French Phrase
On se repose l'après‑midi.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘We/One rests in the afternoon.’ It conveys a casual plan to take a break or relax during the post‑lunch hours.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about a relaxed afternoon activity, such as after a busy morning, a weekend plan, or when describing a typical daily routine that includes a short rest.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onsereposel'après-midi
On (indefinite pronoun)
‘On’ is a neutral pronoun that can mean ‘we’, ‘people’ or ‘one’ in everyday French, often used instead of ‘nous’ in spoken language.
se (reflexive pronoun)
The reflexive pronoun ‘se’ matches the subject and is required for reflexive verbs like ‘se reposer’ (to rest).
repose (present tense)
‘repose’ is the third‑person singular present form of the verb ‘reposer’, used here with ‘on’.
l'après‑midi (time expression)
‘l’après‑midi’ is a masculine noun meaning ‘the afternoon’; the article contracts to l’ before a vowel.
Reflexive verb pattern
Structure: pronoun + reflexive pronoun + verb (e.g., on se repose). The verb agrees with the subject in number and person.
🗨In Conversation
Qu'est‑ce que tu fais cet après‑midi ?
What are you doing this afternoon?
On se repose l'après‑midi.
We're just resting in the afternoon.
✕Common Mistakes
Nous se repose l'après‑midi.
The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject; it should be ‘Nous nous reposons’.
On se repose le après‑midi.
‘Après‑midi’ begins with a vowel, so the article contracts to l’. Use ‘l’après‑midi’.
On repose l'après‑midi.
‘Se reposer’ is reflexive; dropping the reflexive pronoun changes the meaning to ‘to put something to rest’.
↔Alternatives
Nous nous reposons l'après‑midi.
We rest in the afternoon.
Je me repose l'après‑midi.
I rest in the afternoon.
On se détend l'après‑midi.
We relax in the afternoon.
Cultural Tip
In many parts of France, especially in the south, a short afternoon break (la sieste) is still a cherished habit, though it’s less common in big cities. Saying ‘On se repose l'après‑midi’ sounds relaxed and informal, perfect for casual conversation with friends or family.