on a rompu
The English phrase "we broke up" is translated into French as on a rompu.
This phrase is used to say that a romantic relationship has ended.
Which one should you use?
While on a rompu emphasizes the definitive breaking of the bond, the phrase on s'est séparés is a slightly softer, more common way to say a couple has split up. Other ways to express the end of a relationship include on ne sort plus ensemble (we're not dating anymore), c'est fini entre nous (it's over between us) or more formal declarations like nous avons décidé de mettre fin à notre relation (we have decided to end our relationship) or nous avons décidé de nous séparer (we have decided to separate).
Did you know?
- When a relationship ends, a French person might say they are 'en froid' (in the cold) with their ex, meaning they are not speaking to each other.
- In certain Quebecois texts, you might see the spelling a used as a phonetic way to represent the word elle, meaning 'she'.
- The verb rompre used in the phrase 'to break' is the same root used in French to describe a contract being terminated or a piece of wood snapping.
Examples in context
- « Tu sors toujours avec Tom ? » « Non, on a rompu au début du mois dernier. »"Are you still dating Tom?" "No, we broke up at the beginning of last month."This sentence shows how to use on a rompu to provide a specific timeframe for when a relationship ended.Tatoeba #11346815 by Micsmithel, translation #2750874 by CK
- Hey, tu sais, on s'est quittés. Mais ne t'inquiète pas, on reste amis, hein?Hey, you know, we broke up. But don't worry, we're still friends, okay?
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are talking about a mutual friend.
- HugoTu as des nouvelles de Sarah et Marc ?Do you have any news about Sarah and Marc?
- ManonOui, ils m'ont dit qu'on a rompu.Yes, they told me that we broke up.
- HugoQuoi ? Je ne savais pas !What? I didn't know!
- ManonC'est ça, on a rompu il y a une semaine.That's right, we broke up a week ago.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, on, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
