放松
fàngsōng
In Chinese, to relax is 放松 (fàngsōng).
The verb 放松 describes the act of resting or becoming relieved of stress, whether physically or mentally. While it covers general relaxation, it is not the word used when talking about relaxing rules or making strictness less intense. For that purpose, you would use 放宽.
Meaning: (intransitive) to rest and become relieved of stress (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 放松 is composed of 放 (fàng), which means 'to release' or 'to let go' and 松 (sōng), which means 'loose'.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify the verb to change the tone or nuance. Adding 点 (diǎn), meaning 'a bit', to the end of the verb creates the common imperative 放松点, which means 'relax a bit' or 'relax a little'. Another natural way to suggest taking a short break to relax is to use 一下 (yīxià) after the verb, resulting in 放松一下.
How do you pronounce it?
fàngsōng
Did you know?
- In Chinese calligraphy, the concept of 松 (looseness) is a vital stylistic element, where a writer seeks a 'loose' and natural flow rather than rigid, tight strokes.
- In certain traditional Chinese medical contexts, the idea of 'loosening' or 'relaxing' is linked to the flow of 'qi', where 'tightness' is seen as a blockage that needs to be released.
- The character 放 in 放松 can also mean 'to put' or 'to place', suggesting that to relax is essentially to 'place' or 'set' one's tension aside.
Examples in context
- 嘿，放松点。Hey, relax.This sentence shows how to use 放松 in an imperative.Tatoeba #5102212 by mirrorvan, translation #325177 by CM
- 我放松时会听古典乐。I relax while listening to classical music.This sentence illustrates using 放松 to describe a personal habit during relaxation.Tatoeba #11239871 by klzlueylx, translation #11239867 by carlosalberto
- 放松点吧。Just relax.This sentence shows a way to tell someone to just relax using 放松.Tatoeba #5102290 by mirrorvan, translation #1555685 by Spamster
- 别紧张，放松一下吧。（Bié jǐnzhāng, fàngsōng yíxià ba.）Don't be nervous, just relax a bit.
- 今天的会议很紧凑，让我们休息一下吧。（Jīntiān de huìyì hěn jǐnzōu, ràng wǒmen xiūxí yíxià ba.）The meeting today is very intensive, let's take a break.
- 别担心，放轻松，一切都会好起来的。（Bié dānxīn, fàng qīng sōng, yīqiè dōu huì hǎo qǐlai de.）Don't worry, relax, everything will be fine.
- 今天太累了，我们出去放松一下吧。（Jīntiān tài lèi le, wǒmen chūqù fàngsōng yíxià ba.）We're so tired today, let's go out and relax.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Jiayi are at a cafe after a busy work week.
- 伟 Wei我们来放松一下吧。Wǒmen lái fàngsōng yīxià ba.Let's relax a little.
- 佳怡 Jiayi好主意，我真的很累。Hǎo zhǔyì, wǒ zhēn de hěn lèi.Good idea, I am really tired.
- 伟 Wei你要放松心情，别想工作了。Nǐ yào fàngsōng xīnqíng, bié xiǎng gōngzuò le.You should relax your mind and stop thinking about work.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢你，伟。Xièxiè nǐ, Wěi.Thank you, Wei.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
