temps pour soi
masculine
In French, "me time" is translated as temps pour soi. Wiktionary also lists temps pour moi.
Meaning: time to oneself, a period spent relaxing on one's own (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| temps pour soi | masculine |
| temps pour moi | masculine |
This phrase refers to a period spent relaxing on one's own or having time to oneself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase temps pour soi is a literal translation of "time for oneself", where soi is the disjunctive pronoun for "oneself".
Which one should you use?
Use temps pour soi when making a general statement about the importance of solitude. Use temps pour moi when referring to your own personal time.
Did you know?
- French has a concept called le droit à la déconnexion or 'the right to disconnect'. This is a legal right for employees to ignore work emails during their temps pour soi to prevent burnout.
- While temps pour soi describes the concept, French speakers often use the phrase bulle (bubble) to describe the mental state of 'me time'. They might say they are 'in their bubble' to indicate they are intentionally isolating for relaxation.
- The word temps in 'temps pour soi' shares its ancient roots with the English word 'tempo'. Both words trace back to the Latin 'tempus', referring to the passage or rhythm of time.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin d'un moment pour moi afin de me détendre et recharger mes batteries.I need a moment for myself to relax and recharge my batteries.
- J'ai besoin d'un petit moment rien que pour moi pour me ressourcer.I need a little moment just for me to recharge.
- J'apprécie les pauses en solitaire pour me recentrer sur moi-même.I appreciate solo breaks to refocus on myself.
- J'ai besoin de temps pour moi.I need some me time.
- Elle cherche un peu de temps pour soi.She is looking for a little time to herself.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are discussing their busy work week.
- LucasTu as l'air fatiguée, Manon.You look tired, Manon.
- ManonOui, je manque de temps pour soi en ce moment.Yes, I lack me time right now.
- LucasTu devrais prendre un bain ce soir.You should take a bath tonight.
- ManonC'est une excellente idée, merci Lucas.That's a great idea, thank you Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “me time” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moi, pour, soi, temps, CC BY-SA 4.0.
