This lesson explains how to use the reflexive verb s’éclater, which means “to have a blast”, “to have a ball” or “to have a really good time”. In the non-reflexive form, éclater means “to burst” or “to break apart”.
S’éclater
To have a blast, to have a ball, to have a really good time
Example sentences
This first sentence uses les vacances (vacation), which always appears in the plural form in French.
Marc s’éclate pendant ses vacances en France.
Marc is having a really good time during his vacation in France.
This second sentence uses the expression “s’éclater comme des fous”, which literally transltes to “to have a blast like crazy people”. The commonly used pronoun on has many meanings including “we”. This sentence uses the passé composé, a commonly used French past tense.
Tu as aimé la soirée ? Oui ! On s’est éclaté comme des fous !
Did you like the party? – Yes! We had a blast!
In the non-reflexive form, éclater means “to burst” or “to pop” and to smash or break. En passant (while passing) is an example of the French gerund (while + verb + ING). This lesson covers the many usages of verb passer (to pass)
Le pneu a éclaté en passant sur un clou.
The tire burst driving over a nail.
More reflexive verbs
- French reflexive verbs (explanation)
- S’en Aller – to leave, to go, to be off
- S’occuper – to take care of
- Se détendre – to relax
- S’agir de – to be about
- Se tromper – to mistaken, get wrong
- Se méfier – to be wary of
French word of the day lessons | Lessons by David Issokson
