pause
pause 30秒で
- A feminine noun meaning a temporary break or stop in activity, speech, or music.
- Commonly used with the verb 'faire' (faire une pause) to mean 'to take a break'.
- Essential for workplace vocabulary (pause-café) and digital contexts (mettre en pause).
- Distinguished from 'repos' (longer rest) and 'halte' (physical stop during travel).
The French word pause is a versatile noun that primarily denotes a temporary cessation of activity, movement, or speech. At its core, it represents a moment of stillness carved out from the flow of time. Whether you are taking a break from a demanding job, pausing a video, or observing a rest in a musical score, the word 'pause' encapsulates that vital interval of suspension. In the French context, it is not merely a stop; it is often a socially codified event, such as the sacred pause-café in the workplace or the pause déjeuner that structures the French day. Understanding 'pause' requires looking beyond the literal 'stop' and seeing it as a functional tool for recovery, transition, and emphasis.
- Temporal Aspect
- A 'pause' is inherently finite. It implies a beginning and an end, serving as a bridge between two periods of action. Unlike 'arrêt' (a stop), which can be permanent, a 'pause' suggests a planned resumption.
Après trois heures de marche, nous avons fait une pause au bord du lac.
In linguistic terms, a 'pause' is the silence between words that gives meaning to the sentence. In music, it is the 'soupir' or the 'silence' that allows the melody to breathe. In the digital age, 'pause' is the state of a media player. The word is feminine (une pause), and its usage is remarkably consistent across various registers of the language, from the casual conversation of students to the formal reports of HR managers discussing 'temps de pause'.
- Social Function
- In France, the 'pause' is a social glue. It is the moment where hierarchy softens and colleagues share information, often around a coffee machine.
La pause café est un rituel incontournable dans les bureaux français.
Furthermore, the word can be used metaphorically to describe a hiatus in a relationship or a freeze in economic growth (une pause économique). It suggests a deliberate choice to step back and evaluate before proceeding. This nuance is critical for A2 learners who are moving from simple descriptions to more abstract concepts of time management and social interaction.
Il est nécessaire de marquer une pause pour réfléchir à notre stratégie.
- Grammatical Note
- The word 'pause' is almost always used with the verbs 'faire' (to do/make) or 'prendre' (to take). 'Faire une pause' is the most common construction.
On fait une petite pause de dix minutes ?
Le pianiste a observé une longue pause avant le dernier mouvement.
Using the word pause correctly involves understanding its typical verb pairings and the contexts in which it appears. While 'break' is the most common English translation, 'pause' in French is used in specific ways that differ from English 'break' (which can also mean 'casser'). In French, you never 'break' a pause; you 'make' one or 'take' one.
- Common Verbs
- 1. Faire une pause: The standard way to say 'to take a break'.
2. Prendre une pause: Slightly more formal, often used for scheduled breaks.
3. Marquer une pause: Used in speech or music to indicate a deliberate stop for effect.
N'oubliez pas de faire une pause toutes les deux heures de conduite.
When describing the duration of the break, you use 'de' followed by the time. For example, 'une pause de cinq minutes'. You can also use adjectives to qualify the pause: 'une courte pause' (a short break), 'une pause méritée' (a well-deserved break), or 'une pause clope' (a cigarette break - informal). In professional environments, you will encounter 'le temps de pause', which refers to the legal rest period allocated to employees.
- Contextual Usage
- In a digital context, 'Mettre en pause' is the standard command to pause a video or audio track. You wouldn't say 'arrêter' unless you mean to stop it completely.
Peux-tu mettre le film en pause ? J'ai un appel.
In academic or theatrical settings, 'entracte' is often used for the intermission of a play, but 'pause' is perfectly acceptable for a break between classes. If you are talking about a hiatus in a career, you might say 'faire une pause dans sa carrière'. This implies a temporary leave of absence rather than a resignation.
Elle a décidé de faire une pause d'un an pour voyager.
- Prepositional Use
- 'Sans pause' means 'without a break' or 'non-stop'. It describes continuous effort or action.
Il a travaillé pendant huit heures sans pause.
La musique s'est arrêtée après une brève pause dramatique.
The word pause is ubiquitous in French daily life. You will hear it in the office, in schools, in the media, and in artistic contexts. It is one of those essential words that bridges the gap between technical terminology and everyday slang. Because the French value their rest periods and the separation between work and private life, 'la pause' is a frequent topic of conversation.
- In the Workplace
- The 'pause-café' is a cultural institution. You will hear colleagues asking: 'On va faire une pause ?' or 'C'est l'heure de la pause'. It is the primary time for networking and informal communication.
On se retrouve à la pause de 10 heures ?
In schools and universities, 'la pause' refers to the time between lectures. While younger children have 'la récréation' (recess), older students and adults use 'la pause'. You might hear a professor say: 'Nous allons faire une pause de quinze minutes avant de continuer le cours'. In this context, it is a formal part of the schedule.
- In Technology
- Every streaming service, from Netflix to YouTube, uses the term 'Pause'. When you click the two vertical bars, you are putting the content 'en pause'.
Appuie sur pause, je reviens tout de suite.
In music and theater, the 'pause' is a structural element. A conductor might ask for a 'pause' between movements, or a director might discuss the 'pauses' in a monologue to build tension. It is a tool for artistic expression, not just a lack of sound. In sports, particularly basketball or handball, a 'temps mort' is often called, but players might still refer to a 'pause' in the action.
Il y a une pause entre les deux mi-temps.
La pause est nécessaire pour recharger les batteries.
While pause seems straightforward, learners often stumble on its spelling, its gender, and its confusion with similar-sounding words. Mastering these nuances will make your French sound much more natural and precise.
- Confusion with 'Pose'
- The most common mistake is confusing 'pause' (a break) with 'pose' (a posture or the act of putting something down). They are homophones in some accents but have very different meanings. 'Une pose photo' is a pose for a photo, while 'une pause photo' would be a break from taking photos.
Attention : on écrit pause pour un arrêt, et 'pose' pour une attitude.
Another error is using the wrong gender. 'Pause' is feminine: une pause. Many learners mistakenly use the masculine 'un pause' because 'break' in English is gender-neutral and many other time-related words in French (like un moment, un instant) are masculine. Always remember: La pause.
- Verb Misuse
- English speakers often try to translate 'to break' literally. Do not say 'casser une pause'. Use 'faire une pause'. Similarly, 'arrêter une pause' means to end the break, not to start one.
On ne dit pas 'casser la croûte' pour dire faire une pause, bien que ce soit une expression pour manger.
Finally, be careful with 'repos' vs 'pause'. 'Le repos' is rest or sleep, often over a longer period. 'Une pause' is a short interruption in an activity. If you are tired after a week of work, you need 'du repos'. If you are tired after an hour of typing, you need 'une pause'. Using 'repos' for a 5-minute coffee break sounds overly dramatic.
Il y a une différence entre une petite pause et un long repos.
Ne confondez pas 'en pause' et 'en poste' (at one's station).
To truly master pause, it helps to understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. French has several words for 'break' or 'stop', and choosing the right one depends on the context and the duration of the interruption.
- Pause vs. Halte
- 'Une halte' is often used in the context of travel or hiking. It implies a physical stop at a specific location. 'Une pause' is more general and can happen anywhere.
Nous avons fait une halte dans un petit village.
'Une trêve' is a truce or a temporary cessation of hostilities. In a metaphorical sense, it can mean a break from stress or problems. 'Une pause' is neutral, while 'une trêve' suggests a relief from something negative. For example, 'une trêve hivernale' is a legal period in France where evictions are paused.
- Interruption vs. Suspension
- 'Une interruption' is often unplanned or forced (e.g., a power outage). 'Une pause' is usually intentional. 'Une suspension' is a formal or legal stop, like a 'suspension de séance' in parliament.
L'arbitre a ordonné une suspension du match à cause de la pluie.
In school settings, 'la récréation' (or 'la récré') is the specific word for recess for children. Using 'pause' for a 7-year-old's playtime sounds a bit too corporate. Conversely, using 'récréation' for a business meeting break would sound humorous or sarcastic.
Les enfants attendent la récréation avec impatience.
Le mot 'repos' est plus profond que le mot pause.
How Formal Is It?
難易度
知っておくべき文法
Gender of nouns ending in -e
Using 'faire' for activities
Prepositions of time (pendant, après)
Duration with 'de'
Adjective agreement (une courte pause)
レベル別の例文
Je fais une pause.
I am taking a break.
Verb 'faire' + 'une pause'.
C'est l'heure de la pause.
It is break time.
Use of 'la' (feminine).
Une pause café, s'il vous plaît.
A coffee break, please.
Compound noun structure.
Il prend une pause.
He is taking a break.
Verb 'prendre' is also possible.
La pause est finie.
The break is over.
Subject + verb 'être'.
Où est la pause ?
Where is the break (area)?
Interrogative sentence.
J'aime la pause déjeuner.
I like the lunch break.
Verb 'aimer' + noun.
Faisons une pause.
Let's take a break.
Imperative mood.
Nous faisons une pause de dix minutes.
We are taking a ten-minute break.
Duration with 'de'.
Peux-tu mettre la vidéo en pause ?
Can you pause the video?
Expression 'en pause'.
Je travaille sans pause aujourd'hui.
I am working without a break today.
Preposition 'sans'.
C'est une petite pause méritée.
It's a well-deserved little break.
Adjective placement.
On se voit à la pause ?
Shall we meet at the break?
Preposition 'à'.
Il y a une pause entre les cours.
There is a break between classes.
Preposition 'entre'.
Elle a besoin d'une pause.
She needs a break.
Expression 'avoir besoin de'.
La pause publicitaire est longue.
The commercial break is long.
Adjective 'publicitaire'.
L'orateur a marqué une pause dramatique.
The speaker made a dramatic pause.
Verb 'marquer'.
Il est important de s'accorder une pause.
It is important to allow oneself a break.
Pronominal verb 's'accorder'.
Le film reprend après une courte pause.
The film resumes after a short break.
Preposition 'après'.
J'ai décidé de faire une pause dans ma carrière.
I decided to take a break in my career.
Metaphorical use.
La pause a permis de calmer les esprits.
The break allowed everyone to calm down.
Abstract subject.
Voulez-vous faire une pause maintenant ou plus tard ?
Do you want to take a break now or later?
Alternative question.
La musique s'arrête sur une pause inattendue.
The music stops on an unexpected pause.
Musical context.
Elle profite de sa pause pour lire.
She takes advantage of her break to read.
Verb 'profiter de'.
Le gouvernement a annoncé une pause fiscale.
The government announced a tax freeze.
Economic context.
Cette pause dans les combats est fragile.
This break in the fighting is fragile.
Political/Military context.
Il faut savoir marquer une pause pour mieux repartir.
One must know how to pause to start again better.
Philosophical advice.
La pause est un élément clé de la rhétorique.
The pause is a key element of rhetoric.
Academic context.
Après une pause de réflexion, il a accepté l'offre.
After a pause for reflection, he accepted the offer.
Compound noun 'pause de réflexion'.
Le rythme du poème est haché par des pauses.
The rhythm of the poem is broken up by pauses.
Literary analysis.
Ils ont convenu d'une pause dans leurs relations.
They agreed on a break in their relationship.
Interpersonal context.
La pause estivale ralentit l'activité économique.
The summer break slows down economic activity.
Adjective 'estivale'.
L'auteur utilise la pause comme un espace de liberté.
The author uses the pause as a space of freedom.
Literary theory.
La pause n'est pas un vide, mais une respiration.
The pause is not a void, but a breath.
Philosophical nuance.
L'orchestre a respecté scrupuleusement les pauses.
The orchestra scrupulously respected the pauses.
Musical precision.
Une pause sémantique peut changer le sens d'une phrase.
A semantic pause can change the meaning of a sentence.
Linguistic terminology.
Le silence de la pause était presque palpable.
The silence of the pause was almost palpable.
Descriptive intensity.
Il a fallu une pause institutionnelle pour résoudre la crise.
An institutional hiatus was needed to resolve the crisis.
Formal political use.
La pause permet une mise en perspective nécessaire.
The pause allows for a necessary perspective shift.
Cognitive benefit.
Cette pause est une parenthèse enchantée dans sa vie.
This break is an enchanted parenthesis in his life.
Metaphorical 'parenthèse'.
L'ontologie de la pause réside dans son rapport au temps.
The ontology of the pause lies in its relationship to time.
Philosophical discourse.
Il s'agit d'une pause synaptique dans le flux de la pensée.
It is a synaptic pause in the flow of thought.
Scientific metaphor.
La pause, loin d'être une absence, est une présence latente.
The pause, far from being an absence, is a latent presence.
Paradoxical construction.
L'esthétique de la pause définit son œuvre cinématographique.
The aesthetics of the pause define his cinematographic work.
Artistic critique.
Une pause salutaire a évité l'effondrement du système.
A beneficial pause prevented the collapse of the system.
Systemic analysis.
Le texte joue sur des pauses délibérément ambiguës.
The text plays on deliberately ambiguous pauses.
Stylistic analysis.
La pause devient ici le pivot de la narration.
The pause here becomes the pivot of the narration.
Structural analysis.
Il a exploré les limites de la pause dans son dernier essai.
He explored the limits of the pause in his latest essay.
Intellectual exploration.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
よく混同される語
慣用句と表現
間違えやすい
A physical posture or the act of placing something.
A longer period of rest or sleep.
A physical stop, usually during a journey.
Specifically for school children's playtime.
Specifically for theater or concerts.
文型パターン
語族
関連
使い方
Used for 'Pause' buttons on all software.
Often used in the phrase 'temps de pause'.
- Saying 'un pause' (it's feminine: une pause).
- Spelling it 'pose' (pose is a posture).
- Saying 'casser une pause' (use 'faire une pause').
- Using 'repos' for a 5-minute break (repos is for longer rest).
- Using 'récréation' in a business meeting (it's for children).
ヒント
The Coffee Ritual
Don't skip the 'pause-café' in France. It's where the real office communication happens. Even if you don't drink coffee, go for the social aspect.
Feminine Noun
Always pair 'pause' with feminine adjectives: 'une courte pause', 'une longue pause'. This will make your French sound more accurate.
Digital Pause
When using French software, look for the word 'Pause'. It's the same as in English, making it an easy 'anchor' word for your vocabulary.
Natural Flow
Use 'On fait une pause ?' instead of the more formal 'Voulez-vous faire une pause ?' when talking to friends or close colleagues.
Synonym Choice
Use 'entracte' for the theater and 'récré' for school to sound more like a native speaker who knows specific contexts.
Listen for 'En'
When you hear 'en pause', it usually refers to a state (like a video or a project being on hold).
Spelling Alert
Be careful not to write 'pose' when you mean 'break'. Double-check your spelling in emails, especially in a professional context.
Visual Link
Associate 'pause' with the two vertical lines (||) on a remote. This visual symbol is universal and linked directly to the word.
Legal Rights
In France, 'le temps de pause' is a legal right. Knowing this term helps you understand your employment contract or workplace rules.
Inviting Others
Asking 'Tu veux faire une pause ?' is a great way to start a conversation with a new French-speaking acquaintance.
暗記しよう
語源
From Latin 'pausa', from Greek 'pausis' (cessation).
文化的な背景
It is common to invite a colleague for a pause: 'On se fait une pause ?'
Legal minimum breaks are strictly enforced in France.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
会話のきっかけ
"On fait une pause ?"
"Tu prends ta pause à quelle heure ?"
"Où est la machine à café pour la pause ?"
"Tu as besoin d'une pause ?"
"Qu'est-ce que tu fais pendant ta pause ?"
日記のテーマ
Décrivez votre pause idéale.
Pourquoi est-il important de faire des pauses ?
Que faites-vous pendant votre pause déjeuner ?
Racontez une fois où vous avez travaillé sans pause.
La pause café est-elle importante pour vous ?
よくある質問
10 問It is feminine: 'la pause' or 'une pause'. This is a common mistake for English speakers. Always remember 'la pause café'.
Yes, 'prendre une pause' is perfectly correct and very common, though 'faire une pause' is slightly more frequent in casual speech.
A 'pause' is a short, temporary stop in an activity. 'Repos' is a longer period of rest, often to recover from exhaustion or for sleep.
You say 'mettre la vidéo en pause'. You can also simply say 'mettre sur pause'.
For young children, 'récréation' is used. For older students (high school and university), 'pause' is the standard term.
It means 'without a break' or 'non-stop'. For example: 'Il a couru pendant une heure sans pause'.
Technically, the verb 'pauser' exists, but it is extremely rare. You should always use 'faire une pause' or 'marquer une pause'.
It is a short break at work to drink coffee and socialize with colleagues. It is a very important part of French work culture.
The plural is 'pauses'. For example: 'Nous faisons plusieurs pauses dans la journée'.
It is a break taken specifically to think about a decision or a situation before acting.
自分をテスト 190 問
Traduisez : 'I am taking a break.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'A ten-minute break.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Utilisez 'pause' dans une phrase sur le travail.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'Pause the video.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'He worked without a break.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pourquoi faites-vous une pause ?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'A well-deserved break.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Écrivez une phrase avec 'marquer une pause'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'The lunch break is at noon.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Utilisez 'pause' dans une phrase sur la musique.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'Let's take a break.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'I need a break.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'A short break.'
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Traduisez : 'The break is over.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Écrivez une phrase avec 'pause-café'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'She takes a break every hour.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'A break for reflection.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'During the break.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'Without any break.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'An unexpected pause.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Dites : 'Je fais une pause.'
Read this aloud:
あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'C'est l'heure de la pause.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'On fait une pause café ?'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'Mets la vidéo en pause.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'Une pause de dix minutes.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'J'ai besoin d'une pause.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'La pause est finie.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'Il travaille sans pause.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'Prends une pause méritée.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'Marquer une pause.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'La pause déjeuner.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'Faisons une pause.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'Une courte pause.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'Pendant la pause.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'À la pause de midi.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'Une pause de réflexion.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'Mettre en pause.'
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あなたの回答:
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Dites : 'S'accorder une pause.'
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Dites : 'La pause publicitaire.'
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Dites : 'Sans aucune pause.'
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あなたの回答:
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Écoutez et écrivez le mot manquant : 'Je fais une ______.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'Une pause café.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'Mettre en pause.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'La pause est finie.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'Sans pause.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'Une pause de dix minutes.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'Prendre une pause.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'La pause déjeuner.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'Marquer une pause.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'Une pause méritée.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'Faisons une pause.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'Pendant la pause.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'Une courte pause.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'J'ai besoin d'une pause.'
Écoutez et écrivez : 'La pause s'impose.'
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'pause' is your go-to term for any short, intentional break. Whether you're at the office ('pause-café') or watching a movie ('mettre en pause'), it's a versatile and essential A2-level noun. Example: 'Faisons une pause de cinq minutes.'
- A feminine noun meaning a temporary break or stop in activity, speech, or music.
- Commonly used with the verb 'faire' (faire une pause) to mean 'to take a break'.
- Essential for workplace vocabulary (pause-café) and digital contexts (mettre en pause).
- Distinguished from 'repos' (longer rest) and 'halte' (physical stop during travel).
The Coffee Ritual
Don't skip the 'pause-café' in France. It's where the real office communication happens. Even if you don't drink coffee, go for the social aspect.
Feminine Noun
Always pair 'pause' with feminine adjectives: 'une courte pause', 'une longue pause'. This will make your French sound more accurate.
Digital Pause
When using French software, look for the word 'Pause'. It's the same as in English, making it an easy 'anchor' word for your vocabulary.
Natural Flow
Use 'On fait une pause ?' instead of the more formal 'Voulez-vous faire une pause ?' when talking to friends or close colleagues.
関連コンテンツ
この単語を他の言語で
workの関連語
à distance
A2遠隔で、その場に物理的にいなくてもできること。
à durée déterminée
B1For a fixed or definite period; fixed-term.
à durée indéterminée
B1無期限の;終身の(契約など)。
à la fin
A2最後に (saigo ni)
à la journée
B1毎日、または1日限りの期間または支払い。
à la semaine
B1Weekly, by the week.
à l'année
B1Annually, by the year.
à l'attention de
B1(~)様気付、または(~)宛。公式な手紙やメールで、特定の担当者を指定する際に使用されます。
à l'avance
A2事前に、あるいは前もって何かをすること。
à l'issue de
A2〜の終わりに、〜の結果として。会議や試合などの公式な行事が終わった際によく使われる表現です。