traîner
/tʁɛ.ne/
In French, hanging out is expressed as traîner.
The verb traîner is used to describe spending time in a lazy way or without a specific purpose, often in the company of friends. It can be used to express hanging out around a specific area, such as in the phrase traîner par ici (hanging out around here). While it is a common way to describe social time, be aware that it can also carry a slightly negative connotation of loitering or idling if the context implies being unproductive.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb traîner literally means 'to drag' or 'to trail', which implies the slow, aimless movement associated with hanging out.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
traîner is an informal verb and is commonly used by younger generations. For a more organized gathering, you might use the formal expression Se réunir. If you want to suggest a casual hangout in an informal way, you can use Se voir, which means 'to see each other'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say you are hanging out with someone, use the preposition avec after the verb: traîner avec [person].
How do you pronounce it?
/tʁɛ.ne/
Did you know?
- French speakers use traîner to describe a cold or illness that lasts for a long time without fully disappearing, often saying they are 'dragging' a cough.
- In French, you can use traîner to describe an object that has been left lying around in a messy way, such as clothes on the floor.
- While traîner is the standard way to say 'to hang out', younger speakers often use the slang term traîner en scred (short for 'discrètement'). This implies hanging out while trying to remain unnoticed or staying under the radar.
Examples in context
- J'aime traîner par ici.I like hanging out here.This sentence shows how to use traîner to express liking to hang out in a specific location.Tatoeba #2384025 by sacredceltic, translation #2377448 by CK
- Ça me manque de traîner là-bas.I miss hanging out there.This sentence expresses a feeling of missing the act of hanging out in a certain place using traîner.Tatoeba #6067107 by Aiji, translation #4935572 by CK
- Je n'aime pas traîner avec lui.I don't enjoy hanging out with him.This sentence demonstrates how to use traîner to express a lack of enjoyment when hanging out with a specific person.Tatoeba #12199651 by lbdx, translation #398540 by CK
- Nous devrions passer du temps ensemble pour mieux nous connaîtreWe should spend time together to get to know each other better
- On se voit demain soir pour prendre un verre?Shall we meet tomorrow evening for a drink?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are deciding what to do on a free afternoon.
- NathanTu veux sortir ou juste traîner ?Do you want to go out or just hang out?
- EmmaJe préfère traîner tranquillement à la maison.I prefer hanging out quietly at home.
- NathanD'accord, on peut regarder un film.Okay, we can watch a movie.
- EmmaBonne idée, Nathan.Good idea, Nathan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry traîner, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
