When it comes to expressing the idea of “just chilling” in French, you’ll find that there are various phrases and expressions at your disposal. Whether you want to convey a formal or informal tone, it’s important to choose your words wisely. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to say “just chilling” in French while providing tips, examples, and even some regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
Let’s start with formal expressions you can use in situations where politeness and respect are essential.
1. Je me détends
Translation: I am relaxing
Juste un peu de détente après une longue journée de travail. (Just a little relaxation after a long day at work.)
2. Je me repose
Translation: I am resting
J’ai besoin de me reposer et de prendre du temps pour moi. (I need to rest and take some time for myself.)
3. Je prends du bon temps
Translation: I am having a good time
Pendant mes vacances, je prends du bon temps avec ma famille. (During my vacation, I am having a good time with my family.)
4. Je me relaxe
Translation: I am unwinding
Après une journée chargée, je me relaxe en écoutant de la musique. (After a busy day, I am unwinding by listening to music.)
Informal Expressions
When you want to convey a more casual and relaxed tone, informal expressions come into play.
1. Je me la coule douce
Translation: I am taking it easy
Le week-end, je me la coule douce en regardant des films avec des amis. (On weekends, I am taking it easy by watching movies with friends.)
2. Je me la coule tranquille
Translation: I am keeping it calm
Pas de stress pour moi, je me la coule tranquille. (No stress for me, I am keeping it calm.)
3. Je profite
Translation: I am enjoying
Après les examens, je profite de mes vacances pour me détendre. (After exams, I am enjoying my vacation to relax.)
4. Je me repose les neurones
Translation: I am giving my brain a break
Pas de prise de tête aujourd’hui, je me repose les neurones. (No overthinking today, I am giving my brain a break.)
Regional Variations
While the expressions mentioned above work well across most French-speaking regions, it’s worth mentioning some regional variations.
1. Se la couler douce (Québec)
Translation: To take it easy
Au Québec, on aime se la couler douce pendant les vacances. (In Quebec, we love to take it easy during vacations.)
2. Se mettre en mode chill (Youth Slang)
Translation: To switch to chill mode
Les jeunes adorent se mettre en mode chill pendant les weekends. (Young people love to switch to chill mode during weekends.)
3. Je glande (Informal & Familiar)
Translation: I’m loafing around / I’m being lazy
Quand je ne fais rien, je glande toute la journée. (When I’m doing nothing, I loaf around all day.)
4. Je farniente (Southern France)
Translation: I’m idling / I’m lazing around
Au sud de la France, pendant l’été, je farniente sur la plage avec mes amis. (In the south of France, during summer, I’m lazing around on the beach with my friends.)
Remember, it’s important to choose the appropriate expression based on the situation and level of formality required. Now that you have a range of expressions to choose from, you can confidently express the idea of “just chilling” in French!
