расслабься
rasslabsya
To say 'chill out' in Russian, use расслабься (rasslabsya).
The term means to relax or unwind, focusing on the physical or mental act of letting go of tension. While 'chill out' in English can sometimes be used to tell someone to calm down during an argument, расслабься is specifically about relaxation.
Meaning: relax or take time out (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a reflexive verb. The suffix –ся indicates that the action of relaxing is being performed on oneself (literally, 'relax yourself').
Which one should you use?
If you are using 'chill out' to mean 'calm down' because someone is angry, the word остынь is a more natural fit. For a polite request for tranquility, you might use Спокойствие, пожалуйста (Calm down, please).
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form расслабься is the singular imperative, used when speaking to one person informally. The form расслабьтесь is the plural or polite imperative.
How do you pronounce it?
rasslabsya
Did you know?
- The root of расслабься comes from the word слабый, meaning 'weak'. To relax in Russian is conceptually linked to letting one's muscles or will become 'weak' or loose.
- Using расслабься during a heated argument can be perceived as condescending or dismissive, sometimes escalating the conflict more than in English.
- The imperative расслабьтесь is often used by doctors or dentists when asking a patient to stop tensing their muscles during an exam.
Examples in context
- Расслабься, Том.Chill out, Tom.This sentence shows how to use расслабься when addressing someone by name.Tatoeba #5575671 by marafon, translation #5575296 by Hybrid
- Просто расслабься и послушай музыку.Prosto rasslabs'sya i poslushay muzyku.Just chill out and listen to music.
Example conversation
Andrey sees Maria looking very stressed at home.
- Андрей AndreyМария, ты выглядишь очень уставшей.Mariya, ty vyglyadish' ochen' ustavshey.Maria, you look very tired.
- Мария MariaУ меня был ужасный день.U menya byl uzhasnyy den'.I had a terrible day.
- Андрей AndreyПросто расслабься, я сделаю чай.Prosto rasslabs'sya, ya sdelayu chay.Just chill out, I'll make some tea.
- Мария MariaСпасибо, Андрей, это очень мило.Spasibo, Andrey, eto ochen' milo.Thanks, Andrey, that's very kind.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
