How to Say “Go Out” in French: Formal and Informal Ways

Are you planning on visiting a French-speaking country or just interested in learning some useful French phrases? Knowing how to say “go out” in French can be quite helpful during your conversations. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this phrase, as well as provide you with some tips and examples.

Formal Ways to Say “Go Out”

When it comes to formal situations, such as speaking to someone of higher authority or in a professional setting, it’s important to use the appropriate language. Here are a few formal phrases to express the concept of “go out” in French:

1. Aller dehors – This is a literal translation of “go out.” Although it is less commonly used in French, it can be understood in formal contexts.
2. Sortir – This verb is more commonly used to mean “go out” in French, especially in formal settings. For example, you could say “Je vais sortir” to mean “I am going out.”
3. Partir – While “partir” usually means “to leave,” it can also be used to indicate “going out” in a formal manner. For instance, you could say “Je vais partir” to mean “I am going out.”

Remember, using these formal phrases appropriately in the right context is crucial to maintaining a polite and respectful conversation.

Informal Ways to Say “Go Out”

If you’re in a casual setting or speaking with friends and family, you can use more relaxed and informal expressions for “go out.” Here are some examples:

1. Sortir – Just like in formal situations, “sortir” is commonly used in informal contexts as well. For example, you can say “Je sors” to mean “I am going out.”
2. Aller en ville – This phrase literally translates to “go to town” and is often used to mean “go out” in an informal way. For instance, you could say “On va en ville ce soir” to mean “We are going out tonight.”
3. Se balader – This expression means “to go for a walk” but is also used to convey the idea of “going out” in a casual manner. For example, you could say “Je vais me balader” to mean “I am going out.”

Using these informal expressions will help you blend in and have more natural conversations with native French speakers.

Examples and Additional Tips

Now that we’ve covered the formal and informal ways to say “go out” in French, let’s delve into some examples and additional tips to enhance your understanding:

Example 1: A formal situation

Person A: Pouvez-vous sortir ce soir ?
Person B: Malheureusement, je ne peux pas sortir ce soir. J’ai une réunion importante.

Translation:
Person A: Can you go out tonight?
Person B: Unfortunately, I can’t go out tonight. I have an important meeting.

Example 2: An informal conversation

Person A: Tu veux sortir ce soir ?
Person B: Oui, allons en ville !
Person C: Je préfère me balader près de la rivière.

Translation:
Person A: Do you want to go out tonight?
Person B: Yes, let’s go to town!
Person C: I prefer to go for a walk by the river.

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

• When conjugating the verbs “sortir” and “partir,” make sure to adjust the form based on the subject pronoun. For instance, “Je sors” means “I go out” and “Nous partons” means “We go out.”
• Pay attention to the context and choose the appropriate phrase accordingly. This will ensure that you are using the right level of formality.
• Immerse yourself in the French language and culture by practicing with native speakers or using language-learning apps and resources.
• Remember that regional variations in vocabulary and expressions exist in the French language. Be open to learning and adapting to different regional terms if necessary.

By incorporating these tips and practicing the different ways to say “go out” in French, you will gradually become more comfortable and confident in your use of the language.

Now that you have a better understanding of how to say “go out” in formal and informal situations, you can confidently navigate conversations in French-speaking environments. Bonne chance!