apaisant
The English phrase "calming" is translated into French as apaisant.
apaisant is used to describe something that has a soothing effect, helping a person feel relaxed or less stressed.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb apaiser, which means to soothe or to calm.
Which one should you use?
The noun form for the concept of calming or soothing is apaisement.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree with the noun it modifies. Use apaisante for a feminine singular noun, apaisants for a masculine plural noun and apaisantes for a feminine plural noun.
Did you know?
- The root of apaisant is the word paix, meaning 'peace'. This makes the act of calming someone literally an act of bringing 'peace' to them.
- The noun apaisement is used in French diplomacy to describe the policy of 'appeasement', showing how a word for calming can evolve into a controversial political strategy.
- While apaisant describes a soothing effect, the French use the term calme as a noun to describe a 'dead calm' at sea, where the wind completely stops.
Examples in context
- Le contact avec la nature a un effet apaisant.Exposure to nature has a calming effect.This sentence shows how to use apaisant to describe the effect of nature.Tatoeba #12444061 by lbdx, translation #8803674 by Hybrid
- La musique classique est très apaisanteClassical music is very calming
- Je trouve les massages très relaxantsI find massages very calming/relaxing
- Il/Elle dégage une grande sérénitéHe/She exudes a great sense of calm
- La vue sur l'océan est vraiment paisibleThe view of the ocean is truly calming/peaceful
- J'essaie de rester zen malgré le stressI try to stay calm despite the stress
- Après une longue promenade, je me sens apaisé(e)After a long walk, I feel calm/soothed
- Le clair de lune ajoute une douceur à la nuitThe moonlight adds a calming/soft touch to the night
- Je me détendsI relax
- Après une journée stressante, je me détends en écoutant de la musique apaisante.After a stressful day, I relax by listening to calming/soothing music
- Ce bruit de pluie est très apaisant.This sound of rain is very calming.
- Elle a trouvé un parfum apaisant.She found a calming scent.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are at a spa.
- LéaCette musique est vraiment apaisante.This music is truly calming.
- HugoOui, je me sens déjà plus relaxé.Yes, I already feel more relaxed.
- LéaC'est l'endroit idéal pour décompresser.It is the ideal place to unwind.
- HugoTu as raison, Léa.You are right, Léa.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
