laisse-moi voir
The English phrase "let me see" is translated into French as laisse-moi voir.
This phrase is used as a request to allow someone to look at something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb laisse (let/allow), the pronoun moi (me) and the infinitive voir (to see).
Which one should you use?
Laisse-moi voir uses the tu form and is used with friends, family or children, whereas laissez-moi voir uses the vous form for politeness.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use laissez-moi voir instead of laisse-moi voir when addressing a stranger, a superior or a group of people. To say "let me see it", you insert the direct object pronoun le between the verb and the infinitive to get laisse-moi le voir.
Did you know?
- The French verb voir shares a common ancestor with the English word 'wit', seen in terms like 'witless', because both derive from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to see'.
- In a very informal context, instead of laisse-moi voir, a young person might use the slang Fais voir, which literally translates to 'make see'.
- In French, the word voir is used in the expression voir rouge (to see red) to describe becoming suddenly and violently angry.
Examples in context
- Laisse-moi voir cette liste !Let me see that list.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase laisse-moi voir in the context of a list.Tatoeba #2053775 by sacredceltic, translation #1860618 by CK
- Tourne-toi et laisse-moi voir.Turn around and let me see.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase laisse-moi voir when asking someone to turn around.Tatoeba #6297550 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6296950 by Hybrid
- Laisse-moi voir de quoi ça a l'air.Let me see what it looks like.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase laisse-moi voir when asking about the appearance of something.Tatoeba #3468325 by Lulantis, translation #3467908 by Hybrid
- Laissez-moi voir le document avant de prendre une décision.Let me see the document before making a decision.
- Puis-je jeter un coup d'œil aux données avant la réunion ?May I take a look at the data before the meeting?
- Laisse-moi voir ton dessin, il a l'air génial !Let me see your drawing, it looks amazing!
- Je peux jeter un œil à ton nouvel ordinateur ? J'adore la technologie.Can I have a look at your new computer? I love technology.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is holding a mysterious gift box in the living room.
- GabrielLaisse-moi voir le cadeau, Emma.Let me see the gift, Emma.
- EmmaNon, c'est une surprise pour toi !No, it's a surprise for you!
- GabrielAllez, laisse-moi voir juste un petit peu.Come on, let me see just a little bit.
- EmmaD'accord, mais seulement une seconde.Okay, but only for a second.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries voir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
