temps de pause
The English phrase "break time" is translated into French as temps de pause.
temps de pause refers to a short period during a workday or school day when people stop working to rest.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, especially in school settings, the word récréation is commonly used to refer to a break between classes.
Did you know?
- In many French companies, the midday break is not just a pause but a ritualized pause déjeuner that can last up to two hours.
- The word pause was first used in Middle French during the 14th century specifically to describe a musical rest.
- A common way to say 'to take a break' is faire une pause, which literally translates to 'to do a pause'.
Examples in context
- Après les cours, nous avons une pause de dix minutes.After classes, we have a ten-minute break.
- Allons prendre une petite pause-café !Let's go grab a quick coffee break!
- À quelle heure est la pause déjeuner ?What time is lunch break?
- Je prends une petite pausette avant de continuer à travailler.I'm taking a short break before continuing to work.
- Après deux heures de cours, c'est l'heure de la récréation !After two hours of classes, it's time for recess!
- Le temps de pause est trop court.The break time is too short.
- J'utilise mon temps de pause pour lire.I use my break time to read.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are colleagues in an office.
- NathanEst-ce que c'est ton temps de pause, Emma ?Is it your break time, Emma?
- EmmaOui, je vais prendre un café.Yes, I am going to have a coffee.
- NathanJe t'accompagne, j'ai besoin d'un temps de pause aussi.I'll join you, I need a break time too.
- EmmaSuper, on y va ensemble !Great, let's go together!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, pause, temps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
