repose en paix
/ʁə.po.z‿ɑ̃ pɛ/
The French phrase for "rest in peace" is repose en paix.
repose en paix is used as a direct address to the deceased or as a written sentiment in condolences to express a blessing or a hope.
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb repose (rest/lie) and the prepositional phrase en paix (in peace).
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing a wish or a prayer, such as "May he rest in peace", the phrase is preceded by que and uses the subjunctive mood, as seen in qu'il repose en paix. If you are addressing more than one person, the verb changes to the second-person plural form reposez en paix.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁə.po.z‿ɑ̃ pɛ/
Did you know?
- The verb reposer is used not only for death but also in the culinary world to describe letting meat or dough 'rest' before cooking.
- While repose en paix is the direct translation, French people more commonly use the phrase toutes mes condoléances when speaking to the bereaved.
- The word paix in repose en paix shares a deep root with the word 'pact' because the original Proto-Indo-European root meant 'to join' or 'to attach'.
Examples in context
- Repose en paix !Rest in peace!This example shows how to use repose en paix as a direct exclamation.Tatoeba #7556268 by Micsmithel, translation #6209183 by carlosalberto
- Qu'elle repose en paix.May she rest in peace.This example shows how to use the subjunctive mood with repose en paix to express a wish.Tatoeba #10372872 by felix63, translation #10830001 by Fenrir
- Repose en paix, mon cher père !Rest in peace, my dear father!This example shows how to use repose en paix when addressing a specific person.Tatoeba #6933843 by Micsmithel, translation #6935559 by kaiperkins271
- Nous te souhaitons de reposer en paix.We wish you to rest in peace.
- Sincères condoléances à vous tous. Que son âme repose en paix.Our sincere condolences to all of you. May their soul rest in peace.
- Je suis désolé(e) pour ta perte. Repose en paix, cher(e) ami(e).I am sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace, dear friend.
- Je pense à toi dans cette période difficile. Que son âme soit en paix.I'm thinking of you during this difficult time. May their soul be at peace.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are visiting a cemetery to honor a friend.
- NathanIl est temps de lui dire adieu.It is time to say goodbye to him.
- ManonOui, repose en paix, mon ami.Yes, rest in peace, my friend.
- NathanC'est une pensée très émouvante.It is a very moving thought.
- ManonJe te comprends tout à fait.I understand you completely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rest in peace” translations and entries repose en paix, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, paix, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
