French Phrase
Entre et détends‑toi.
Meaning
A friendly invitation meaning ‘Come in and relax.’ It combines two informal commands, encouraging the listener to both enter a space and feel at ease.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual settings – at a friend’s house, a family gathering, a spa, or any relaxed environment where you’re speaking to someone you know well. It’s too informal for a business meeting or with strangers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Entreetdétends-toi
Imperative of entrer
‘Entre’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *entrer* (to enter). No subject pronoun is used.
Conjunction ‘et’
‘et’ simply links two commands, equivalent to ‘and’ in English.
Reflexive imperative
‘détends‑toi’ is the reflexive form of *se détendre* (to relax). In the informal singular imperative the reflexive pronoun follows the verb, attached with a hyphen.
🗨In Conversation
Entre et détends‑toi.
Come in and relax.
Merci, ça fait du bien.
Thanks, that feels good.
✕Common Mistakes
Entre et détends‑vous.
‘détends‑vous’ mixes the informal singular verb with the formal plural pronoun; use *détends‑toi* for one person you know well, or *détendez‑vous* for formal/plural.
Entrez et détends‑toi.
‘Entrez’ is the formal/plural imperative. If you’re speaking to a single friend, the correct form is *entre*.
↔Alternatives
Viens, installe‑toi et relaxe‑toi.
Come, settle in and relax.
Passe, mets‑toi à l’aise.
Come in, make yourself comfortable.
Entrez et détendez‑vous.
Come in and relax (formal).
Cultural Tip
In French the informal singular imperative uses the pronoun after the verb with a hyphen (e.g., *détends‑toi*). If you need to be more formal or address several people, switch to the plural form: *Entrez et détendez‑vous.* Also, French speakers often pair a welcome with a gesture – offering a seat or a drink – which reinforces the invitation to relax.