laisse faire
To say 'let it be' in French, you use laisse faire.
The phrase is used to express the idea of leaving something to follow its natural course.
Meaning: leave something to follow its natural course (verb)
Which one should you use?
For a more formal expression, you can use Qu'il en soit ainsi, while the informal Laisse tomber is used in casual settings.
Did you know?
- The phrase laisse faire is the origin of the English economic term 'laissez-faire'. While English speakers use it to describe a policy of non-interference, in French it remains a common everyday instruction to stop meddling.
- The word faire in your phrase shares the same Latin ancestor, facere, as the English word 'fact'.
- If you use Laisse tomber to mean 'let it be', you are literally saying 'let it fall'.
Examples in context
- Laisse faire.Let it be.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase laisse faire.Tatoeba #872706 by U2FS, translation #764592 by U2FS
- Les règles ont été fixées, qu'il en soit ainsi.The rules have been established, let it be.
- Ne te prends pas la tête avec ça, laisse tomber.Don't stress about it, let it be.
- Ça n'a pas d'importance, oublie ça.It doesn't matter, let it be.
- Laisse faire le destin.Let destiny take its course.
- Laisse faire la nature.Let nature take its course.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are discussing a small disagreement between friends.
- LucasJe devrais appeler Marc pour m'excuser.I should call Marc to apologize.
- LéaNon, laisse faire pour l'instant.No, let it be for now.
- LucasTu crois qu'il va oublier ?Do you think he will forget?
- LéaOui, laisse faire, il va se calmer.Yes, let it be, he will calm down.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries faire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
