casser
break
The French word for 'break' is 'casser'. It usually refers to the action of breaking, fracturing, smashing or cracking something. However, it is not used in the context of taking a break – for that, 'faire une pause' is used in French. Like the English 'break', 'casser' can also be used in many idiomatic expressions in French.
Example sentences using: casser
Je vais casser le vase en jouant au ballon.
I'm going to break the vase while playing ball.
This phrase is using the word 'casser' to indicate that an action might result in something being broken. In this case it refers to a vase that might be broken during a game.
Si tu continues à faire ça, tu vas casser ta chaise.
If you keep doing that, you're going to break your chair.
This example is a warning which uses 'casser' to convey the consequence (breaking the chair) of a person's continued action.
Il a cassé le code pour accéder au système.
He cracked the code to access the system.
In this phrase, 'casser' does not indicate physical breaking, rather it signifies cracking a code. This shows the versatility of 'casser' in French.
Ne casser pas le rythme.
Don't break the rhythm.
Here, the word 'casser' is used metaphorically implying disruption of momentum or pace denoted by the term 'rhythm'.
Il ne faut pas casser le pont après avoir traversé.
Don't burn the bridge after crossing it.
This phrase is using 'casser' metaphorically to warn about the consequences of carelessly severing ties or connections.
Il a cassé la glace en engageant la conversation.
He broke the ice by starting the conversation.
In this instance, 'casser' is part of an idiomatic expression 'casser la glace', meaning to do something to create a more relaxed and comfortable social environment or to start a conversation.
Ils ne veulent pas casser la banque pour acheter une voiture.
They don't want to break the bank to buy a car.
The word 'casser', in this context, is part of a phrase implying an extravagant or costly action that might result in financial hardship.
En tombant, j'ai cassé ma montre.
When I fell, I broke my watch.
This phrase uses 'casser' to communicate that physical damage occurred to a watch as a result of an accident (falling).
Vous allez casser mon cœur si vous partez.
You're going to break my heart if you leave.
In this example, the word 'casser' is used to express an emotional impact, depicting how a person can feel intense pain or disappointment.
Elle va se casser la jambe si elle continue à faire du skateboard de cette façon.
She's going to break her leg if she continues to skateboard this way.
In this example, 'casser' conveys a potential physical harm, indicating a possible consequence of a reckless action.