rafraîchissant
/ʁa.fʁɛ.ʃi.sɑ̃/
The English word "refreshing" is translated into French as rafraîchissant.
You can also use the reflexive verb se rafraîchir to mean "to refresh oneself".
Meaning: refreshing (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, rafraîchissant must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form rafraîchissante for feminine nouns, the masculine plural form rafraîchissants for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural form rafraîchissantes for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and is pronounced /ʁa.fʁɛ.ʃi.sɑ̃/.
When do people say it?
When something feels refreshing, a common way to express that it feels good is to say Ça fait du bien.
Did you know?
- In French, the word rafraîchir can also mean to touch up a painting or a room's decor, referring to 'refreshing' the colors.
- If you are at a restaurant and want a 'refreshing' drink, you might ask for something désaltérant, which specifically implies quenching thirst rather than just being cool.
- French distinguishes between something that is 'refreshing' in temperature and something that is 'vivifiant' which means 'invigorating' or 'life-giving'.
Examples in context
- Ton honnêteté est rafraîchissante.Your honesty is refreshing.This sentence shows how to use rafraîchissant to describe a quality like honesty.Tatoeba #5959496 by Aiji, translation #3831441 by CK
- Sami a eu une idée rafraîchissante.Sami came up with a refreshing idea.This sentence demonstrates using rafraîchissant to describe an idea.Tatoeba #6387645 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6387483 by OsoHombre
- Une promenade avant le petit déjeuner est rafraîchissante.A walk before breakfast is refreshing.This sentence uses rafraîchissante to describe a walk.Tatoeba #129376 by Aiji, translation #277819 by CM
- La brise marine était si revigorante que nous avons passé des heures à nous promener sur la plage.The sea breeze was so invigorating that we spent hours walking along the beach.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are sitting outside on a hot summer afternoon.
- ManonIl fait vraiment chaud aujourd'hui.It is really hot today.
- LucasOui, mais ce vent est rafraîchissant.Yes, but this wind is refreshing.
- ManonTu as raison, Lucas.You are right, Lucas.
- LucasProfitons de ce moment calme.Let's enjoy this calm moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “refreshing” translations and entries rafraîchissant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
