pour relaxer mes muscles

James W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

pour relaxer mes muscles

Why can't I use "relâcher" here? As that verb means to relax a muscle? 

Asked 1 year ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Not here, James, the two verbs which are accepted are 'détendre' and 'relaxer ses muscles'.

Take a look at the different meanings of 'relâcher' and how it might be used on the following page -

https://www.linguee.fr/francais-anglais/traduction/rel%C3%A2cher.html#:~:text=loosen%20v%20(loosened%2C%20loosened)

Bonne Continuation !

James W.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor
https://www.wordreference.com/fren/relacher - it literally uses examples of using this verb to relax muscles? Is this wrong?
CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hi James, 

Yes, it is a strange one but having checked with a colleague it just doesn't work in the sentence given.

You might use 'relâcher un muscle' in the context of a physio session, being the opposite of 'contracter un muscle'

Hope this helps! 

James W. asked:

pour relaxer mes muscles

Why can't I use "relâcher" here? As that verb means to relax a muscle? 

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