Meaning
To expose oneself to the sun's rays, often for tanning.
Cultural Background
The beach culture here is central to life. 'Prendre le soleil' is a daily ritual for locals and tourists alike. In Paris, 'prendre le soleil' often happens in public parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg or on café terraces. Sun-seeking is a major driver of tourism in Europe, with millions traveling south annually to 'prendre le soleil'.
Use it with 'en'
You can say 'J'aime être au soleil' but 'prendre le soleil' is more idiomatic for the activity.
Don't confuse with sunburn
Always remember that 'prendre' is positive. Use 'attraper' for negative sun outcomes.
Meaning
To expose oneself to the sun's rays, often for tanning.
Use it with 'en'
You can say 'J'aime être au soleil' but 'prendre le soleil' is more idiomatic for the activity.
Don't confuse with sunburn
Always remember that 'prendre' is positive. Use 'attraper' for negative sun outcomes.
Terrace culture
Mentioning you are 'en terrasse' to 'prendre le soleil' makes you sound like a local.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Il aime _____ sur la plage.
This is the standard collocation for relaxing in the sun.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
The definite article 'le' is required.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu fais quoi ? B: _____.
Contextually, this fits the theme of leisure.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Match: Prendre le soleil
It refers to leisure, not injury or labor.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl aime _____ sur la plage.
This is the standard collocation for relaxing in the sun.
Choose the correct sentence.
The definite article 'le' is required.
A: Tu fais quoi ? B: _____.
Contextually, this fits the theme of leisure.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It refers to leisure, not injury or labor.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, if it is sunny, you can still 'prendre le soleil' even if it is cold.
No, you can do it on a balcony, in a park, or on a terrace.
It is neutral and casual, not formal.
You can say 'Je bronze' or 'Je prends le soleil'.
No, always use 'le'.
Yes, it is a verb + noun collocation.
No, it's an idiom.
You can say 'Je prends un bain de soleil'.
Related Phrases
Se dorer au soleil
synonymTo tan
Prendre un bain de soleil
similarTo sunbathe
Attraper un coup de soleil
contrastTo get a sunburn
