s'échauffer
To warm up in French is s'échauffer.
The verb is used to describe performing gentle exercises to prepare the body for more strenuous physical activity.
Which one should you use?
While s'échauffer is the verb used for the action of warming up, l'échauffement is the noun used to refer to the warm-up itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb is reflexive, meaning it literally translates to 'to warm oneself up'. In the first person plural, the reflexive pronoun is doubled as nous nous échauffons.
Did you know?
- Beyond sports, s'échauffer can describe a heated argument or a political situation that is becoming tense. In this context, it means the tempers are 'warming up' or escalating.
- While s'échauffer is common for sports, if you are warming up a car in cold weather, you would more likely use the verb faire chauffer.
- In French sports commentary, if a player is 'warming up' the crowd, they won't use s'échauffer but will instead use the verb chauffer, as in chauffer la salle.
Examples in context
- Avant de courir un marathon, il est essentiel de bien préparer son corps à l'effort.Before running a marathon, it is essential to properly prepare your body for the effort.
- Allez, viens marcher avec moi pour t'échauffer avant le match.Come on, come walk with me to warm up before the game.
- Ça fait du bien de se réchauffer près du feu en hiver.It feels good to warm up by the fire in winter.
- Il faut s'échauffer avant de courir.You must warm up before running.
- Elle commence à s'échauffer pour le match.She is starting to warm up for the match.
