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A2 noun 12분 분량

en pause

예시 en pause 30초 만에
설명 en pause in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'en pause' is a simple but useful phrase to learn for basic communication. It describes a state of not working or not doing an activity. You can use it to tell people why you aren't answering your phone or why you aren't at your desk. It is usually used with the verb 'être' (to be). For example, 'Je suis en pause' means 'I am on break.' It is important to remember that 'en' is the preposition we use, and 'pause' is spelled with a 'u'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar; just treat 'en pause' as a fixed block of words that means 'on break.' You will most often hear this in work or school settings. It is a great way to start setting boundaries in French. If someone asks you to do something and you are resting, you can simply say, 'Désolé, je suis en pause.' This level of French focuses on immediate needs and basic descriptions, and 'en pause' fits perfectly into that category. You might also see it on a button on a remote control or a computer screen. It is one of the first 'status' phrases you will learn in French, similar to 'en retard' (late) or 'en avance' (early).
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At the A2 level, you can begin to expand how you use 'en pause.' Beyond just saying 'Je suis en pause,' you can add more information, like the duration or the reason. For example, 'Je suis en pause pour dix minutes' (I am on break for ten minutes) or 'Il est en pause déjeuner' (He is on lunch break). You should also learn the opposite: 'Il travaille' (He is working). At this level, you might also encounter the phrase in the context of technology, such as 'Mettre la vidéo en pause' (To pause the video). You are expected to understand that 'pause' is a feminine noun (la pause), even though the gender isn't obvious when you say 'en pause.' You should also be able to distinguish between 'en pause' and 'en vacances' (on vacation). 'En pause' is much shorter. You will hear this frequently in office environments or shops. For instance, if you go to a small store and it is closed for a short time, there might be a sign saying the staff is 'en pause.' This level is about describing your daily routine, and breaks are a natural part of that. Practice using it with different subjects: 'Nous sommes en pause,' 'Elles sont en pause.' Notice that the phrase 'en pause' does not change (it is invariable), which makes it easier to use correctly every time.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'en pause' in more abstract or professional contexts. You can use it to describe a project, a relationship, or a long-term activity that has been temporarily stopped. For example, 'Nous avons mis notre projet en pause' (We put our project on hold). This shows a higher level of control over the language, as you are using the verb 'mettre' (to put) instead of just 'être' (to be). You should also start to recognize related vocabulary like 'un entracte' for theater or 'une récréation' for school, and know when 'en pause' is not the best choice. At B1, you can discuss the cultural importance of the 'pause-café' in France and how it differs from break culture in your own country. You might also use the reflexive form 'se mettre en pause' to describe taking a mental health break or disconnecting from social media. This reflects an ability to talk about feelings and personal decisions. You should also be aware of the spelling difference between 'pause' (break) and 'pose' (posture), as this is a common error in written French at this stage. Your sentences should become more complex: 'Bien que nous soyons très occupés, nous devons rester en pause pendant quelques minutes pour réfléchir' (Although we are very busy, we must stay on break for a few minutes to reflect).
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At the B2 level, 'en pause' is used with nuance and stylistic flair. You can use it to describe social and political phenomena, such as 'L'économie est en pause' (The economy is at a standstill/on hold). You should understand the subtle differences between 'en pause,' 'en suspens' (in suspense/pending), and 'à l'arrêt' (stopped). A B2 learner can use 'en pause' to express complex ideas about time and rhythm in life. You might discuss the 'droit à la déconnexion' (the right to disconnect) in French labor law, where being 'en pause' is a legal right. You can also use it in more idiomatic ways or within more sophisticated grammatical structures, such as the gerund: 'En se mettant en pause, il a pu retrouver sa créativité' (By putting himself on break, he was able to find his creativity again). You should be able to handle workplace negotiations regarding breaks, using the term correctly in formal emails or meetings. For example, 'Je suggère que nous mettions cette discussion en pause jusqu'à la semaine prochaine' (I suggest we put this discussion on hold until next week). At this level, you are not just using the phrase; you are using it to manage social interactions and professional workflows effectively.
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At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and literary dimensions of being 'en pause.' You might encounter the term in essays or high-level journalism discussing the 'pause' in global warming or the 'pause' in a nation's history. You understand that 'en pause' can imply a state of 'limbo' or 'purgatory' depending on the context. You can use the phrase to critique societal structures—for example, arguing that modern life allows for too few moments where one is truly 'en pause.' You should be able to appreciate the rhythm of a sentence where 'en pause' creates a rhetorical stop. Your vocabulary should include synonyms like 'intermède,' 'répit,' or 'vacuité,' and you should know exactly when 'en pause' is the most appropriate choice among them. You can use it in high-level business contexts to describe 'strategic pauses' in market expansion. In writing, you might use it to describe a character's internal state in a story: 'Son cœur semblait en pause, attendant un signe du destin' (His heart seemed on pause, waiting for a sign from fate). This level requires a deep understanding of the emotional weight a 'pause' can carry, whether it is a relief, a frustration, or a moment of profound silence.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'en pause' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use it in academic contexts, perhaps discussing the 'pause phonétique' in linguistics or the 'pause narrative' in literary theory. You are aware of the historical evolution of the word 'pause' from its Greek and Latin roots and how the preposition 'en' has come to define this specific state of being. You can use the phrase in complex puns or wordplay. You might write a sophisticated editorial about the 'monde en pause' during a global crisis, using the term as a central metaphor for a shift in human consciousness. You understand the legal, social, and psychological implications of every context in which the phrase appears. You can effortlessly switch between the literal meaning (a machine on pause) and the highly metaphorical (a soul on pause). Your use of 'en pause' is perfectly timed in speech to create emphasis or to allow your interlocutor to process a complex point. At this stage, the phrase is not just a vocabulary item; it is a tool for precision, tone, and rhetorical power in the French language.
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예시

en pause 30초 만에

  • Used to describe being on a break from work or activities.
  • Commonly paired with the verb 'être' (to be) or 'mettre' (to put).
  • Applicable to people, machines, projects, and even relationships.
  • Invariable phrase; it does not change for gender or number.

The French expression en pause is a fundamental locution that every French learner must master, as it permeates both professional and private life. At its core, it translates to being 'on break' or 'in a state of rest.' However, the nuance goes much deeper than a simple cessation of movement. In the French cultural context, being en pause is often seen as a necessary ritual, particularly in the workplace. Whether it is the famous pause-café (coffee break) or the pause-déjeuner (lunch break), the phrase signifies a temporary suspension of activity to recharge, socialize, or reflect. It is not merely about stopping work; it is about the transition into a state of recovery.

The Professional Context
In a French office, you will frequently hear colleagues say, 'Je me mets en pause' (I am putting myself on break). This indicates a formal boundary between labor and rest. Unlike some cultures where eating at one's desk is common, the French often insist on being truly en pause, physically leaving the workstation to maintain mental health and social bonds with coworkers.
The Technological Context
In the digital age, en pause also refers to the state of media. If you are watching a movie or playing a video game, the screen might display 'Pause.' When you describe the state of the device, you say it is en pause. This usage is identical to the English 'on pause' or 'paused.'

Désolé, je ne peux pas répondre maintenant, je suis en pause jusqu'à quatorze heures.

Beyond physical rest, the term is applied to abstract concepts. A romantic relationship can be en pause, meaning the couple has decided to take a break from each other to evaluate their future. Similarly, a political process or a construction project can be put en pause due to budget constraints or administrative hurdles. The versatility of the phrase lies in its ability to describe any hiatus, whether it lasts five minutes or five months. It implies that the cessation is temporary and that there is an expectation of eventual resumption.

Le projet de construction est actuellement en pause pour des raisons budgétaires.

Emotional and Mental States
Modern French speakers also use this phrase to describe 'quiet quitting' or taking a mental health break. Saying 'J'ai mis ma vie sociale en pause' suggests a deliberate choice to withdraw and focus on oneself. It is a powerful way to communicate boundaries in a fast-paced world.

Finally, it is worth noting the auditory quality of the phrase. The 'en' is a nasal vowel, and 'pause' is pronounced with a long 'o' sound (like 'pose' in English). Mastering this pronunciation is key to sounding natural in a French-speaking environment. Whether you are ordering a coffee or telling a friend you need a breather, en pause is your go-to expression for hitting the metaphorical stop button.

Using en pause correctly requires understanding its role as an adverbial or adjectival phrase. Most commonly, it follows the verb être (to be), but it also pairs frequently with verbs of movement or state change like mettre (to put) or se trouver (to find oneself). Let us explore the syntactical patterns that will help you integrate this into your daily French speech.

The 'Être' Construction
This is the most straightforward usage. 'Sujet + être + en pause.' For example: 'La machine est en pause' (The machine is on pause). It describes a current state. It is essential for workplace communication: 'Je suis en pause pour dix minutes' (I am on break for ten minutes).

Est-ce que tu es en pause ou est-ce que tu travailles encore ?

When you want to express the action of starting a break, you use mettre en pause. This is particularly common with technology. 'Mets la vidéo en pause' is a command you will hear constantly. In a more figurative sense, you can put your career or a project en pause. This implies an active decision-making process rather than just a passive state of being.

J'ai dû mettre mes études en pause pour aider ma famille.

Reflexive Usage
You can also use se mettre en pause. This is a more personal way of saying you are taking a break. It suggests a conscious effort to disconnect. 'Pendant les vacances, je me mets en pause totale' (During the holidays, I put myself on a total break/disconnect completely).

Another interesting use case is with the verb rester (to stay). 'Le dossier doit rester en pause' (The file must remain on hold). This is common in administrative or legal contexts where a decision is pending. It conveys a sense of stagnation or waiting for further instructions.

Nous avons décidé de rester en pause jusqu'à ce que la situation s'améliore.

In summary, whether you are describing a person, a machine, or an abstract concept, the structure remains consistent. The preposition 'en' links the subject to the state of 'pause'. By varying the verb—être, mettre, se mettre, rester—you can convey a wide range of meanings from a simple status update to a significant life decision.

If you spend a day in a Francophone city, you will encounter the phrase en pause in numerous settings. It is a linguistic chameleon that adapts to the environment, from the high-pressure corridors of a Parisian law firm to the relaxed atmosphere of a neighborhood café. Understanding these real-world contexts will help you move beyond textbook definitions and into actual conversational fluency.

The Office and Workplace
In France, labor laws and cultural norms prioritize break times. You will hear employees say, 'On est en pause' when a client tries to interrupt their lunch. It is a polite but firm way of asserting their right to rest. In many companies, the 'badgeuse' (time clock) has a specific button for being en pause, ensuring that break time is recorded separately from work hours.

Si tu cherches le patron, il est en pause cigarette devant le bâtiment.

In the world of retail and services, you might see a sign on a shop counter that says, 'Reviens dans 15 minutes, je suis en pause'. This is a common sight in smaller boutiques or 'boulangeries' where a single employee might need to step away for a moment. It serves as a status indicator for customers, managing expectations and preventing frustration.

La ligne d'assemblage est en pause technique pour maintenance.

Media and Entertainment
When streaming content on platforms like Netflix or YouTube in French, the interface will use en pause. If you are listening to a podcast and the host says, 'On fait une petite pause', they are announcing a commercial break. In sports broadcasting, especially during tennis or basketball, the commentator might note that the match is en pause due to weather or a timeout.

Socially, the phrase is used to describe life transitions. Young adults might say their career is en pause while they travel or pursue a personal project. It is a non-judgmental way to describe a period of exploration. You will also hear it in the context of relationships—the classic 'we are on a break' scenario from the show 'Friends' is translated as 'On est en pause' in the French dub.

Après dix ans de mariage, ils ont décidé de mettre leur couple en pause.

In conclusion, en pause is a vital part of the French social fabric. It reflects a culture that values the rhythm of work and rest. Whether it's a technical necessity or a social ritual, hearing and using this phrase correctly will help you navigate French life with ease and cultural sensitivity.

While en pause seems simple, it is a frequent stumbling block for English speakers due to false cognates, prepositional confusion, and orthographic similarities. Avoiding these common errors will significantly improve your written and spoken French, making you sound more like a native and less like a translation software.

Confusing 'Pause' and 'Pose'
This is the most frequent spelling error. In French, une pose (with an 's') refers to a posture or the act of putting something down (like 'la pose d'un carrelage'). Une pause (with a 'u') refers to a break. If you write 'je suis en pose,' a French person might think you are modeling for a painting or a photograph!

Faux : Je suis en pose déjeuner.
Juste : Je suis en pause déjeuner.

Another common mistake is the misuse of prepositions. English speakers often try to translate 'on break' directly, leading to 'sur pause'. While you might hear this occasionally in very informal gaming contexts ('clique sur pause'), the correct preposition for a state of being is always en. Similarly, 'à la pause' refers to a specific time, not a state of being.

Mauvais : Il est sur pause depuis midi.
Correct : Il est en pause depuis midi.

Confusion with 'En Panne'
Learners sometimes confuse en pause with en panne. While en pause means a temporary, often intentional stop, en panne means a mechanical breakdown. If your car stops working, it is en panne. If you stop the car to rest, you are en pause. Using the wrong one can lead to confusing situations where people think you need a mechanic when you just need a coffee.

Finally, watch out for the verb passer. Some students say 'passer une pause' (to spend a break), which is technically okay but less common than 'prendre une pause' (to take a break). However, you cannot say 'je passe en pause' to mean you are going on break; you should say 'je pars en pause' or 'je me mets en pause'.

Évitez : Je passe en pause.
Préférez : Je pars en pause.

By paying attention to these details—spelling, prepositions, and verb choice—you will avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this expression. Consistency is key, and practicing these distinctions will make your French far more precise.

While en pause is a versatile and common expression, French offers a rich vocabulary for different types of breaks and interruptions. Depending on the context—whether it is a theatrical intermission, a school recess, or a moment of respite—you might want to choose a more specific term to enhance your nuance and precision.

Un Break (Anglicism)
Modern French often uses the English word 'break'. You will hear people say, 'On fait un break ?'. This is very informal and usually refers to a short rest during a social activity or a temporary separation in a relationship. It is synonymous with faire une pause but carries a trendier, more casual connotation.
Une Récréation (School context)
Often shortened to la récré, this is the specific term for recess in schools. While a student might be en pause between classes, they are en récréation when they are playing in the courtyard. Using 'pause' in a primary school context sounds a bit too adult or professional.

Pendant l'entracte, nous sommes allés prendre un verre au bar du théâtre.

In the performing arts, such as theater or opera, the word is un entracte (intermission). You wouldn't say the play is en pause; you would say c'est l'entracte. This term specifically refers to the time between acts. Similarly, in a concert, you might hear une intermission, though entracte is more traditional for staged performances.

La pluie nous a laissé un court répit pour finir de charger la voiture.

Une Trêve (A Truce)
When a pause is related to a conflict or a competitive situation, une trêve is the appropriate term. For example, la trêve hivernale is a legal period in France where evictions are suspended. It is a formal 'pause' in legal proceedings or hostilities.

Finally, consider un temps mort. Literally 'dead time,' this is the French translation for a 'timeout' in sports like basketball or handball. It is a strategic pause. If you are in a meeting and things are getting too heated, someone might suggest 'Prendre un temps mort' to cool down. Each of these alternatives provides a specific flavor that en pause lacks, allowing you to tailor your language to the exact situation at hand.

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수준별 예문

1

Je suis en pause.

I am on break.

Uses the verb 'être' in the present tense.

2

Il est en pause café.

He is on a coffee break.

'Pause café' is a common compound noun phrase.

3

Nous sommes en pause.

We are on break.

Plural subject, but 'en pause' remains the same.

4

La vidéo est en pause.

The video is on pause.

Describes the state of an object.

5

Tu es en pause ?

Are you on break?

A simple question using intonation.

6

Elle est en pause déjeuner.

She is on lunch break.

'Pause déjeuner' specifies the type of break.

7

C'est ma pause.

It is my break.

Uses 'ma' to show possession of the break.

8

Pas maintenant, je suis en pause.

Not now, I am on break.

A common way to decline a request during a break.

1

Je me mets en pause pour cinq minutes.

I am putting myself on break for five minutes.

Uses the reflexive verb 'se mettre'.

2

Le magasin est en pause jusqu'à quatorze heures.

The shop is on break until 2 PM.

Uses 'jusqu'à' to indicate the end time.

3

Est-ce que vous pouvez mettre la musique en pause ?

Can you put the music on pause?

Uses 'mettre' followed by the object 'la musique'.

4

Ils sont en pause dans la cour.

They are on break in the courtyard.

Specifies the location of the break.

5

Ma montre est en pause, la pile est morte.

My watch is on pause, the battery is dead.

Metaphorical use for a stopped device.

6

On fait une pause ? Je suis fatigué.

Shall we take a break? I am tired.

'Faire une pause' is the action of taking a break.

7

Il n'est pas là, il est en pause cigarette.

He is not here, he is on a smoke break.

Informal but very common workplace phrase.

8

Pendant ma pause, je lis un livre.

During my break, I read a book.

Uses 'Pendant' to describe an activity during the break.

1

Le projet a été mis en pause par la direction.

The project was put on hold by management.

Passive voice construction 'a été mis'.

2

J'ai décidé de mettre ma carrière en pause pour voyager.

I decided to put my career on hold to travel.

Figurative use for a long-term life decision.

3

Le serveur est en pause pour maintenance technique.

The server is on pause for technical maintenance.

Technical context for 'en pause'.

4

Nous sommes en pause dans nos négociations.

We are at a standstill in our negotiations.

Abstract use in a professional context.

5

Elle a mis son abonnement à la salle en pause.

She put her gym membership on hold.

Refers to a service suspension.

6

Il est important de se mettre en pause mentalement.

It is important to put oneself on a mental break.

Uses 'mentalement' to modify the state.

7

La construction est en pause à cause de la pluie.

Construction is on hold because of the rain.

Indicates an external cause for the pause.

8

Après ce chapitre, on se met en pause.

After this chapter, we'll take a break.

Future intent using the present tense.

1

Leur relation est en pause depuis un mois.

Their relationship has been on break for a month.

Uses 'depuis' to indicate duration from the past.

2

Le gouvernement a mis la réforme en pause face aux protestations.

The government put the reform on hold in the face of protests.

Political context with a complex prepositional phrase 'face aux'.

3

L'économie mondiale semble être en pause.

The world economy seems to be at a standstill.

Uses 'semble être' for a nuanced observation.

4

Il a dû mettre ses ambitions en pause pour s'occuper de ses parents.

He had to put his ambitions on hold to care for his parents.

Expresses obligation with 'a dû'.

5

La vidéo s'est mise en pause automatiquement.

The video paused itself automatically.

Reflexive verb 's'est mise' for an automatic action.

6

Le temps semblait être en pause pendant ce moment magique.

Time seemed to be on pause during this magical moment.

Poetic use of the phrase.

7

Le processus de recrutement est actuellement en pause.

The recruitment process is currently on hold.

Formal administrative language.

8

Elle a décidé de mettre sa vie sociale en pause.

She decided to put her social life on hold.

Abstract concept as the object.

1

Cette trêve met en pause un conflit qui dure depuis des années.

This truce puts on hold a conflict that has lasted for years.

High-level vocabulary like 'trêve' and 'conflit'.

2

La réflexion philosophique exige que l'on mette le monde en pause.

Philosophical reflection requires that one puts the world on hold.

Uses the subjunctive mood 'mette' after 'exige que'.

3

Le récit s'offre une pause descriptive avant le dénouement.

The narrative allows itself a descriptive pause before the resolution.

Literary analysis context.

4

Il y a une pause nécessaire dans l'évolution de toute espèce.

There is a necessary pause in the evolution of any species.

Scientific/academic context.

5

Le marché immobilier est en pause, dans l'attente de taux plus bas.

The real estate market is on hold, waiting for lower rates.

Economic analysis.

6

Mettre sa conscience en pause peut être un mécanisme de défense.

Putting one's conscience on hold can be a defense mechanism.

Psychological context.

7

La symphonie s'achève sur une pause pleine de tension.

The symphony ends on a pause full of tension.

Musical/artistic context.

8

L'innovation technologique ne connaît jamais de pause.

Technological innovation never knows a pause.

Rhetorical negation.

1

L'ontologie de l'être semble parfois s'inscrire dans une pause éternelle.

The ontology of being sometimes seems to fit within an eternal pause.

Highly academic and philosophical.

2

Le texte, par ses silences, met en pause la linéarité du temps.

The text, through its silences, puts on hold the linearity of time.

Advanced literary criticism.

3

On ne saurait mettre en pause le flux incessant de la conscience.

One cannot put on hold the incessant flow of consciousness.

Uses 'on ne saurait' for 'one cannot'.

4

La pause diplomatique fut brève, balayée par de nouvelles tensions.

The diplomatic pause was brief, swept away by new tensions.

Passé simple 'fut' and past participle 'balayée'.

5

L'artiste explore la beauté de l'action mise en pause.

The artist explores the beauty of action put on hold.

Discussing aesthetics.

6

La législation est en pause, enlisée dans des débats stériles.

The legislation is on hold, bogged down in sterile debates.

Metaphorical use of 'enlisée' (bogged down).

7

Il existe une pause sacrée entre l'inspiration et l'expiration.

There exists a sacred pause between inhalation and exhalation.

Spiritual/biological nuance.

8

Le temps, ce grand sculpteur, travaille même quand il semble en pause.

Time, that great sculptor, works even when it seems on pause.

Personification of time.

자주 쓰는 조합

être en pause
mettre en pause
pause déjeuner
pause café
se mettre en pause
petite pause
pause clope
rester en pause
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