détendu
/de.tɑ̃.dy/
The English word 'relaxed' is translated into French as détendu.
détendu is used to describe someone or something that is free from tension or anxiety and is at ease. If you wish to describe a person's casual style or a relaxed atmosphere, the synonym décontracté is often used.
Meaning: free from tension or anxiety, at ease (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word détendu is formed from the prefix dé- meaning undoing and tendu meaning stretched or tightened, literally translating to 'un-tightened' or 'loosened'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, détendu changes to agree with the subject: use détendue for a feminine subject and détendus for a masculine plural subject. In slang, the term Zen can also be used to refer to a state of calmness and relaxation.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /de.tɑ̃.dy/.
Did you know?
- While English uses 'chill' as a verb to mean relax, French speakers may use se détendre or the slang se poser. Se poser literally means 'to land' or 'to set oneself down', imagining a bird landing after a long flight.
- The word détendre can also mean to 'slacken' a physical rope or a bowstring. This literal meaning is the foundation for the figurative use of détendu to describe a person's mood.
- The word tendu, the opposite of détendu, is frequently used to describe an awkward or strained atmosphere between two people. It describes a 'tense' silence that is felt physically by everyone in the room.
Examples in context
- Je me suis détendu.I relaxed.This sentence uses détendu to express the act of relaxing.Tatoeba #5834928 by Yemana, translation #5828674 by CK
- Tu as l'air détendu.You look relaxed.This sentence uses détendu to describe how someone looks.Tatoeba #7809633 by Aiji, translation #2940738 by AlanF_US
- Je suis très détendue.I'm very relaxed.This sentence uses détendu to express a state of being very relaxed.Tatoeba #7980607 by Micsmithel, translation #2248308 by CK
- Je suis calmeI am relaxed
- Restez calmeRemain relaxed
- Je me sens détendu(e)I feel relaxed
- C'est un environnement détenduIt's a relaxed environment
- Je suis complètement détendu(e)I am completely relaxed
- Je suis plutôt détendu(e)I am pretty relaxed
- Je suis assez détendu(e)I am fairly relaxed
- C'est cool iciIt's relaxed here
- Reste zenStay relaxed
- Je suis tranquilleI am calm.
- Je suis à l'aiseI am at ease.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are chatting after a long day of work.
- GabrielJe me sens enfin détendu ce soir.I finally feel relaxed tonight.
- LéaMoi aussi, la journée était très longue.Me too, the day was very long.
- GabrielC'est agréable d'être détendu à la maison.It's nice to be relaxed at home.
- LéaOui, profitons de notre soirée.Yes, let's enjoy our evening.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry détendu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
