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A2 adjective #4,000 most common 12 min read

reposé

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips reposé in 30 Seconds

Explanation reposé in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'reposé' is a very useful word to learn alongside basic health and feeling adjectives like 'fatigué' (tired) or 'content' (happy). At this stage, you should focus on using it with the verb 'être' (to be) to describe how you or someone else feels. It is important to learn the basic masculine form 'reposé' and the feminine form 'reposée,' as they sound the same but are written differently. You might use it in simple sentences like 'Je suis reposé' (I am rested) after a night of sleep. It helps you express a positive physical state. You will likely encounter it in simple dialogues about daily routines, such as 'Comment vas-tu ?' (How are you?) followed by 'Je suis bien reposé, merci' (I am well rested, thank you). Understanding this word helps you transition from just saying you are 'not tired' to saying you are 'rested,' which is a more natural and positive way to express yourself in French. You should also start to recognize it in simple visual descriptions, like saying a friend looks good because they are 'reposé.' At A1, don't worry about complex idiomatic expressions; just focus on the basic state of being refreshed after sleep or a break.

At the A2 level, you are expected to handle more descriptive language and basic social interactions. 'Reposé' becomes a key tool for discussing vacations, weekends, and your general well-being. You should be comfortable with the agreement of the adjective (reposé, reposée, reposés, reposées) and use it with verbs like 'paraître' (to appear) and 'sembler' (to seem). At this stage, you might say 'Elle semble reposée après ses vacances' (She seems rested after her holidays). You should also begin to learn the common phrase 'avoir l'air reposé' (to look rested), which is very common in social settings. This level also introduces the distinction between the action of resting ('se reposer') and the state of being rested ('être reposé'). For example, you should be able to say 'Je me suis reposé ce week-end, donc je suis reposé aujourd'hui' (I rested this weekend, so I am rested today). You will also start to see 'reposé' used to describe parts of the body, specifically the face or eyes: 'ton visage est reposé.' This adds a layer of descriptive detail to your French, allowing you to give compliments or comment on someone's health more naturally. It's a foundational adjective for discussing the rhythm of life and the importance of taking breaks.

As a B1 learner, you can use 'reposé' in more nuanced and idiomatic ways. This is the level where you should master the expression 'à tête reposée' (with a clear head / calmly). You will find this incredibly useful for discussing decision-making and problem-solving in both personal and professional contexts. For example, 'Prenons une décision à tête reposée' (Let's make a decision calmly). You should also understand the difference between 'reposé' and its cousin 'reposant' (restful). At B1, you are expected to distinguish between the person who feels rested ('Je suis reposé') and the activity that makes them feel that way ('Cette musique est reposante'). You might also use 'reposé' in more abstract contexts, such as describing an 'esprit reposé' (a rested mind) or a 'style reposé' (a calm style). You are now moving beyond simple physical rest into the realm of mental and emotional tranquility. You can use the word to provide more detailed explanations of your feelings, perhaps contrasting it with being 'stressé' (stressed) or 'surmené' (overworked). Your ability to use 'reposé' correctly in these contexts shows a developing grasp of French nuances and the ability to describe psychological states more accurately.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'reposé' with precision and stylistic flair. You can use it in complex sentences involving various tenses and moods. For instance, you might use it in the subjunctive: 'Il est important que tu sois reposé pour ton entretien' (It is important that you are rested for your interview). You should also be able to recognize and use 'reposé' in more formal or professional settings, such as during a performance review or a high-stakes meeting where 'réfléchir à tête reposée' is a valued approach. At B2, you are expected to understand the subtle connotations of the word—how it implies a successful recovery and a return to a baseline of health. You can also use it to describe a 'teint reposé' (a rested complexion) in the context of beauty or health discussions, showing a more sophisticated vocabulary. You might contrast 'reposé' with more advanced synonyms or antonyms like 'épuisé,' 'dispos,' or 'exténué.' Your understanding of the word should now include its visual, physical, and mental dimensions, and you should be able to use it to contribute to discussions about health, productivity, and the French concept of 'art de vivre' (the art of living), which places a high value on rest and leisure.

For C1 learners, 'reposé' is a word you can manipulate to add subtle layers of meaning to your speech and writing. You might use it in literary or high-level journalistic contexts to describe a 'climat reposé' (a calm climate/atmosphere) in a political or social sense, where tensions have eased. You are fully aware of the etymological roots and how the word functions as a past participle that has fully transitioned into an adjective. You can use it in sophisticated structures like 'Une fois le corps reposé, l'âme s'éveille' (Once the body is rested, the soul awakens). You should be able to discuss the cultural implications of 'le repos' in French society, such as the 35-hour workweek or the mandatory rest periods for drivers, using 'reposé' as the target state. In your writing, you can use 'reposé' to create specific moods—perhaps describing a landscape that looks 'reposé' under the moonlight. Your mastery of 'à tête reposée' is complete, and you can use it in various syntactic positions to emphasize the importance of calm deliberation. You also recognize when 'reposé' might be used ironically or in a medical diagnosis to indicate a lack of strain. At this level, the word is a flexible tool for expressing complex states of balance and recovery.

At the C2 level, your use of 'reposé' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You can appreciate its use in classical literature, where it might describe the 'reposé' state of a battlefield after a conflict or the 'reposé' features of a deceased person (a common literary trope). You understand the deep psychological underpinnings of the word and can use it to discuss philosophy, aesthetics, or advanced medical theories. You might analyze how a painter uses 'des tons reposés' (calm tones) to create a specific effect in a work of art. Your use of the word is perfectly calibrated to the register and context, whether you are writing a formal report, a poetic essay, or engaging in a high-level debate. You can also explore the boundaries of the word, perhaps using it in creative ways to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts that have reached a state of equilibrium. You are also aware of the historical evolution of the word from the Latin 'repausare' and how its meaning has remained remarkably stable while its applications have expanded into modern psychology and wellness. 'Reposé' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual building block that you use with absolute confidence and nuance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

reposé in 30 Seconds

Used to describe someone who is fully rested and no longer tired.
Must agree in gender and number with the person being described.
Commonly used in the phrase 'à tête reposée' for calm thinking.
Describes both physical energy levels and visual facial appearance.

The French adjective reposé is a fundamental term for anyone learning the language because it touches upon the universal human need for recovery and tranquility. At its core, it describes a person who has successfully recovered from fatigue, stress, or physical exertion. Unlike the English word 'rested,' which can sometimes feel purely functional, 'reposé' often carries a connotation of visual and mental clarity. When a French person says someone has 'un visage reposé,' they aren't just saying the person slept; they are remarking on the smoothness of their features, the absence of dark circles, and the overall aura of peacefulness they project. This word is the antithesis of 'fatigué' (tired) or 'épuisé' (exhausted).

Physical State: Refers to the feeling of having full energy after a good night's sleep or a long vacation. It is the feeling of being 'recharged.'

Après deux semaines de vacances en Provence, je me sens enfin totalement reposé.

The usage of 'reposé' extends beyond just physical energy. It is frequently used to describe a state of mind. An 'esprit reposé' is a mind that is not clouded by anxiety or immediate pressure, allowing for better decision-making. This is why you will often hear the phrase 'à tête reposée,' meaning to think about something calmly once the initial stress of a situation has passed. In professional contexts, taking a decision 'à tête reposée' is seen as a mark of wisdom and maturity, suggesting that one has stepped back to gain perspective.

Visual Appearance: Used to describe someone who looks healthy and calm. 'Tu as l'air reposé' is a common compliment in France.

Elle a le teint frais et les traits reposés ce matin.

In terms of social frequency, you will encounter this word daily. It is part of the morning ritual of checking in on colleagues or friends. If someone has been sick or under a lot of pressure, asking if they feel 'reposé' shows genuine care for their recovery. It is also a staple in the wellness and tourism industry, where advertisements promise 'un séjour reposé' (though 'reposant'—restful—is more common for the stay itself, 'reposé' describes the person after the stay).

Decision Making: Used in the idiomatic expression 'à tête reposée' to signify calm reflection without haste.

Nous en reparlerons demain matin, à tête reposée, pour éviter les erreurs.

Après cette sieste, je me sens tout à fait reposé et prêt à travailler.

Tes yeux ont l'air plus reposés depuis que tu portes des lunettes de repos.

Using 'reposé' correctly requires an understanding of French adjective agreement and its common verbal partners. Most frequently, 'reposé' follows the verbs être (to be), paraître (to appear), or avoir l'air (to look/seem). Because it functions as an adjective derived from a past participle, it must match the subject in both gender and number. This is a critical point for English speakers who are used to the unchanging 'rested.'

Subject-Verb Agreement: The ending changes based on who is being described: reposé (masc. sing.), reposée (fem. sing.), reposés (masc. plur.), reposées (fem. plur.).

Marie semble très reposée après son week-end à la campagne.

One of the most powerful ways to use 'reposé' is in the adverbial phrase 'à tête reposée.' This phrase acts as a modifier for verbs related to thinking, discussing, or deciding. It implies a setting of calm and lack of urgency. For example, if a meeting becomes too heated, a manager might suggest: 'Reprenons cette discussion demain à tête reposée.' This usage is very common in professional French and signals a desire for rational, cool-headed dialogue. It essentially means 'with a clear head.'

Visual Description: It often modifies nouns like 'visage' (face), 'traits' (features), or 'teint' (complexion) to describe a healthy, non-stressed look.

Il a retrouvé un visage reposé après avoir démissionné de son poste stressant.

In more literary or formal French, 'reposé' can describe inanimate objects or environments that suggest a state of rest. For instance, 'une atmosphère reposée' suggests a calm, still environment. However, beginners should stick to using it for people and their mental states, as this is the most natural application. Another nuance is the difference between 'être reposé' and 'se reposer.' 'Se reposer' is the action (to rest), whereas 'être reposé' is the result (to be rested). If you want to say 'I am resting,' use 'Je me repose.' If you want to say 'I feel rested,' use 'Je suis reposé.'

The 'Result' State: Use 'reposé' to emphasize the state of being refreshed after an action has taken place.

Les athlètes sont reposés et prêts pour la compétition de demain.

Tu ne me sembles pas très reposé ; as-tu bien dormi cette nuit ?

Une fois reposés, nous avons pu continuer notre randonnée en montagne.

The word 'reposé' is omnipresent in French social life, particularly in contexts involving health, work-life balance, and well-being. If you are living in France, you will hear it most frequently in the morning or upon returning from a break. It is a key component of the 'small talk' that happens around the coffee machine at the office. When a colleague returns from a week of leave, the standard greeting isn't just 'How was your vacation?' but also 'Tu as l'air reposé !' (You look rested!). In this context, it serves as a validation that the time off was effective and that the person is ready to reintegrate into the team.

Workplace Etiquette: Used to acknowledge a colleague's return from leave or to suggest a break in a high-pressure environment.

Bon retour ! Tu as l'air vraiment reposé, ça fait plaisir à voir.

Beyond the office, 'reposé' is a staple in medical and wellness settings. Doctors, pharmacists, and therapists often use it to check on a patient's recovery progress. If someone has been suffering from insomnia or burnout, a doctor might ask, 'Est-ce que vous vous sentez plus reposé avec ce nouveau traitement ?' In beauty salons and spas, the goal of many treatments is to achieve 'un regard reposé' (a rested look), specifically targeting signs of fatigue around the eyes. Advertisements for eye creams or cooling masks almost always use 'reposé' as the promised outcome.

Media and Literature: Journalists use 'à tête reposée' when analyzing a major event a few days after it has occurred, seeking a more balanced perspective.

Maintenant que l'agitation est passée, analysons la situation à tête reposée.

In family life, parents use 'reposé' to describe their children's moods. A child who has had a good nap is 'bien reposé' and therefore less likely to throw a tantrum. Conversely, if a child is cranky, a parent might say, 'Il n'est pas assez reposé.' It is also common in the context of sports and hobbies. A coach might tell an athlete to arrive 'bien reposé' for a big match, emphasizing that physical recovery is just as important as training. You might also hear it in the context of travel, where a 'voyage reposé' implies a journey that wasn't stressful or rushed.

Parenting and Family: Frequently used to assess whether a child has had enough sleep to be in a good mood.

Le bébé est bien reposé, il va être de bonne humeur pour la fête.

Je préfère discuter de notre avenir quand nous serons plus reposés.

Son style d'écriture est très reposé, presque zen.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with 'reposé' is failing to apply the correct gender and number agreement. In English, 'rested' is static, but in French, it must mirror the subject. If you are describing a woman, you must add an 'e' (reposée). If you are describing a group of women, it becomes reposées. This is a common pitfall in both spoken and written French, as the pronunciation of 'reposé' and 'reposée' is identical, making the written error more prevalent than the spoken one, though the plural 's' is also silent.

Agreement Errors: Mistaking the masculine 'reposé' as a universal form. Always check the gender of the person you are describing.

Incorrect: Ma mère a l'air reposé.
Correct: Ma mère a l'air reposée.

Another major point of confusion is the distinction between 'reposé' and 'reposant.' 'Reposé' is an adjective that describes the *state* of a person (passive), whereas 'reposant' describes the *quality* of a thing or an activity that causes rest (active). If you say 'Ce livre est reposé,' you are saying the book itself has had a nap, which is nonsensical. You should say 'Ce livre est reposant' (This book is restful/relaxing). Conversely, you wouldn't usually say 'Je suis reposant' unless you mean that being around you makes other people feel calm.

Confusion with the Verb: Using 'reposé' when you should use the conjugated verb 'se repose.' 'Reposé' is the result; 'se repose' is the action.

Incorrect: Je reposé maintenant.
Correct: Je me repose maintenant (action) OR Je suis reposé (state).

Learners also sometimes confuse 'reposé' with 'calme.' While they are related, 'reposé' specifically implies a prior state of fatigue that has been overcome. You can be 'calme' without ever having been tired, but you are only 'reposé' after you have rested. Finally, be careful with the phrase 'à tête reposée.' Some learners try to use 'avec une tête reposée,' which is grammatically possible but sounds unnatural. The fixed expression 'à tête reposée' is much more idiomatic and should be learned as a single unit of meaning.

Translation Traps: Avoid translating 'restful' as 'reposé.' Use 'reposant' for things that create a sense of peace.

Cette musique est très reposante (not reposée).

Après s'être bien reposée, elle a pu finir son travail.

Ils ne sont pas encore reposés malgré leur long sommeil.

When you want to describe someone who is not tired, 'reposé' is your go-to word, but French offers several nuanced alternatives depending on the register and the specific type of rest being described. For instance, dispos is a slightly more formal or literary term that means 'ready and willing' as well as rested. If someone is 'frais et dispos,' they aren't just rested; they are alert and eager to start a task. This is the equivalent of 'fresh and ready' in English.

Reposé vs. Détendu: 'Reposé' implies physical recovery from fatigue, while 'détendu' (relaxed) implies a release of mental or muscular tension. You can be 'détendu' without being 'reposé' (e.g., after a glass of wine but still needing sleep).

Après le massage, il se sentait détendu, mais il n'était pas encore tout à fait reposé.

Another common alternative is frais (fresh). In a casual context, saying someone 'a le teint frais' or 'est frais' after a shower or a quick nap suggests they look revitalized. It focuses more on the immediate visual appearance than 'reposé,' which suggests a deeper, more sustained state of recovery. For a more psychological or emotional state, you might use serein (serene). While 'reposé' means the fatigue is gone, 'serein' means the mind is at peace and free from worry. They often go together, but they describe different facets of well-being.

Reposé vs. Tranquille: 'Tranquille' (quiet/peaceful) describes an environment or a person's temperament, whereas 'reposé' specifically references the recovery from tiredness.

Il menait une vie tranquille qui lui permettait de rester toujours reposé.

In informal French, you might hear calé or bien, but these are very vague. 'Je suis bien' can mean 'I am comfortable' or 'I am rested' depending on the situation. If you want to be precise, 'reposé' is almost always the best choice. For the opposite of 'reposé,' you have a rich vocabulary: 'fatigué' (standard), 'crevé' (slang, very common), 'vanné' (informal), or 'exténué' (formal/strong). Knowing these helps you place 'reposé' correctly on the spectrum of human energy levels.

Register and Usage: 'Reposé' is neutral and safe for all situations, from business meetings to family dinners.

Elle est revenue de sa retraite spirituelle l'esprit apaisé et le corps reposé.

Un esprit reposé est capable de grandes choses.

Le village semblait reposé sous la neige de janvier.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'pause' in English and French shares the same root as 'reposé'. They both go back to the idea of stopping movement.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁə.po.ze/

US /rə.po.ze/

The stress in French is usually even, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable 'zé'.

Rhymes With

Osé (daring) Posé (placed) Arrosé (watered) Exposé (exposed) Proposé (proposed) Déposé (deposited) Composé (composed) Opposé (opposed)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'é' as a silent 'e'.
Applying an English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
Over-emphasizing the 'o' like 'oh'.
Adding a 'd' sound at the end because of the English word 'rested'.
Forgetting that the 's' in 'reposés' is silent.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to similarity to 'repose' or 'rest'.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, though the 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Fatigué Dormir Le repos Être L'air

Learn Next

Reposant S'endormir La sieste Détendu Épuisé

Advanced

Dispos Serein Léthargique Vigoureux Apaisement

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

Marie (f) est reposée (f).

Past Participle as Adjective

Le verbe 'reposer' devient l'adjectif 'reposé'.

Adjective after 'Avoir l'air'

Elle a l'air reposée (agrees with the subject).

Position of Adjectives

Un visage (noun) reposé (adj).

Adverbial Phrases

'À tête reposée' acts as an adverbial phrase of manner.

Examples by Level

Je suis reposé.

I am rested.

Subject 'Je' is masculine here.

Elle est reposée.

She is rested.

Added 'e' to 'reposé' for the feminine subject 'Elle'.

Tu es reposé ?

Are you rested?

Informal question with 'tu'.

Nous sommes reposés.

We are rested.

Plural agreement with 's'.

Il n'est pas reposé.

He is not rested.

Negative structure with 'ne...pas'.

Je me sens reposée.

I feel rested.

Using the verb 'se sentir' (to feel).

Le bébé est reposé.

The baby is rested.

Masculine singular agreement.

Elles sont très reposées.

They (f) are very rested.

Feminine plural agreement with 'es'.

Tu as l'air reposé ce matin.

You look rested this morning.

Common expression 'avoir l'air' + adjective.

Après la sieste, il est reposé.

After the nap, he is rested.

Using 'après' to show cause.

Mes parents semblent reposés.

My parents seem rested.

Plural agreement for 'parents'.

Marie paraît plus reposée.

Marie appears more rested.

Using 'paraître' (to appear).

Je veux être reposé demain.

I want to be rested tomorrow.

Infinitive 'être' after 'vouloir'.

Vous avez l'air reposées, mesdames.

You look rested, ladies.

Feminine plural agreement.

Il a retrouvé un visage reposé.

He found a rested face again.

Adjective modifying the noun 'visage'.

Nous ne sommes pas assez reposés.

We are not rested enough.

Using 'assez' (enough) for intensity.

Réfléchissons à tête reposée.

Let's think about it with a clear head.

Idiomatic phrase 'à tête reposée'.

Son esprit est enfin reposé.

His mind is finally rested.

Abstract use with 'esprit'.

Elle a pris cette décision à tête reposée.

She made this decision calmly.

Adverbial use of the phrase.

Il faut arriver reposé à l'examen.

You must arrive rested at the exam.

Impersonal 'il faut' + infinitive.

Tes traits sont plus reposés qu'hier.

Your features are more rested than yesterday.

Plural agreement with 'traits'.

Après ce long week-end, tout le monde est reposé.

After this long weekend, everyone is rested.

'Tout le monde' is singular in French.

Je préfère parler de cela à tête reposée.

I prefer to talk about that with a clear head.

Verb 'préférer' + infinitive.

Elle semble bien reposée par son séjour.

She seems well rested by her stay.

Passive-like structure with 'par'.

Il est crucial de rester reposé avant le match.

It is crucial to stay rested before the match.

Adjective after 'rester'.

Son regard reposé témoigne de son calme.

His rested gaze testifies to his calmness.

Adjective modifying 'regard'.

Nous en rediscuterons à tête reposée lundi.

We will discuss it again calmly on Monday.

Future tense of 'rediscuter'.

Bien que reposé, il restait vigilant.

Although rested, he remained vigilant.

Conjunction 'bien que' (though often used with subjunctive, here it modifies the adjective).

Elle a retrouvé un teint frais et reposé.

She regained a fresh and rested complexion.

Two adjectives modifying 'teint'.

On voit tout de suite qu'il est reposé.

One can see immediately that he is rested.

Using 'on' for general 'one'.

L'équipe est reposée et prête à gagner.

The team is rested and ready to win.

Feminine singular agreement for 'équipe'.

Prenez le temps d'être bien reposés.

Take the time to be well rested.

Imperative form of 'prendre'.

Une analyse à tête reposée permet d'éviter les biais.

A calm analysis allows one to avoid biases.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

Il affichait un calme reposé malgré la crise.

He displayed a rested calm despite the crisis.

Adjective describing a noun like 'calme'.

Le paysage semblait reposé sous la brume matinale.

The landscape seemed rested under the morning mist.

Metaphorical use for a landscape.

Rien ne vaut un esprit reposé pour créer.

Nothing beats a rested mind for creating.

Idiom 'rien ne vaut' (nothing beats).

Elle est revenue de sa retraite l'âme reposée.

She returned from her retreat with a rested soul.

Abstract noun 'âme' (soul).

L'atmosphère était devenue plus reposée après le départ du directeur.

The atmosphere had become more rested after the director's departure.

Pluperfect tense 'était devenue'.

Il nous faut agir à tête reposée pour réussir.

We must act calmly to succeed.

Infinitive 'agir' after 'il nous faut'.

Le sommeil avait laissé son visage lisse et reposé.

Sleep had left his face smooth and rested.

Two adjectives as object complements.

Dans cet état de conscience reposée, il trouva la solution.

In this state of rested consciousness, he found the solution.

Sophisticated adjective placement.

L'œuvre dégage une impression de force reposée.

The work gives off an impression of rested strength.

Abstract concept 'force reposée'.

Elle envisageait l'avenir d'un œil reposé.

She looked at the future with a rested eye (calmly).

Metaphorical use of 'œil'.

Ce traité fut signé à tête reposée, loin du tumulte.

This treaty was signed calmly, far from the tumult.

Passive voice 'fut signé'.

L'esthétique reposée du film contraste avec son sujet violent.

The film's calm aesthetic contrasts with its violent subject.

Describing an aesthetic.

Son érudition s'exprimait de manière reposée et humble.

His erudition was expressed in a calm and humble manner.

Adverbial phrase 'de manière reposée'.

Il convient de considérer ces faits à tête reposée.

It is appropriate to consider these facts calmly.

Formal 'Il convient de'.

Le reposé silence de la nuit enveloppait la demeure.

The rested silence of the night enveloped the house.

Poetic inversion of adjective.

Common Collocations

Visage reposé

Esprit reposé

À tête reposée

Se sentir reposé

Avoir l'air reposé

Sommeil reposé

Teint reposé

Traits reposés

Regard reposé

Être bien reposé

Common Phrases

À tête reposée

— Doing something calmly and without stress, usually thinking or talking.

Il vaut mieux décider à tête reposée.

Avoir l'air reposé

— To look like you have had enough sleep and are not stressed.

Tu as l'air reposé, tu as bien dormi ?

Se sentir reposé

— To feel physically and mentally refreshed.

Après mes vacances, je me sens enfin reposé.

Frais et dispos

— A fixed expression meaning fresh, rested, and ready for action.

Il est arrivé au travail frais et dispos.

Un visage reposé

— A face that shows no signs of fatigue or stress.

Elle a un visage reposé grâce à ses vacances.

Pas très reposé

— A polite way to say someone looks tired.

Désolé, je ne suis pas très reposé ce matin.

Bien reposé

— Completely rested.

Je suis bien reposé après ma sieste.

Traits reposés

— Facial features that appear relaxed.

Le sommeil rend les traits plus reposés.

Esprit reposé

— A mind that is calm and capable of focus.

Travaillez avec un esprit reposé.

Être reposé

— To be in a state of rest.

Je serai plus reposé demain.

Often Confused With

reposé vs Reposant

Reposant describes the cause (a restful place), reposé describes the result (a rested person).

reposé vs Calme

Calme is a general state of peace, while reposé specifically implies recovery from tiredness.

reposé vs Se reposer

Se reposer is the verb (the action of resting), reposé is the adjective (the state).

Idioms & Expressions

"À tête reposée"

— With a clear head, after a period of calm reflection.

Reprenons cette conversation demain à tête reposée.

Neutral/Professional

"Frais et dispos"

— In perfect shape and well-rested, ready for work.

Après une bonne nuit, il était frais et dispos.

Slightly Formal

"Dormir sur ses deux oreilles"

— To sleep soundly, which leads to being 'reposé'.

Il a dormi sur ses deux oreilles et s'est réveillé reposé.

Informal

"Prendre du repos"

— To take a break in order to become 'reposé'.

Il doit prendre du repos pour être reposé lundi.

Neutral

"Avoir un regard reposé"

— To have eyes that look bright and non-fatigued.

Ce collyre redonne un regard reposé.

Neutral

"Être reposé de ses fatigues"

— To have recovered from specific hardships (literary).

Il était enfin reposé de ses longues fatigues.

Literary

"Le repos du guerrier"

— The rest of the warrior (humorous way to describe a man resting).

C'est le repos du guerrier, il est enfin reposé.

Informal/Humorous

"Mettre au repos"

— To put something (like a muscle) to rest.

Le médecin a mis sa jambe au repos pour qu'il soit vite reposé.

Neutral/Medical

"Un style reposé"

— A calm, unhurried artistic or writing style.

J'aime son style d'écriture très reposé.

Academic/Artistic

"Rester au repos"

— To stay still to recover.

Il doit rester au repos pour être reposé demain.

Neutral

Easily Confused

reposé vs Reposant

Both come from the same root verb.

Reposant is active (it gives rest); reposé is passive (it has received rest).

Ce jardin est reposant, je m'y sens reposé.

reposé vs Détendu

Both imply a lack of stress.

Détendu focuses on the relaxation of muscles or mind; reposé focuses on the recovery of energy.

Je suis détendu après mon bain, mais je ne suis pas encore reposé.

reposé vs Frais

Both can describe a healthy appearance.

Frais is more about immediate vitality; reposé is about deep recovery.

Elle est fraîche comme une rose car elle est bien reposée.

reposé vs Tranquille

Both suggest peace.

Tranquille refers to the absence of noise or bother; reposé refers to the absence of fatigue.

Dans cette chambre tranquille, je serai enfin reposé.

reposé vs Dispos

Both mean being in good shape.

Dispos is more formal and implies readiness for a specific task.

Il est frais et dispos pour son premier jour.

Sentence Patterns

Je suis + reposé(e).

Je suis reposé.

Tu as l'air + reposé(e).

Tu as l'air reposée.

Verb + à tête reposée.

Parlons-en à tête reposée.

Se sentir + reposé(e).

Il se sent reposé.

Il est [adjective] d'être reposé.

Il est nécessaire d'être reposé.

Un(e) [noun] reposé(e).

Un esprit reposé est essentiel.

Une fois + reposé(e).

Une fois reposé, il a repris la route.

D'un [noun] reposé.

Il observait la scène d'un regard reposé.

Word Family

Nouns

Le repos (rest)

Le repose-pieds (footrest)

Le repose-tête (headrest)

Verbs

Reposer (to rest / to put down)

Se reposer (to rest oneself)

Adjectives

Reposant (restful/relaxing)

Reposé (rested)

La pause (the break)

La sieste (the nap)

Le calme (the calm)

La détente (relaxation)

Serein (serene)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily conversation, especially regarding health and work.

Common Mistakes

Ma sœur est reposé. → Ma sœur est reposée.
The subject 'ma sœur' is feminine, so the adjective must take an 'e'.
Cette musique est très reposée. → Cette musique est très reposante.
Music provides rest, so it is 'reposante'. A person who listens to it becomes 'reposé'.
Je reposé après le travail. → Je me repose après le travail.
You need the conjugated verb 'se reposer' to express the action of resting.
Ils ont l'air reposé. → Ils ont l'air reposés.
The plural subject 'ils' requires the adjective to have an 's'.
Parlons-en avec une tête reposée. → Parlons-en à tête reposée.
The idiomatic expression uses the preposition 'à', not 'avec'.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Always remember to add 'e', 's', or 'es' to 'reposé' to match the subject. It's a common error for beginners.

Result vs. Quality

Use 'reposé' for the person (the result) and 'reposant' for the activity (the quality).

Professional Polish

Use 'à tête reposée' in work emails when you want to suggest a calm follow-up meeting.

Crisp 'é'

Make sure the final 'é' is a single, sharp sound. Don't let it turn into a diphthong like in the English word 'stay'.

Morning Compliment

Telling someone 'Tu as l'air reposé' is a very common and appreciated compliment in France.

Verb vs. Adjective

If you want to say 'I am resting,' use 'Je me repose.' If you want to say 'I am rested,' use 'Je suis reposé.'

The 'Pose' Connection

Think of 'posing' for a photo—you need to be still. Being 'reposé' is the state of having been still and resting.

The Art of Rest

Understand that being 'reposé' is highly valued in French culture as a prerequisite for good work and social harmony.

Visual Cues

When you see 'reposé' used in beauty ads, it almost always refers to the area around the eyes.

Common Verbs

Learn 'reposé' with 'être,' 'sembler,' and 'paraître' as they are its most frequent partners.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the word 'RE-POSE'. If you are tired, you need to RE-POSE (pose again) your body on a bed to feel REPOSÉ.

Visual Association

Imagine a battery icon that was red and is now fully green and 'posed' on a charger. That battery is 'reposé'.

Word Web

Sommeil Vacances Calme Énergie Visage Esprit Détente Sieste

Challenge

Try to use 'reposé' in three different ways today: once for how you feel, once as a compliment to someone else, and once using the phrase 'à tête reposée'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French verb 'reposer', which comes from the Late Latin 'repausare'. The Latin 're-' (again) combined with 'pausare' (to stop/pause).

Original meaning: To stop an activity to gain strength, or to place something down again.

Romance (Latin-based).

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but telling someone they 'look rested' is a safe compliment, while telling them they 'don't look rested' should be done with care as it implies they look tired or unwell.

English speakers often use 'relaxed' or 'refreshed' where French speakers specifically use 'reposé' to indicate the result of sleep.

The concept of 'Le repos du guerrier' is a famous book and film title. French skin care brands often market 'soins reposants' to achieve a 'regard reposé'. In classical French theater (Racine, Molière), characters often seek 'le repos' as a state of soul.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

After a vacation or weekend

Tu as l'air reposé.
Je suis bien reposé.
Un week-end reposé.
Revenir reposé.

Professional decision making

À tête reposée.
Réfléchir à tête reposée.
Décider à tête reposée.
En parler à tête reposée.

Health and Wellness

Un visage reposé.
Se sentir reposé.
Avoir les traits reposés.
Sommeil reposé.

Morning greetings

Bien reposé ?
Tu sembles reposée.
Je ne suis pas reposé.
Une nuit reposée.

Sports and Performance

Arriver reposé.
Être physiquement reposé.
Garder les muscles reposés.
Esprit reposé pour le match.

Conversation Starters

"Tu as l'air vraiment reposé ce matin, tu as fait quoi ce week-end ?"

"Est-ce que tu te sens assez reposé pour commencer ce nouveau projet ?"

"On pourrait peut-être discuter de ce problème demain à tête reposée ?"

"Tu trouves que ce masque pour les yeux donne un regard plus reposé ?"

"Après tes deux semaines de congé, tu te sens enfin reposé ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris un moment où tu t'es senti parfaitement reposé. Qu'est-ce que tu avais fait ?

Pourquoi est-il important de prendre des décisions à tête reposée selon toi ?

Quelles sont les activités qui te permettent de te sentir le plus reposé ?

Est-ce que tu as l'air reposé en ce moment ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?

Imagine une journée idéale pour finir totalement reposé le soir.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'reposé' is an adjective and must agree with the gender of the person it describes. For a woman, it is always 'reposée'. For example, 'Elle est reposée'.

'Je me repose' is the present tense of the reflexive verb 'se reposer,' meaning 'I am resting right now.' 'Je suis reposé' uses the adjective to mean 'I am in a rested state' (the result of resting).

No, you should use 'reposant.' A movie is 'reposant' because it makes you feel relaxed. A person is 'reposé' after watching it.

You can simply say 'bien reposé.' For example: 'Je suis bien reposé ce matin thanks to a good night's sleep'.

Yes, very frequently. It is a professional way to suggest postponing a decision until everyone is calm and has had time to think.

No, the 's' is silent. 'Reposé,' 'reposée,' 'reposés,' and 'reposées' all sound exactly the same: /ʁə.po.ze/.

No, that would mean the book itself took a nap. Use 'un livre reposant' to mean the book is relaxing to read.

The most common opposites are 'fatigué' (tired) or 'épuisé' (exhausted).

It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or in a professional environment without any problem.

Rarely. While poets might use it, normally you use 'calme' or 'tranquille' for places. Stick to using it for people and their mental states.