French Conversation · Level 45
75 words
French word
récréation
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁekʁeasjɔ̃/
Meaning
- feminine nounrecess
Example
Les enfants jouent pendant la récréation.
The children play during recess.
More examples
La récréation dure quinze minutes.
Recess lasts fifteen minutes.
Core concept
A brief break between lessons, with children moving from classroom focus to play and back again.
Common phrases
la récréation
recess
pendant la récréation
during recess
Similar words
pause: A brief pause between lessons or during the workday.
récré: A casual word for a school break.
pause-café: A brief work break for drinking coffee and chatting.
pause-déjeuner: Time set aside from work or class for lunch.
Definition in French
Pause pendant la journée scolaire où les élèves se détendent et jouent.
Word origin
French récréation developed from Old French and ultimately Latin recreatio, a noun for restoration or renewal.
Usage tips
- In school contexts, French commonly uses pendant la récréation, while pause is broader and suits adult breaks.