Meaning
Record or write a communication for someone.
Cultural Background
The French are generally very formal on the phone. Even when leaving a message for a stranger, always start with 'Bonjour' and end with 'Au revoir'. Skipping these can seem rude. In Quebec, the term 'boîte vocale' is much more common than 'répondeur'. You will still 'laisser {un|m} message', but the location name changes. In many West African countries, oral communication is preferred over recorded messages. People might call multiple times rather than 'laisser {un|m} message'. Swiss French speakers are known for being very precise. When they 'laissent {un|m} message', it often includes a specific time they can be reached back.
Be Brief
When leaving a message in French, keep it under 30 seconds. French people value efficiency in voicemails.
Negative 'de'
Don't forget: 'Je n'ai pas laissé DE message'. Using 'un' here is a very common learner error.
Meaning
Record or write a communication for someone.
Be Brief
When leaving a message in French, keep it under 30 seconds. French people value efficiency in voicemails.
Negative 'de'
Don't forget: 'Je n'ai pas laissé DE message'. Using 'un' here is a very common learner error.
The 'Bip'
In France, the 'beep' is often called 'le bip' or 'le signal sonore'. Use these to sound more native.
Voice Notes
On WhatsApp, say 'Je t'ai laissé {un|m} vocal' for a voice note. It's the modern shortcut.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'laisser'.
Hier, j'ai _______ {un|m} message sur ton bureau.
The sentence is in the passé composé, so we use the past participle 'laissé'.
Which sentence is correct in a negative context?
Choose the correct negation:
In negation, 'un' changes to 'de'.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Secrétaire : Monsieur Dupont n'est pas là. Vous : D'accord, je vais ________.
'Laisser un message' is the standard collocation for this situation.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Where would you say 'Veuillez laisser votre message après le signal sonore'?
This is the standard automated phrase for answering machines.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Laisser vs. Envoyer
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHier, j'ai _______ {un|m} message sur ton bureau.
The sentence is in the passé composé, so we use the past participle 'laissé'.
Choose the correct negation:
In negation, 'un' changes to 'de'.
Secrétaire : Monsieur Dupont n'est pas là. Vous : D'accord, je vais ________.
'Laisser un message' is the standard collocation for this situation.
Where would you say 'Veuillez laisser votre message après le signal sonore'?
This is the standard automated phrase for answering machines.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'envoyer {un|m} SMS' is more common. 'Laisser' implies you are leaving it for them to find later.
'Message' is general. 'Un mot' usually refers specifically to a short, handwritten note.
It is neutral. It works in both formal and informal settings.
Use 'Je prends {un|m} message'.
Use 'un' for 'a message' and 'le' for 'the message' (if you already mentioned it).
It is the French word for an answering machine or voicemail system.
Not usually. For emails, use 'envoyer' or 'écrire'.
Yes, it is the standard phrase used by receptionists and professionals.
You can say 'Je t'ai laissé {un|m} message sur Facebook/Instagram'.
Because 'faire' implies creation/construction, while 'laisser' implies the act of leaving something behind for someone else.
Related Phrases
Prendre {un|m} message
similarTo take a message (for someone else)
Passer {un|m} message
similarTo convey a message
Envoyer {un|m} message
similarTo send a message
Raccrocher au nez
contrastTo hang up on someone
Faire passer {un|m} message
builds onTo get a point across
