English Translation
Just relax a moment.
Gemini says:
"Détends-toi simplement un instant" sounds a little bit stiff or “translated.” The word “simplement” is the literal translation of “just,” but in French, it means “in a simple manner.” It doesn’t act as a “softener” the way “just” does in English.
Here is how to make it sound more natural:
1. The “Softener” Approach (Better than “Simplement”)
In French, to soften a command like “Just relax,” we often use “un peu” (a little) rather than “simplement.”
Détends-toi un peu. (Relax a little.)
2. The Idiom (Se poser)
If you are telling someone to stop rushing around, sit down, and breathe, French speakers love the verb se poser (to land/settle).
Pose-toi un instant. (Settle down for a moment / Land for a moment.)
- This is the most common way to say “Just sit down and relax” in a casual setting.