What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the verb éloigner (to distance/move away), the reflexive pronoun toi (yourself) and de moi (from me), literally meaning "distance yourself from me".
Which one should you use?
While éloigne-toi de moi focuses on physical distance, Laisse-moi tranquille is a common alternative used when the intent is to be left alone. If you want to be more colloquial or aggressive, such as saying "go away" or "get lost", you might use va-t'en.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase changes based on whom you are addressing. The form éloigne-toi de moi is used in informal situations, whereas éloignez-vous de moi is used in formal situations or when addressing a group of people. The form va-t'en is more informal and often carries an aggressive tone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes from the informal éloigne-toi de moi to the formal or plural éloignez-vous de moi depending on whom you are addressing.
Did you know?
- If you use the formal éloignez-vous de moi to a stranger who is bothering you, you are actually maintaining a polite social distance through grammar while being quite firm in your command.
- The word éloigner is built from the prefix é- and the word loin, which means 'far'.
- If you are very angry, a French speaker might skip the verb entirely and just use a sharp Va ! to mean 'Go!' or 'Get out!', which is much punchier than the full phrase.
Examples in context
- Éloigne-toi de moi !Get away from me.This sentence is useful for expressing the command.Tatoeba #1653377 by sacredceltic, translation #1651036 by Spamster
- Éloignez-vous de moi, s'il vous plaît.Please move away from me.
- Veuillez vous éloigner de moi.Please stay away from me.
- Recule !Get away from me!
- Laisse-moi tranquille !Leave me alone!
- Fiche-moi la paix !Leave me in peace!
- Éloigne-toi de moi, tu me fais peur !Get away from me, you're scaring me!
- S'il te plaît, éloigne-toi de moi maintenant.Please, get away from me now.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is feeling crowded by Hugo in a narrow hallway.
- EmmaHugo, tu es trop près.Hugo, you are too close.
- HugoJe ne fais que passer.I am just passing by.
- EmmaÉloigne-toi de moi !Get away from me!
- HugoD'accord, je m'en vais.Okay, I'm leaving.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
