At the A1 level, you can understand 'reprendre des forces' as a way to say someone is resting or eating to feel better. Imagine you have been running and you are very tired. You need to sit down and drink water. You are 'reprendre des forces'. It is like charging a battery. In simple French, you might know the words 'manger' (to eat) and 'dormir' (to sleep). These are the ways we 'reprendre des forces'. You will often see this phrase with 'pour' (to/for). For example: 'Je mange pour reprendre des forces.' It is a useful phrase for basic needs. Don't worry about the complex grammar of the verb 'reprendre' yet; just think of it as a block that means 'get energy back'. You can use it when you are tired in class or after playing sports. It is a very friendly and common expression that French people use every day with their families.
At the A2 level, you should start to notice that 'reprendre des forces' is more than just resting. It implies a recovery after an effort. You can use it in the past tense (Passé Composé) to say 'J'ai repris des forces'. This shows you were tired but now you are better. You will hear this a lot in the context of food. After a long walk, a French person might say, 'On va manger quelque chose pour reprendre des forces.' You should also learn that 'forces' is plural here. It's not just one 'force', but all the energy in your body. You can also use it with 'besoin de' (need to). 'J'ai besoin de reprendre des forces avant le travail.' This level is about using the phrase in daily life contexts like school, work, and hobbies. It helps you describe your physical state more accurately than just saying 'Je suis fatigué'.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'reprendre des forces' in more varied contexts, including health and professional life. You understand that it is a nuanced way to describe convalescence. For instance, if a colleague was sick, you could say, 'Prends le temps de bien reprendre des forces avant de revenir.' This shows empathy and a better grasp of social etiquette. You should also be comfortable conjugating 'reprendre' in different tenses like the future (reprendrai) or the imperfect (reprenais). At this level, you can also differentiate it from similar verbs like 'récupérer'. While 'récupérer' is very common, 'reprendre des forces' sounds slightly more descriptive and focused on the energy itself. You might also encounter it in news stories or simple literature. It's a key phrase for reaching an intermediate level of fluency because it sounds very natural and 'native'.
At the B2 level, you can appreciate the metaphorical uses of 'reprendre des forces'. It’s not just for people; it can be for organizations or even ideas. You might read an article about an economy that is 'reprendre des forces' after a crisis. You should be able to use the phrase in complex sentences with subjunctions, like 'Il est essentiel qu'il reprenne des forces avant que la compétition ne commence.' Note the use of the subjunctive here. You also understand the stylistic difference between 'reprendre des forces' and more formal terms like 'convalescence' or 'rétablissement'. You can use it to give advice or make observations about someone's resilience. At this level, you should also be aware of the negative construction 'ne... pas de forces', correctly changing the partitive article. It's about precision and using the phrase in a way that shows you understand French sentence structure and cultural nuances.
At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'reprendre des forces' with total spontaneity and in highly formal or nuanced situations. You might use it in a literary analysis to describe a character's journey or in a professional medical report. You are aware of its synonyms like 'recouvrer sa vitalité' or 'se requinquer' and you choose 'reprendre des forces' when you want a balanced, standard expression. You can also play with the phrase, perhaps using it ironically or in a sophisticated rhetorical way. You understand the historical and etymological roots of the verb 'reprendre' and how it functions within the larger system of French prefixation. Your use of the phrase is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the correct prosody and emphasis. You also know when to use the possessive 'ses forces' for a more formal, slightly dated, or poetic effect, and when to stick to the standard 'des forces'.
At the C2 level, you have mastered the full range of 'reprendre des forces'. You can discuss its usage across different centuries of French literature, from classical prose to modern journalism. You understand the philosophical implications of the phrase—the idea of energy as something that can be lost and regained, reflecting a cyclical view of human capacity. You can use it in high-level debates, perhaps discussing the need for a nation to 'reprendre des forces' in a geopolitical sense. You are also a master of the register, knowing exactly when a colloquial alternative like 'reprendre du poil de la bête' would be more effective than the standard 'reprendre des forces'. Your understanding includes the subtle differences in meaning when the phrase is used in different francophone regions (France, Quebec, Belgium, Africa). Essentially, the phrase is a tool in your vast linguistic arsenal, used with precision, elegance, and deep cultural insight.

reprendre des forces 30秒で

  • Reprendre des forces means to regain strength or energy after being tired, sick, or exerting a lot of effort.
  • It is a very common idiomatic phrase used in daily life, sports, and medical contexts to describe recovery.
  • The verb 'reprendre' must be conjugated like 'prendre', and 'forces' is almost always used in the plural form.
  • It differs from 'se reposer' (to rest) by focusing on the result of the rest—getting your vitality back.

The French expression reprendre des forces is a quintessential phrase used to describe the process of recovery, both physically and mentally. At its core, it translates to "to regain strength" or "to recover one's energy." Unlike simple rest, this expression implies a proactive or necessary accumulation of vitality after a period of depletion. Whether you are recovering from a grueling flu, a long day of hiking in the Alps, or an emotionally draining week at work, reprendre des forces is the go-to phrase to describe that restorative phase. It is composed of the verb reprendre (to take again/resume) and the plural noun forces (strengths), suggesting a multi-faceted replenishment of one's capabilities.

Literal Meaning
To take back strengths; to regain the power or energy that was previously possessed but lost through effort or illness.
Contextual Nuance
It often implies a pause in activity. You stop what you are doing specifically to eat, sleep, or rest so that you can continue later.

Après cette longue marche, nous devons nous arrêter pour reprendre des forces avant de continuer vers le sommet.

Translation: After this long walk, we must stop to regain our strength before continuing toward the summit.

In a medical context, doctors frequently use this phrase when discussing a patient's convalescence. It suggests a slow but steady return to health. In sports, a coach might tell an athlete to take a break to reprendre des forces before the final set. The beauty of the phrase lies in its versatility; it can refer to eating a hearty meal (physical fuel), sleeping (biological recovery), or even taking a vacation (mental restoration). It is a common part of daily French life, reflecting the cultural value placed on proper rest and the 'recharge' period necessary for productivity.

Il mange beaucoup de soupe pour reprendre des forces après sa grippe.

Register
Neutral to Formal. It is appropriate for both casual conversation with friends and professional medical or athletic settings.

Prenez quelques jours de congé pour reprendre des forces ; vous avez l'air épuisé.

The phrase is also deeply linked to the concept of resilience. When a business is struggling and takes a hiatus to restructure, one might say it is trying to reprendre des forces. It implies that the current state of weakness is temporary and that there is a definitive intention to return to a state of vigor. Linguistically, it belongs to the family of 're-' verbs in French which denote a return to a previous state, emphasizing the cyclical nature of energy and effort in human life.

L'athlète a bu une boisson protéinée pour reprendre des forces rapidement.

Synonym Hint
Think of 'récupérer', but 'reprendre des forces' is more descriptive of the actual energy being gathered.

Dormez bien ce soir pour reprendre des forces.

Using reprendre des forces correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure and typical sentence patterns. Since reprendre is an irregular verb following the pattern of prendre, its conjugation is essential. In sentences, it often appears in the infinitive form following another verb like devoir (must), pouvoir (can), or vouloir (want), or after prepositions like pour (to/in order to) or afin de (so as to).

Conjugation Focus
Je reprends, tu reprends, il reprend, nous reprenons, vous reprenez, ils reprennent. Past participle: repris.

Elle a repris des forces grâce à une cure de vitamines.

Translation: She regained her strength thanks to a vitamin treatment.

When using it in the imperative (giving advice or orders), it sounds supportive. For example, "Reprends des forces !" is something you would say to a tired friend. It can also be used in the future tense to express a plan for recovery: "Je reprendrai des forces pendant les vacances." This shows a commitment to self-care. The phrase is inherently positive, focusing on the replenishment of life force rather than the exhaustion itself. It is also common to see it in the passive or with a reflexive touch in certain literary contexts, though the standard active form is most frequent.

Il est nécessaire de s'arrêter un moment pour reprendre des forces.

In complex sentences, you might use it with a temporal clause. "Une fois qu'il aura repris des forces, il pourra retourner au travail." (Once he has regained his strength, he will be able to return to work). This highlights its role as a prerequisite for future action. In negative sentences, it describes a failure to recover: "Malgré le repos, il ne reprend pas de forces." (Despite the rest, he is not regaining strength). Note that in the negative, 'des' often becomes 'de' following standard French grammar rules for partitive articles.

Common Subjects
L'organisme (the body), le patient (the patient), l'athlète (the athlete), l'équipe (the team).

Après le match, les joueurs sont allés aux vestiaires pour reprendre des forces.

Il faut manger des sucres lents pour reprendre des forces durablement.

Finally, consider the emotional weight. In literature, a hero might reprendre des forces after a defeat, signaling a comeback. This gives the phrase a narrative power, turning a simple biological function into a symbol of hope and perseverance. It's not just about calories; it's about the will to continue. Therefore, when you use it, you are often communicating more than just physical health; you are talking about the human spirit's ability to bounce back.

You will encounter reprendre des forces in various real-world scenarios across the French-speaking world. One of the most common places is the domestic sphere. A mother might say to her child who has been playing outside all day, "Viens goûter pour reprendre des forces !" (Come have a snack to regain your strength!). It's a phrase of care and nurturance. Similarly, in the workplace, during a particularly intense project, a colleague might suggest a coffee break or a lunch outing by saying, "On devrait s'arrêter pour reprendre des forces, non ?" It serves as a polite way to acknowledge fatigue while maintaining a focus on the eventual completion of the task.

In Healthcare
Nurses and doctors use it to encourage patients. 'Il est important de bien dormir pour que votre corps puisse reprendre des forces.'

Le médecin a conseillé au patient de se reposer à la campagne pour reprendre des forces.

Sports commentary is another rich source for this expression. During a broadcast of the Tour de France, commentators often discuss riders who drop back to the team car to get food and water, describing them as needing to reprendre des forces before a major climb. In this high-stakes environment, the phrase takes on a tactical meaning—it’s about managing one's energy reserves to win. You'll also find it in news reports concerning humanitarian crises or natural disasters, where the focus is on survivors being given food and medical aid to reprendre des forces. Here, it carries a heavy, serious tone, emphasizing survival and basic human needs.

Après l'effort intense du marathon, il lui a fallu des heures pour reprendre des forces.

In literature and fairy tales, heroes often find a magical spring or a hidden cottage where they can reprendre des forces. In this context, the phrase is almost a plot device—a necessary transition from weakness to the final triumphant action. Even in modern self-help blogs in French, you'll see titles like "5 conseils pour reprendre des forces après un burnout," showing how the phrase has evolved to include mental and psychological health in the 21st century. Whether it's a whisper in a hospital room or a shout on a football pitch, the phrase is ubiquitous because the need for recovery is a universal human experience.

In Advertising
Energy drinks, vitamins, and travel agencies often use this phrase in their slogans to promise a boost in energy or a relaxing getaway.

Rien de tel qu'un bon repas chaud pour reprendre des forces par ce froid.

While reprendre des forces seems straightforward, English speakers and even intermediate French learners often stumble over a few key points. The most frequent error is using the singular 'force'. In English, we say "regain strength" (singular), but in French, the idiom specifically requires the plural forces. Saying "reprendre de la force" isn't necessarily grammatically incorrect in a vacuum, but it sounds unnatural and doesn't convey the idiomatic meaning of general recovery. It sounds like you are regaining a specific physical capacity, like the strength of a muscle, rather than your overall vitality.

Singular vs. Plural
Incorrect: Reprendre de la force. Correct: Reprendre des forces. Always use the plural for general recovery.

Attention : On dit reprendre des forces, pas 'reprendre sa force'.

Another common mistake is confusing reprendre des forces with se reposer. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Se reposer is the act of resting, whereas reprendre des forces is the result or the goal of that rest. You rest in order to regain strength. If you simply say you are resting, you aren't emphasizing the recovery of energy. Conversely, you can reprendre des forces by eating, which is not 'resting' in the traditional sense. Learners also often forget the conjugation of reprendre, which is irregular. They might try to conjugate it like a regular '-er' verb, resulting in errors like 'il reprendra' (correct) vs 'il reprendera' (incorrect).

Il a mangé un steak pour reprendre des forces (Correct). Il a mangé un steak pour se reposer (Incorrect).

The preposition des can also be tricky. In negative sentences, it should change to de (e.g., "Il ne reprend pas de forces"). However, many learners stick with 'des' because they've memorized the phrase as a single block. While understandable, it marks you as a non-native speaker. Finally, avoid using the possessive adjective 'ses' (his/her) unless you want to sound very formal or poetic. While "reprendre ses forces" is technically correct and used in literature, "reprendre des forces" is the standard, everyday version that sounds most natural to French ears.

Negative Form
Je n'ai pas encore repris DE forces. (The 'des' changes to 'de' after the negation).

Elle ne semble pas reprendre de forces malgré les médicaments.

French offers a variety of ways to talk about recovery, and choosing the right one depends on the context and the level of formality you wish to achieve. Reprendre des forces is the most versatile, but here are some alternatives that might fit your needs better in specific situations.

Récupérer
Very common and slightly more informal. It can mean to recover from effort or to get back something lost. 'J'ai besoin de récupérer après cette soirée.'
Se rétablir
Specifically used for health and illness. It is more formal. 'Il se rétablit doucement après son opération.'
Se requinquer
Informal and charming. It means to 'perk up' or 'get back on one's feet'. 'Un bon café va me requinquer !'

Après une semaine de repos, il s'est enfin rétabli.

If you want to sound more literary or old-fashioned, you could use recouvrer ses forces. This is almost identical in meaning to reprendre des forces but uses the verb recouvrer (to recover/regain), which is less common in modern speech. Another interesting idiom is reprendre du poil de la bête, which literally means 'to take back some of the beast's hair' but idiomatically means to recover one's health or energy, often after a period of depression or illness. It's quite common in colloquial French.

Il a repris du poil de la bête depuis qu'il a commencé son nouveau travail.

For mental energy specifically, you might use se ressourcer. This implies going back to one's 'source'—often nature or family—to find peace and energy. It's very popular in the context of holidays and weekends away. Lastly, remonter la pente (to climb back up the slope) is used when someone is recovering from a very difficult situation, like a deep depression or financial ruin. It emphasizes the effort required to get back to a normal state.

Se ressourcer
Mental/spiritual recovery. 'Je pars à la montagne pour me ressourcer.'
Remonter la pente
Overcoming a major hardship. 'Elle commence enfin à remonter la pente.'

Un week-end à la mer est idéal pour se ressourcer.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word 'force' in French originally referred to physical power, but by the Middle Ages, it began to be used in the plural 'forces' to describe the general health and vitality of a person.

発音ガイド

UK /ʁə.pʁɑ̃dʁ de fɔʁs/
US /rə.prɑ̃dr deɪ fɔrsɪz/
The stress is generally on the last syllable of each major word: re-PRENDRE des FORCES.
韻が合う語
attendre comprendre descendre vendre tendre mordre ordre apprendre
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 's' at the end of 'reprends' (it is silent).
  • Making the 'e' in 're' too strong; it should be a schwa sound.
  • Forgetting the nasal sound in 'reprendre'.
  • Pronouncing the 's' in 'des' (it is silent unless followed by a vowel).
  • Over-pronouncing the final 'e' in 'forces'.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

ライティング 4/5

Requires correct conjugation of 'reprendre' and remembering the plural 'forces'.

スピーキング 3/5

Common and useful, but nasal sounds can be tricky.

リスニング 2/5

Clear and distinct phrase in speech.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

prendre force repos fatigue manger

次に学ぶ

se rétablir récupérer se ressourcer épuisement vigueur

上級

convalescence homéostasie vitalité recouvrer requinquer

知っておくべき文法

Conjugation of 'reprendre'

Je reprends, nous reprenons, ils reprennent.

Use of 'pour' + infinitive

Il dort pour reprendre des forces.

Partitive article in negation

Il ne reprend pas de forces.

Subjunctive after 'il est important que'

Il est important qu'elle reprenne des forces.

Passé composé with 'avoir'

J'ai repris des forces.

レベル別の例文

1

Je mange une pomme pour reprendre des forces.

I eat an apple to regain strength.

Use 'pour' + infinitive.

2

Dors bien pour reprendre des forces.

Sleep well to regain strength.

Imperative form of 'dormir'.

3

Il boit de l'eau pour reprendre des forces.

He drinks water to regain strength.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

4

Nous nous arrêtons pour reprendre des forces.

We stop to regain strength.

Reflexive verb 's'arrêter'.

5

Après l'école, je dois reprendre des forces.

After school, I must regain strength.

Use of 'devoir' (must).

6

Un petit biscuit aide à reprendre des forces.

A small biscuit helps to regain strength.

Verb 'aider à' + infinitive.

7

Regarde, il reprend des forces !

Look, he is regaining strength!

Present tense of 'reprendre'.

8

C'est bon pour reprendre des forces.

It is good for regaining strength.

Impersonal 'c'est' construction.

1

J'ai pris un jour de congé pour reprendre des forces.

I took a day off to regain strength.

Passé composé of 'prendre'.

2

Tu as besoin de reprendre des forces après ta grippe.

You need to regain strength after your flu.

Idiom 'avoir besoin de'.

3

Elle a repris des forces grâce au repos.

She regained strength thanks to rest.

Passé composé of 'reprendre'.

4

Nous reprenons des forces avec un bon dîner.

We are regaining strength with a good dinner.

Present tense, 'nous' form.

5

Voulez-vous vous arrêter pour reprendre des forces ?

Do you want to stop to regain strength?

Interrogative with 'vouloir'.

6

Il ne reprend pas de forces rapidement.

He is not regaining strength quickly.

Negation 'ne...pas de'.

7

Après le sport, il faut reprendre des forces.

After sports, one must regain strength.

Impersonal 'il faut'.

8

Elle reprend doucement des forces chaque jour.

She is slowly regaining strength every day.

Adverb 'doucement' placement.

1

Pendant les vacances, j'ai l'intention de reprendre des forces.

During the holidays, I intend to regain strength.

Expression 'avoir l'intention de'.

2

Il est important que tu reprennes des forces avant le match.

It is important that you regain strength before the match.

Subjunctive present of 'reprendre'.

3

Elle se sentait mieux après avoir repris des forces.

She felt better after having regained strength.

Infinitive past 'après avoir repris'.

4

Si tu ne manges pas, tu ne reprendras pas de forces.

If you don't eat, you won't regain strength.

Future tense in a 'si' clause.

5

Ce médicament l'aide à reprendre des forces plus vite.

This medicine helps him regain strength faster.

Direct object pronoun 'l''.

6

Nous devrions nous reposer pour reprendre des forces.

We should rest to regain strength.

Conditional of 'devoir'.

7

Il a enfin repris des forces après des semaines de fatigue.

He finally regained strength after weeks of fatigue.

Adverb 'enfin' position.

8

C'est une période pour reprendre des forces et réfléchir.

It's a period to regain strength and reflect.

Two infinitives linked by 'et'.

1

Le secteur touristique reprend des forces après la crise.

The tourism sector is regaining strength after the crisis.

Metaphorical use for an industry.

2

Bien qu'il soit fatigué, il reprend des forces peu à peu.

Although he is tired, he is regaining strength bit by bit.

Conjunction 'bien que' + subjunctive.

3

Il aurait dû s'arrêter plus tôt pour reprendre des forces.

He should have stopped earlier to regain strength.

Conditional past of 'devoir'.

4

Elle a besoin d'une cure thermale pour reprendre des forces.

She needs a spa treatment to regain strength.

Specific vocabulary 'cure thermale'.

5

Sans un sommeil réparateur, on ne peut reprendre des forces.

Without restorative sleep, one cannot regain strength.

Adjective 'réparateur'.

6

L'économie semble reprendre des forces ce trimestre.

The economy seems to be regaining strength this quarter.

Semi-auxiliary 'sembler'.

7

Reprendre des forces est sa priorité absolue en ce moment.

Regaining strength is his absolute priority right now.

Infinitive as a subject.

8

Elle a su reprendre des forces malgré les épreuves.

She knew how to regain strength despite the trials.

Verb 'savoir' meaning 'to manage to'.

1

Il s'agit de reprendre des forces avant d'affronter l'hiver.

It is a matter of regaining strength before facing winter.

Expression 'il s'agit de'.

2

Sa convalescence lui a permis de reprendre des forces durablement.

His recovery allowed him to regain strength sustainably.

Noun 'convalescence'.

3

Il est impératif que le patient reprenne des forces avant l'intervention.

It is imperative that the patient regains strength before the surgery.

Adjective 'impératif' + subjunctive.

4

L'entreprise a réussi à reprendre des forces sur le marché international.

The company succeeded in regaining strength in the international market.

Verb 'réussir à'.

5

Rien ne vaut un séjour à la campagne pour reprendre des forces.

Nothing beats a stay in the countryside to regain strength.

Idiom 'rien ne vaut'.

6

Elle a puisé dans ses réserves pour reprendre des forces.

She drew on her reserves to regain strength.

Verb 'puiser dans'.

7

Le pays tente de reprendre des forces après des années de conflit.

The country is trying to regain strength after years of conflict.

Political context.

8

C'est dans le silence qu'il reprend le mieux des forces.

It is in silence that he regains strength best.

Cleft sentence structure.

1

L'organisme déploie des trésors d'ingéniosité pour reprendre des forces.

The body deploys treasures of ingenuity to regain strength.

Metaphorical and sophisticated language.

2

Il importe de ne pas précipiter le processus pour reprendre des forces.

It is important not to rush the process of regaining strength.

Formal 'il importe de'.

3

Elle a recouvré la santé et a ainsi repris des forces.

She recovered her health and thus regained strength.

Use of 'recouvrer' and 'ainsi'.

4

L'œuvre semble reprendre des forces à chaque nouvelle lecture.

The work seems to regain strength with every new reading.

Abstract application to literature.

5

Malgré l'épuisement, l'esprit peut reprendre des forces par la méditation.

Despite exhaustion, the mind can regain strength through meditation.

Philosophical context.

6

Une pause s'impose pour permettre à l'équipe de reprendre des forces.

A break is necessary to allow the team to regain strength.

Idiom 'une pause s'impose'.

7

Elle ne cessait de chercher des moyens de reprendre des forces.

She never stopped looking for ways to regain strength.

Formal negation 'ne cessait de'.

8

C'est un havre de paix idéal pour quiconque souhaite reprendre des forces.

It is an ideal haven of peace for anyone wishing to regain strength.

Relative pronoun 'quiconque'.

よく使う組み合わせ

besoin de reprendre des forces
s'arrêter pour reprendre des forces
manger pour reprendre des forces
dormir pour reprendre des forces
lentement reprendre des forces
enfin reprendre des forces
permettre de reprendre des forces
chercher à reprendre des forces
difficile de reprendre des forces
aider à reprendre des forces

よく使うフレーズ

Prendre le temps de reprendre des forces

— To not rush the recovery process.

Prends le temps de reprendre des forces avant de repartir.

Un petit somme pour reprendre des forces

— A short nap to get energy back.

Je vais faire un petit somme pour reprendre des forces.

Une cure pour reprendre des forces

— A treatment (vitamins, spa) to recover.

Elle fait une cure de magnésium pour reprendre des forces.

Reprendre des forces avant l'effort

— To prepare for a coming challenge.

Il faut reprendre des forces avant l'effort de demain.

Reprendre des forces physiques et morales

— To recover both body and mind.

Ce voyage lui a permis de reprendre des forces physiques et morales.

Reprendre des forces après une épreuve

— To recover after a difficult test or event.

Il a repris des forces après cette épreuve difficile.

Il est temps de reprendre des forces

— A signal that a break is needed.

Il est temps de reprendre des forces, passons à table !

Reprendre des forces à la campagne

— To recover in a rural setting.

Il est allé reprendre des forces à la campagne chez ses grands-parents.

Impossible de reprendre des forces

— Unable to recover energy.

Malgré les vitamines, il lui est impossible de reprendre des forces.

Reprendre des forces petit à petit

— To recover strength gradually.

Elle reprend des forces petit à petit, jour après jour.

よく混同される語

reprendre des forces vs se reposer

Se reposer is the act of resting; reprendre des forces is the result of that rest.

reprendre des forces vs récupérer

Récupérer is broader and can be used for objects or general recovery.

reprendre des forces vs reprendre de la force

The singular 'force' is rarely used in this idiom and sounds unnatural.

慣用句と表現

"reprendre du poil de la bête"

— To get better after being ill or to regain the upper hand after a setback.

Après une semaine au lit, il reprend enfin du poil de la bête.

Colloquial
"recharger ses batteries"

— Literally 'to recharge one's batteries'; to rest to regain energy.

Je pars en week-end pour recharger mes batteries.

Informal
"se refaire une santé"

— To take a long break to recover one's health completely.

Il a besoin de se refaire une santé loin du stress de la ville.

Neutral
"remonter la pente"

— To recover from a difficult situation or illness.

Depuis son opération, elle remonte doucement la pente.

Neutral
"avoir la pêche"

— To have a lot of energy (often after having regained it).

Depuis qu'il a repris des forces, il a la pêche !

Slang
"être d'attaque"

— To be ready for action after recovery.

Demain, je serai d'attaque après avoir repris des forces.

Informal
"péter le feu"

— To be full of energy and vitality.

Elle péte le feu depuis qu'elle a repris des forces.

Slang
"retrouver son second souffle"

— To find a second wind; to get a burst of energy after being tired.

Le coureur a repris des forces et a retrouvé son second souffle.

Neutral
"se remettre sur pied"

— To get back on one's feet after an illness.

Il lui faudra du temps pour se remettre sur pied.

Neutral
"avoir du ressort"

— To have resilience; to be able to bounce back.

Elle a beaucoup de ressort et reprend vite des forces.

Neutral

間違えやすい

reprendre des forces vs reprendre

It has many meanings (take back, resume, scold).

In this specific idiom, it always means to regain.

Il reprend son livre (He takes back his book) vs Il reprend des forces.

reprendre des forces vs force

Singular vs Plural.

Singular 'force' is power/might; plural 'forces' is vitality.

La force du vent vs Reprendre des forces.

reprendre des forces vs rétablir

Both mean recovery.

Rétablir is formal and medical; reprendre des forces is more general.

Le système est rétabli vs J'ai repris des forces.

reprendre des forces vs ressourcer

Both involve getting energy.

Ressourcer is mental/spiritual; reprendre des forces is physical.

Je me ressource en forêt vs Je reprends des forces avec un steak.

reprendre des forces vs remettre

Both mean to get better.

Remettre is often used with 'de' (se remettre de la grippe).

Elle se remet de son émotion vs Elle reprend des forces.

文型パターン

A1

Je [verb] pour reprendre des forces.

Je mange pour reprendre des forces.

A2

Tu as besoin de reprendre des forces.

Tu as besoin de reprendre des forces après ton voyage.

B1

Après avoir [past participle], il a repris des forces.

Après avoir dormi, il a repris des forces.

B2

Il est temps que nous reprenions des forces.

Il est temps que nous reprenions des forces avant la réunion.

C1

C'est en [present participle] qu'on reprend des forces.

C'est en se reposant qu'on reprend des forces.

C2

Nul ne peut [verb] sans avoir repris des forces.

Nul ne peut réussir sans avoir repris des forces.

B1

Il a repris des forces grâce à [noun].

Il a repris des forces grâce à cette cure.

A2

Il faut reprendre des forces.

Il faut reprendre des forces maintenant.

語族

名詞

force (strength)
renforcement (reinforcement)
forçat (convict/hard laborer)

動詞

forcer (to force)
renforcer (to reinforce)
s'efforcer (to try hard)

形容詞

fort (strong)
fortifiant (strengthening)
forcé (forced)

関連

énergie
vitalité
repos
santé
vigueur

使い方

frequency

Common in both spoken and written French.

よくある間違い
  • Reprendre de la force Reprendre des forces

    The idiom requires the plural 'forces' to sound natural.

  • Il reprendra ses forces Il reprendra des forces

    While 'ses' is possible, 'des' is much more common in daily speech.

  • Je ne reprends pas des forces Je ne reprends pas de forces

    In negation, 'des' changes to 'de'.

  • Il reprendera des forces Il reprendra des forces

    Incorrect future conjugation of 'reprendre'.

  • Reprendre l'énergie Reprendre des forces

    Though understandable, it is not the standard idiomatic phrase.

ヒント

Conjugation Pattern

Remember that 'reprendre' follows 'prendre'. If you know 'je prends', you know 'je reprends'. Don't let the 're-' prefix confuse you.

Plurality Matters

Always keep 'forces' in the plural. It's a collection of your energies, not just one single force. This is a key marker of a fluent speaker.

Beyond Physicality

Use this phrase for mental recovery too. It's not just about muscles; it's about your spirit and will to continue after a hard time.

The Negative Rule

In negative sentences, 'des' becomes 'de'. 'Il ne reprend pas de forces.' Practicing this will make your French sound much more polished.

The Nasal 'en'

The 'en' in 'reprendre' is a nasal vowel. Don't pronounce the 'n' like in English. It should be a single nasalized sound.

Listen for the 're-'

In fast speech, the first 'e' in 'reprendre' might almost disappear. It sounds like 'r'prendre'. Be ready for this contraction.

Avoid Placeholders

When writing, avoid saying 'reprendre l'énergie'. While correct, 'reprendre des forces' is the idiomatic standard you should aim for.

The Power of Soup

In France, soup is the ultimate food for 'reprendre des forces'. Mentioning soup in this context is very culturally authentic.

Battery Analogy

Think of 'reprendre' as 'recharging'. You are putting the charge back into your body's forces.

Don't say 'reprendre sa force'

Avoid using the singular possessive unless you are writing a poem. Stick to 'des forces' for natural conversation.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 're-' as 'recharge' and 'prendre' as 'take'. You are 're-taking' your 'forces' (strengths) like a battery being plugged in.

視覚的連想

Imagine a battery icon filling up from red to green. The green part represents the 'forces' you are 'reprendre'.

Word Web

repos manger dormir énergie santé reprendre forces vitalité

チャレンジ

Try to use 'reprendre des forces' in three different contexts today: after a meal, after a nap, and after a work task.

語源

From the verb 'prendre' (to take), which comes from the Latin 'prehendere', combined with the prefix 're-' indicating repetition or return. 'Forces' comes from the Latin 'fortia', plural of 'fortis' (strong).

元の意味: To take back one's strengths.

Romance (Latin-based).

文化的な背景

No specific sensitivities; the phrase is neutral and polite.

In English, we often say 'recharge my batteries' which is more mechanical. 'Reprendre des forces' feels more biological and human.

Used in countless French fairy tales when heroes rest at an inn. Frequently heard in sports broadcasts like the Tour de France. Commonly found in 19th-century French novels (Balzac, Zola) to describe recovery.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

After sports

  • boire de l'eau
  • se reposer
  • étirements
  • barre énergétique

After illness

  • médicaments
  • sommeil
  • bouillon
  • vitamines

During a hike

  • pique-nique
  • pause
  • sentier
  • sac à dos

At work

  • pause café
  • déjeuner
  • vacances
  • burn-out

In a hospital

  • patient
  • médecin
  • soins
  • rétablissement

会話のきっかけ

"Tu as l'air fatigué, tu veux t'arrêter pour reprendre des forces ?"

"Qu'est-ce que tu fais d'habitude pour reprendre des forces après le sport ?"

"Est-ce que tu as pu reprendre des forces pendant tes vacances ?"

"Quel est le meilleur repas pour reprendre des forces selon toi ?"

"Combien de temps te faut-il pour reprendre des forces après une grippe ?"

日記のテーマ

Décrivez une fois où vous avez dû reprendre des forces après un grand effort physique.

Quelles sont vos activités préférées pour reprendre des forces mentalement ?

Pourquoi est-il important de s'arrêter pour reprendre des forces dans notre société actuelle ?

Imaginez que vous êtes un athlète de haut niveau : comment gérez-vous votre temps pour reprendre des forces ?

Écrivez une petite histoire sur un personnage qui trouve un lieu magique pour reprendre des forces.

よくある質問

10 問

It is better to say 'reprendre des forces' or 'reprendre mes forces'. The plural is idiomatic and sounds much more natural to native speakers. Using the singular 'force' sounds like you are talking about a specific physical strength rather than general health.

No, it can also be used for mental or emotional strength. For example, after a difficult breakup or a stressful period at work, you might say you need to 'reprendre des forces' before moving on to something new.

'Récupérer' is more common in informal speech and covers a wider range of recovery (like recovering from a night out). 'Reprendre des forces' specifically highlights the accumulation of energy and is slightly more descriptive.

It uses the auxiliary 'avoir'. For example: 'J'ai repris des forces', 'Tu as repris des forces', 'Il a repris des forces'. The past participle is always 'repris'.

It is neutral. You can use it with your friends, your boss, or your doctor. It is appropriate for almost any situation where you want to talk about recovery.

Yes, it is often used metaphorically in business and news. For example: 'L'économie française reprend des forces après la pandémie.' This means the economy is getting stronger again.

Yes, according to standard French grammar: 'Je n'ai pas repris DE forces'. However, in casual speech, some people might still say 'des', but 'de' is more correct.

'Se requinquer' is a fun, slightly informal word that kids might hear, but 'reprendre des forces' is also very common in a family setting.

Absolutely. It is one of the most common contexts. You can say, 'Je vais boire un shake pour reprendre des forces après ma séance.'

'Reprendre ses forces' (possessive) is slightly more formal or literary. 'Reprendre des forces' (partitive) is the standard everyday version. Both are correct.

自分をテスト 200 問

writing

Write a simple sentence using 'reprendre des forces' and 'manger'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using the passé composé of 'reprendre des forces'.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about an athlete needing to regain strength.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'il est important que' and the subjunctive of 'reprendre des forces'.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about an economy regaining strength.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'dormir' and 'reprendre des forces'.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a negative sentence with 'reprendre des forces'.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using the future tense of 'reprendre des forces'.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Describe a situation where someone needs to regain strength.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Use 'reprendre des forces' in a professional medical context.

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'I am eating to regain strength.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'We regained our strength.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'You will regain strength soon.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'It is necessary to regain strength.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'The sector is regaining strength.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write: 'Regain strength!' (Imperative, tu).

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write: 'They (m) are regaining strength.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write: 'She has regained strength thanks to rest.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write: 'Although he is tired, he is regaining strength.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write: 'Recovery is essential to regain strength.'

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正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'I am regaining strength.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'We need to regain strength.'

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speaking

Say: 'I will regain strength during the holidays.'

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speaking

Say: 'It is important that you regain strength.'

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speaking

Say: 'The patient is slowly regaining strength.'

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speaking

Say: 'Eat to regain strength.' (tu form)

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speaking

Say: 'He regained his strength yesterday.'

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speaking

Say: 'Are you (vous) regaining strength?'

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speaking

Say: 'One must stop to regain strength.'

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speaking

Say: 'She has managed to regain strength despite everything.'

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speaking

Say: 'Sleep to regain strength.' (tu form)

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speaking

Say: 'I am not regaining strength.'

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speaking

Say: 'We should regain strength.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'The economy is regaining strength.'

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speaking

Say: 'It is in silence that he regains strength.'

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speaking

Say: 'It is good for regaining strength.'

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speaking

Say: 'They (f) regained strength.'

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speaking

Say: 'I intent to regain strength.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Without sleep, one cannot regain strength.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Recovery allowed him to regain strength.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and write: 'Je reprends des forces.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Nous avons repris des forces.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Il reprendra des forces demain.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Il faut qu'il reprenne des forces.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'L'économie reprend doucement des forces.'

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listening

Listen and identify the verb: 'Mange pour reprendre des forces.'

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listening

Listen and identify the noun: 'J'ai repris des forces.'

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listening

Listen and identify the tense: 'Elle a repris des forces.'

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listening

Listen and identify the subject: 'Ils reprennent des forces.'

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listening

Listen and identify the mood: 'Il est impératif qu'il reprenne des forces.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Dors bien.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Je ne reprends pas de forces.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'C'est pour reprendre des forces.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Elle a repris des forces grâce au repos.'

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listening

Listen and write: 'Rien ne vaut un bon repas.'

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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