laisse-moi
In French, "let me" is translated as laisse-moi.
This phrase is used to ask for permission or to request that someone allow you to do something.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, laisse-moi is a combination of the imperative verb laisser (to leave/let) and the pronoun moi (me).
Which one should you use?
While laisse-moi is used in informal situations, laissez-moi is the version used for politeness or when addressing multiple people.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people, use laissez-moi instead of laisse-moi. The form laisse-moi uses the tu form, whereas laissez-moi uses the vous form.
Did you know?
- The common expression laisse tomber, which literally translates to 'let it fall', is used idiomatically to mean 'forget about it' or 'never mind'.
- In many French-speaking regions, if you want to say 'let me' in the sense of 'let me go' (as in releasing someone from a grip), you might use lâche-moi instead of laisse-moi.
- The phrase laisse-moi can function as a social shield. When spoken with a specific tone, it is not a request for permission but a command for the other person to stop talking or bothering you.
Examples in context
- Laisse-moi y aller !Let me go!This sentence shows how to use laisse-moi to express a demand to go.Tatoeba #2264035 by sacredceltic, translation #250112 by CK
- Laisse-moi y faire !Let me handle this.This sentence shows how to use laisse-moi to offer to handle a situation.Tatoeba #3668286 by sacredceltic, translation #25537 by CK
- Laisse-moi gérer ça !Let me handle it.This sentence shows how to use laisse-moi to offer to manage something.Tatoeba #1846105 by sacredceltic, translation #1845495 by CK
- Excusez-moi, permettez-moi de vous présenter mon collègue.Excuse me, allow me to introduce my colleague to you.
- Laisse-moi t'aider avec ça.Let me help you with that.
- Permets-moi de porter tes courses.Allow me to carry your groceries.
- 327 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are in the kitchen.
- HugoLaisse-moi t'aider avec ce plat.Let me help you with this dish.
- ChloéC'est très gentil, merci Hugo.That is very kind, thank you Hugo.
- HugoJe peux porter le plateau.I can carry the tray.
- ChloéD'accord, fais attention alors.Okay, be careful then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
