relâche
/ʁə.laʃ/
The English phrase spring break can be translated into French as relâche. If unsure, use relâche. Wiktionary also lists relâche scolaire and semaine de relâche.
Meaning: vacation during the spring (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| relâche | /ʁə.laʃ/ /ʁə.lɑʃ/ |
|
| relâche scolaire | ||
| semaine de relâche | Canada, feminine |
These terms refer to a vacation period occurring during the spring.
Which one should you use?
In some French-speaking countries such as Belgium or Switzerland, people often use Les vacances de Pâques to refer to this period.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec and the rest of Canada, semaine de relâche is the standard way to refer to spring break.
How does it change in a sentence?
semaine de relâche is a feminine noun phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁə.laʃ/ (two syllables)
Did you know?
- Unlike the American 'spring break', which is often associated with parties, la relâche in Canada is traditionally a time for family skiing trips.
- In France, school breaks are often organized by 'zones', meaning students in different regions have their vacances on different weeks.
- While an English speaker uses 'break' to mean a pause, the French relâche is the same word used to describe a period where a theater troupe is not performing or a moment of loosening tension.
Examples in context
- Où vas-tu pour la relâche ?Where are you going for spring break?
- La relâche commence lundi prochain.Spring break starts next Monday.
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting about their upcoming school holidays.
- GabrielTu as des projets pour la relâche ?Do you have plans for spring break?
- ManonOui, je pars à la montagne.Yes, I am going to the mountains.
- GabrielC'est une excellente idée, Manon.That is an excellent idea, Manon.
- ManonMerci, Gabriel. Et toi ?Thanks, Gabriel. And you?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spring break” translations and entries relâche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
