Essential in your French vocabulary, this word will make you want to stretch your legs and rediscover your surroundings.
Why do I need to know flâner?
As one of those untranslatable words that help to describe a way of living, the word flâner has even been described as “the word that encapsulates Frenchness”.
What does it mean?
Flâner, roughly pronounced flah-nay (listen here) means to wander aimlessly. The closest translation would be to stroll, but in no particular direction, just for the pleasure of taking in one’s surroundings. The person doing this is called a flâneur or flâneuse.
The word is often associated with the city, and more specifically with Paris. In the second half of the 19th century, the French capital went through a huge transformation (Hausmann’s renovation) that improved quality of life by widening streets and introducing large avenues, where people from all social backgrounds suddenly passed each other on the street. This brought with it a desire for discovery.
Flâner is enjoying the anonymity provided by the modern city.
Use it like this
J’ai passé l’après-midi à flâner sur la plage – I spent the afternoon strolling along the beach
Vous remontez en flânant les Champs Elysées et vous arrivez à la place de l’Étoile – Wander up the Champs Elysées and you will arrive at the Place de l’Étoile
Je n’ai pas le temps de flâner, je dois aller travailler! – I don’t have time for a stroll, I need to get to work!
Synonyms
Boulevarder – flâner, but more specifically on boulevards
Déambuler – Very similar to flâner: to stroll with no destination in mind
Errer – to wander, to roam
Se promener – to go for a walk
