstract usage.

8

Elle ne se relaxe que lorsqu'elle peint.

She only relaxes when she paints.

Restrictive 'ne... que'.

1

La relaxe intervient lorsque l'infraction n'est pas constituée.

Acquittal occurs when the offense is not established.

Technical legal definition.

2

Nonobstant les preuves, il fut relaxé.

Notwithstanding the evidence, he was acquitted.

High-level conjunction 'nonobstant'.

3

L'administration a décidé de relaxer les contraintes réglementaires.

The administration decided to relax the regulatory constraints.

Administrative jargon.

4

Se relaxer devient une gageure dans notre société hyperconnectée.

Relaxing becomes a challenge in our hyper-connected society.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('gageure').

5

Le massage suédois vise à relaxer les fascias en profondeur.

Swedish massage aims to deeply relax the fascia.

Anatomical/Medical context.

6

Il s'est vu relaxer par la cour d'appel.

He saw himself acquitted by the court of appeal.

Passive construction with 'se voir'.

7

L'œuvre d'art invite le spectateur à se relaxer l'esprit.

The artwork invites the viewer to relax their mind.

Artistic/Philosophical context.

8

Point de salut sans une capacité à se relaxer véritablement.

No salvation without an ability to truly relax.

Literary 'Point de'.

تلازمات شائعة

relaxer les muscles
se relaxer l'esprit
relaxer un prévenu
technique pour se relaxer
besoin de se relaxer
musique pour se relaxer
se relaxer totalement
relaxer la pression
se relaxer après le travail
impossible de se relaxer

العبارات الشائعة

Relaxe-toi !

Prendre le temps de se relaxer

Une atmosphère relaxante

Se relaxer devant la télé

Il a été relaxé

Se relaxer un bon coup

Apprendre à se relaxer

Se relaxer en famille

Un moment pour se relaxer

Se relaxer au spa

يُخلط عادةً مع

relaxer vs reposer (to rest)

relaxer vs relâcher (to release/let go)

relaxer vs détendre (to loosen)

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

سهل الخلط

relaxer vs

relaxer vs

relaxer vs

relaxer vs

relaxer vs

أنماط الجُمل

كيفية الاستخدام

quebec

In Quebec, 'je relaxe' is common and accepted.

medical

Used for muscle relaxants (relaxants musculaires).

أخطاء شائعة
  • Saying 'Je relaxe' instead of 'Je me relaxe'.
  • Using 'relaxer' to mean 'to sleep'.
  • Forgetting the 'e' agreement in 'Elle s'est relaxée'.
  • Using 'relaxer' for acquittal in a murder trial (that's 'acquitter').
  • Confusing 'relaxer' with 'relâcher' (to release a grip).

نصائح

Reflexive Pronouns

Always match the pronoun to the subject: je me, tu te, il se, nous nous, vous vous, ils se.

Synonym Power

Use 'décompresser' when you want to sound more like a native talking about work stress.

Courtroom Context

If you see 'relaxer' in a newspaper, look for the word 'tribunal' to confirm it means acquittal.

The 'X' Sound

The 'x' in relaxer is always pronounced 'ks', never 'gz' like in 'examen'.

Gerund Usage

Use 'en se relaxant' to start a sentence about the benefits of rest.

Wellness

Look for 'espace relaxation' in French hotels; it's where the sauna and pool are.

Imperative

To tell a friend to relax, say 'Détends-toi' (more common) or 'Relaxe-toi'.

False Friend

Don't use 'relaxer' to mean 'to rest' (reposer). Use it for 'to ease tension'.

Adjective Choice

Use 'reposant' for a place (a park) and 'relaxant' for an activity (a massage).

The 'ER' Ending

It's a regular verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'parler' or 'manger'.

احفظها

أصل الكلمة

Latin 'relaxare'

السياق الثقافي

Legal terminology is common in daily news.

The French focus on holistic well-being.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

بدايات محادثة

"Comment tu te relaxes après le travail ?"

"Est-ce que tu connais une bonne musique pour se relaxer ?"

"Tu préfères te relaxer à la mer ou à la montagne ?"

"Est-ce que le yoga t'aide à te relaxer ?"

"Qu'est-ce qui t'empêche de te relaxer ?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Décris ta journée idéale pour te relaxer.

Pourquoi est-il difficile de se relaxer aujourd'hui ?

Raconte un moment où tu as eu besoin de te relaxer.

Quels sont les bienfaits de se relaxer ?

Est-ce que tu te relaxes mieux seul ou avec des amis ?

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

In standard French, no. You should say 'Je me relaxe'. However, in Quebec, it is commonly used.

'Se détendre' is more common for general chilling out. 'Relaxer' often implies a more physical or intentional release of stress.

No, it's the opposite! It means to be released or acquitted by a court.

You use 'relaxant' (masculine) or 'relaxante' (feminine). Example: 'Une musique relaxante'.

It depends. The reflexive 'se relaxer' is neutral. The non-reflexive 'relaxer' in a legal sense is very formal.

It is 'relaxé'. For reflexive use: 'Je me suis relaxé' or 'Elle s'est relaxée'.

Yes, 'relaxer les muscles' is a very common and correct usage.

It uses 'être' when reflexive (se relaxer) and 'avoir' when transitive (le juge a relaxé).

Yes, 'relax' is used as an adjective meaning 'chill' or 'laid-back'. Example: 'Il est très relax'.

The noun is 'la relaxation'.

اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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