Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| rompre | /ʁɔ̃pʁ/ |
| casser | /ka.se/ /kɑ.se/ |
| briser | /bʁi.ze/ |
The verb forms describe the action of separating something into two or more pieces. Beyond these primary meanings, the expression Petite pause is used in casual conversations to mean a "short break". In the context of very informal slang, the reflexive form se casser can mean to leave or "to get lost".
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the context and intensity. casser is the most common, everyday way to say "to break" an object. In contrast, rompre is more formal and is often used for abstract concepts, such as breaking a silence, a contract or a relationship. briser is more emphatic, implying a more violent or complete breaking, such as shattering glass or crushing a spirit.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of casser, which is cassé, is commonly used as an adjective to describe an object that is broken.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁɔ̃pʁ/
Did you know?
- In French, the phrase casser les pieds literally means 'to break the feet', but it is actually an idiom meaning 'to annoy' or 'to bore' someone.
- The expression casser la croûte literally means 'to break the crust', but it is a common way to say 'to have a snack' or 'to eat a light meal'.
- While casser is used for breaking objects, its Latin ancestor cassāre meant 'to annul' or 'to make void'. This legal history explains why casser can still be used in French law to overturn a court decision.
Examples in context
- Il va se briser.It will break.This sentence demonstrates the use of briser for an object breaking.Tatoeba #7107246 by Micsmithel, translation #3550224 by sundown
- Ça va se briser.It'll break.Tatoeba #7107261 by Micsmithel, translation #5418382 by CK
- Tom va tout casser.Tom's going to break everything.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use casser with an object.Tatoeba #13601751 by Rovo, translation #6945901 by shekitten
- Nous ferons une pause pour déjeuner à 13 heuresWe will take a break for lunch at 1 p.m.
- Je vais prendre une pause de cinq minutesI am going to take a five-minute break
- Je vais prendre une pause-café pour me détendreI am going to take a coffee break to relax
- Accordons-nous une petite pause avant de continuerLet's take a short break before we continue
- Je vais faire une pause pour prendre l'airI am going to take a break to get some fresh air
- Je vais prendre une pause-midi d'une heureI am going to take a one-hour lunch break
- 97 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is helping Manon move a heavy mirror.
- NathanFais attention, tu vas rompre le cadre !Be careful, you're going to break the frame!
- ManonJe le tiens bien, ne t'inquiète pas.I'm holding it well, don't worry.
- NathanOn ne veut pas rompre le verre aussi.We don't want to break the glass too.
- ManonD'accord, on le pose doucement ici.Okay, we'll put it down gently here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “break” translations and entries rompre, casser, briser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries briser, casser, rompre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
