Meaning
To stop working or an activity for a short period.
Cultural Background
The 'pause-café' is a sacred social ritual. It's not just about caffeine; it's about connecting with colleagues away from the desk. Due to the proximity of English, 'prendre une pause' is very common and accepted, though 'faire une pause' remains the formal standard. Similar to France, but the 'pause' might be accompanied by a 'gaufre' (waffle) or a specific Belgian snack in some regions. French labor law (Code du travail) mandates a minimum 20-minute break for every 6 hours worked, often referred to as 'la pause légale'.
The 'Une' Rule
Always remember the 'une'. 'Faire pause' sounds like you're talking to a computer or remote control.
Spelling Trap
Don't write 'pose' unless you are a model or a photographer!
Meaning
To stop working or an activity for a short period.
The 'Une' Rule
Always remember the 'une'. 'Faire pause' sounds like you're talking to a computer or remote control.
Spelling Trap
Don't write 'pose' unless you are a model or a photographer!
The Coffee Connection
If you want to sound native, say 'On se fait une petite pause café ?'—the 'se' makes it more inviting.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'faire'.
Nous ________ une pause à 10 heures.
The subject is 'nous', so the correct conjugation of 'faire' is 'faisons'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural French sentence:
In Standard French, 'faire une pause' is the correct collocation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu es fatigué ? B: Oui, je vais ________.
'Pause' is feminine and spelled with 'au'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'On fait une pause café ?' to the best context.
The 'pause café' is a classic office ritual.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Faire vs Prendre
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNous ________ une pause à 10 heures.
The subject is 'nous', so the correct conjugation of 'faire' is 'faisons'.
Choose the most natural French sentence:
In Standard French, 'faire une pause' is the correct collocation.
A: Tu es fatigué ? B: Oui, je vais ________.
'Pause' is feminine and spelled with 'au'.
Match 'On fait une pause café ?' to the best context.
The 'pause café' is a classic office ritual.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
In France, it's better to use 'faire'. In Quebec, 'prendre' is very common.
'Pause' is the act of stopping an activity. 'Repos' is the state of resting.
You say 'la pause déjeuner'.
Yes, you can 'faire une pause' in your binge-watching.
No, but it's very informal and 'Franglais'. Avoid it in formal writing.
You say 'Je suis en pause'.
Yes, for a timeout or a rest between sets.
It's a very common (though unhealthy) informal term for a cigarette break.
Yes, if they stop a process temporarily.
Related Phrases
faire {la|f} grasse matinée
similarTo sleep in
se reposer
synonymTo rest
s'arrêter
builds onTo stop
faire {un|m} break
specialized formTo take a break (informal)
