French Phrase
La récré, c’est quand ?
Meaning
Literally “Recess, when is it?” It’s a casual way to ask the time of the school break. The speaker expects a specific hour or a short answer like “à 10h30”.
When to use
Use this phrase in a school setting when you’re unsure of the schedule – with classmates, a teacher, or a school staff member. It’s informal, so it fits well among peers rather than in a formal written request.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Larécré,c’estquand?
La récré
Short for “la récréation”, a feminine noun meaning “recess”. The article “la” agrees with the noun’s gender.
c’est
Contraction of “ce + est”. Used to identify or define something; here it introduces the question.
quand
Interrogative adverb meaning “when”. It can stand alone after a statement to turn it into a question.
Punctuation in spoken French
The comma after “récré” signals a short pause, mirroring natural speech rhythm.
🗨In Conversation
La récré, c’est quand ?
When is recess?
À 10h15, puis à 14h30.
At 10:15, then at 2:30 PM.
✕Common Mistakes
La récré, c’est quoi ?
“C’est quoi la récré ?” asks “What is recess?” not “When is it?”. Use “c’est quand” for time.
La récréation, c’est quand ?
While correct, saying “La récréation, c’est quand ?” sounds formal; the casual “récré” is preferred among students.
Quand est la récré ?
In spoken French the inversion “Quand est la récré ?” is grammatically possible but sounds stiff; native speakers prefer “C’est quand la récré ?” or “Quand est la récréation ?”.
↔Alternatives
Quand est la récréation ?
When is recess?
C’est à quelle heure la récré ?
What time is recess?
À quelle heure est la pause ?
At what time is the break?
Cultural Tip
In most French primary schools there are two “récrés”: a short morning break (usually around 10 am) and an afternoon break after lunch. The word “récré” is colloquial; teachers may prefer the full “récréation”. Also, French schools often announce the schedule over the intercom, so you’ll hear “La récré commence à…”.