How to Say “To Leave” in French: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to express the concept of “to leave” in French is essential when trying to communicate effectively in this beautiful language. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “to leave” in French, as well as some tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive in!

Formal Ways to Say “To Leave” in French

When speaking in formal contexts or when addressing someone with higher authority, it’s important to use appropriate vocabulary and expressions. Here are some formal ways to say “to leave” in French:

1. Partir: This is the most common and versatile verb to express “to leave” in French, suitable for most formal situations. For example:
   
   

   “Je dois partir maintenant” (I have to leave now).

2. Quitter: This verb is used when leaving a place, a job, or a situation permanently, implying a definitive departure. Example:
   
   

   “Il va quitter son emploi” (He is going to leave his job).

3. Départir: This verb is more formal and often used in written or formal contexts. It suggests a departure after a specific event or occasion. Example:
   
   

   “Le président a décidé de départir après la cérémonie” (The president has decided to leave after the ceremony).

Informal Ways to Say “To Leave” in French

When speaking with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use more familiar expressions to say “to leave” in French. Below are some informal ways to express this:

1. Partir: Just like in formal contexts, “partir” is also widely used in casual conversations. Example:
   
   

   “Je dois partir maintenant” (I have to leave now).

2. Se casser: This is a more colloquial and somewhat slang expression meaning “to leave” or “to get out.” Example:
   
   

   “Bon, je me casse maintenant” (Well, I’m getting out of here now).

3. S’en aller: This phrase is commonly used in informal speech and implies a voluntary departure. Example:
   
   

   “Ça fait longtemps, il est temps que je m’en aille” (It’s been a long time, time for me to leave).

Regional Variations

Although standard French is widely spoken and understood throughout France, there might be regional variations in certain expressions. Here are a few examples:

• Prendre la tangente: This idiomatic expression is mostly used in the south of France and means “to take off” or “to sneak away.” Example:
  
  

  “On va faire croire qu’on reste, mais en fait on prend la tangente” (We’ll make them believe we’re staying, but in fact, we’re taking off).

• Se barrer: Commonly used in urban areas, especially in Paris, this colloquial expression means “to walk away” or “to run off.” Example:
  
  

  “Il s’est barré sans même dire au revoir” (He walked off without even saying goodbye).

Tips and Examples

Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the usage of “to leave” in French:

• When using the verb “partir” (to leave) in French, pay attention to its conjugation depending on the subject of the sentence. For instance:
  

  “Tu pars” (You leave)
  “Il/elle part” (He/she leaves)
  “Nous partons” (We leave)

• The use of different prepositions with the verb “quitter” can alter the meaning of “to leave.” For instance:
  
  

  “Quitter le bureau” (To leave the office)
  “Quitter quelqu’un” (To leave someone)

• When expressing “leaving from” a specific location in French, the preposition “de” is used. For example:
  
  

  “Je pars de la maison” (I leave from the house)