relaxant
/ʁə.lak.sɑ̃/
The English phrase 'relaxing' can be translated into French as relaxant or reposant.
Meaning: allowing one to relax (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| relaxant | /ʁə.lak.sɑ̃/ |
| reposant | /ʁə.po.zɑ̃/ |
The word relaxant is often used in a medical or physiological context to describe substances or effects that reduce tension, such as a muscle relaxant.
Which one should you use?
While both mean relaxing, reposant is more common for activities that provide rest or calm, whereas relaxant is often used for things that physically or chemically induce relaxation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term relaxant is spoken in France and some regions of Canada.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective reposant must agree in number with the noun it modifies, becoming reposants in the masculine plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ʁə.lak.sɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- While relaxant describes a feeling, the French word for 'to relax' in a leisure sense is often se détendre, which literally means 'to loosen oneself' or 'to unstretch'.
- If you tell a French doctor you need something relaxant, they might prescribe a sedative rather than suggesting a massage.
- French speakers might use décompresser to describe the act of relaxing after a stressful day, a term that shares the same 'pressure' imagery as the English 'decompress'.
Examples in context
- Lire des livres est très reposant.Reading books is very relaxing.This sentence is useful for showing how to use reposant to describe a relaxing activity.Tatoeba #3995072 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #3995065 by patgfisher
- Elle voulait vivre une vie plus relaxante.She wanted to live a more relaxing life.This sentence is useful for showing how to use relaxant to describe a type of life.Tatoeba #826846 by sacredceltic, translation #312346 by CK
- Ce n'est pas vraiment relaxant à ce point.It's not really that relaxing.This sentence is useful for showing how to use relaxant in a negative context.Tatoeba #4593202 by sacredceltic, translation #4013563 by CK
- Cette musique est apaisante.This music is calming.
- Prends un bain chaud, ça sera très détendant.Take a hot bath. It will be very relaxing.
- Je passe un moment chill chez moi.I'm having a chill time at home.
- Ce paysage est tellement apaisant.This landscape is so tranquil.
- J'adore l'ambiance relaxante de cette plage.I love the relaxing atmosphere of this beach.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are talking about a spa day.
- EmmaLe massage était vraiment relaxant.The massage was really relaxing.
- LucasJe suis d'accord, je me sens bien.I agree, I feel good.
- EmmaC'est un moment relaxant pour nous.It is a relaxing moment for us.
- LucasOn devrait revenir bientôt, Emma.We should come back soon, Emma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “relaxing” translations and entries relaxant, reposant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
