French Conversation · Level 149
30 words
French word
relais
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁəlɛ/
Meaning
- masculine nounhandover
Example
Après une heure, il a pris le relais.
After an hour, he took over.
More examples
La station utilise un relais pour améliorer la réception.
The station uses a relay to improve reception.
Core concept
One stage ends as the next stage takes over, like a baton passing from one runner to another.
Common phrases
prendre le relais
take over
poste de relais
relay station
Similar words
remplacement: The act of doing someone's job or duty in their place.
Definition in French
Désigne l'action de prendre la relève d'une personne, ou le lieu qui sert à transmettre quelque chose d'une étape à la suivante.
Word origin
The noun relais is historically linked with Old French relayer and first referred to a stopping place where tired horses were replaced by fresh ones.
Usage tips
- In prendre le relais, the article remains le even when the person taking over is feminine.