je veux partir
The English phrase "I want to leave" is expressed in French as je veux partir.
je veux partir is a statement used to express a desire to depart from a current location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), veux (want) and partir (to leave).
Which one should you use?
The verb partir is used when you are leaving a place. This differs from the verb sortir, which is used for the sense of "going out", such as going to a party or moving from a room to the outside.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase negative, use the negation ne… pas to surround the conjugated verb veux, resulting in je ne veux pas partir (I do not want to leave). To make the expression more polite, use the conditional form voudrais instead of veux to say je voudrais partir (I would like to leave).
Did you know?
- In French, the word partir can also mean 'to start'. For example, a race or a competition is said to partir when it begins.
- The verb partir is used in the common idiom partir en vrille, which literally means 'to leave in a spin' but is used to describe someone losing control or having a breakdown.
- In a very informal setting, if you want to say you are leaving, you might say je me casse instead of je veux partir. While 'partir' is neutral, 'se casser' is slang that translates more like 'I'm splitting'.
Examples in context
- Tu n'as pas idée de combien je veux partir.You don't know how bad I want to leave.This sentence is useful for expressing the intensity of your desire to leave using je veux partir.Tatoeba #2026646 by sacredceltic, translation #2026482 by CK
- Je vais dire à mes parents que je veux partir tout seul.I will tell my parents that I want to leave by myself.This sentence is useful for describing a plan to tell parents that you je veux partir alone.Tatoeba #1081365 by nimfeo, translation #1152225 by belgavox
- Excusez-moi, je dois partir. J'ai une réunion matinale demain. Merci beaucoup pour cette soirée agréable. Au plaisir de vous revoir bientôt!Excuse me, I have to leave. I have an early meeting tomorrow. Thank you very much for this enjoyable evening. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!
- Je veux partir maintenant.I want to leave now.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are at a boring party.
- HugoC'est vraiment ennuyeux ici, je veux partir.It is really boring here, I want to leave.
- ChloéMoi aussi, Hugo. On y va ?Me too, Hugo. Shall we go?
- HugoOui, on peut s'en aller maintenant.Yes, we can go now.
- ChloéD'accord, Chloé est prête.Okay, Chloé is ready.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
