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A1 verb #2,000 most common 12 min read

partir

Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips partir in 30 Seconds

Explanation partir in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'partir' as a fundamental verb for expressing basic movement and travel. The primary focus is on memorizing the present tense conjugation: je pars, tu pars, il/elle/on part, nous partons, vous partez, ils/elles partent. This irregular pattern is essential because it serves as a model for other common verbs like 'sortir' and 'dormir'. Beginners learn to use 'partir' to talk about their daily routines, such as leaving for work or school, and for simple travel plans. The vocabulary is typically paired with basic prepositions of location and time. For instance, learners practice sentences like 'Je pars à 8 heures' (I leave at 8 o'clock) or 'Il part en France' (He is leaving for France). The concept of 'partir' being intransitive is introduced gently, emphasizing that it means 'to depart' rather than 'to leave something behind'. A1 learners are encouraged to use 'partir' in simple, affirmative, and negative sentences to build confidence in expressing departure. The distinction between 'partir' and other verbs like 'quitter' or 'laisser' is usually kept minimal at this stage to avoid confusion, focusing solely on the act of setting off. Mastery of 'partir' in the present tense is a key milestone in achieving basic communicative competence in French, allowing learners to describe their schedules and movements effectively.

As learners progress to the A2 level, the use of 'partir' expands significantly, particularly with the introduction of the passé composé. This is a critical juncture because 'partir' requires the auxiliary verb 'être' instead of 'avoir'. A2 learners must grasp the concept of past participle agreement, ensuring that 'parti' matches the subject in gender and number (e.g., elle est partie, ils sont partis). This grammatical rule is often challenging but is essential for accurate past tense narration. In addition to the past tense, A2 learners begin to use 'partir' with a wider variety of prepositions to express more detailed travel plans. They learn the difference between 'partir pour' (to leave for a destination) and 'partir de' (to leave from a place). The vocabulary surrounding 'partir' becomes richer, incorporating modes of transportation (partir en train, en avion) and specific timeframes (partir en vacances, partir en week-end). Furthermore, learners at this level start to encounter simple idiomatic expressions like 'c'est parti' (here we go), adding a layer of naturalness to their spoken French. The focus shifts from merely stating a departure to narrating a journey, requiring a more nuanced understanding of how 'partir' interacts with other elements in a sentence.

At the B1 level, learners are expected to handle 'partir' with greater fluency and accuracy across multiple tenses, including the imparfait, futur simple, and conditionnel. They can narrate complex past events, distinguishing between 'il partait' (he was leaving/used to leave) and 'il est parti' (he left). The distinction between 'partir', 'quitter', 'laisser', and 'sortir' becomes a major focal point. B1 learners must clearly understand that 'partir' is intransitive, while 'quitter' and 'laisser' require direct objects. They practice scenarios where choosing the correct verb is crucial for meaning, such as 'J'ai quitté mon travail' versus 'Je suis parti du travail'. Additionally, the use of 'partir' in more abstract or figurative contexts is introduced. Learners encounter expressions like 'à partir de' (starting from/as of), which is vital for professional and formal communication. They also learn phrases indicating sudden actions, such as 'partir en courant' (to run away) or 'partir en éclats de rire' (to burst out laughing). At this stage, 'partir' is no longer just a verb of physical movement; it becomes a versatile tool for expressing timeframes, sudden changes in state, and nuanced departures. Mastery involves not just grammatical correctness but also appropriate lexical choice in varied contexts.

Reaching the B2 level signifies a high degree of competence, and the use of 'partir' reflects this sophistication. Learners can effortlessly navigate all tenses and moods, including the subjonctif (e.g., 'Il faut que je parte'). The focus is on refining usage and understanding subtle nuances in meaning. B2 learners are comfortable with complex sentence structures involving 'partir', such as conditional clauses ('Si j'avais su, je ne serais pas parti'). They deeply understand the stylistic differences between 'partir' and its synonyms, using them precisely to convey specific tones or emphasis. Idiomatic and colloquial uses of 'partir' are fully integrated into their vocabulary. They understand expressions like 'partir en vrille' (to spin out of control) or 'partir du bon pied' (to get off to a good start). Furthermore, B2 learners can engage in detailed discussions or debates where 'partir' is used metaphorically, such as discussing someone 'leaving' a political party or a philosophical stance. The verb is used naturally in both formal writing and informal conversation, demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of its syntactic and semantic properties. Errors with auxiliary verbs or prepositions are rare, and the learner's speech flows smoothly, utilizing 'partir' as a native speaker would in a wide array of situations.

At the C1 level, the learner's command of 'partir' is near-native. The focus is no longer on grammar or basic meaning, but on stylistic elegance, rhetorical effect, and profound cultural understanding. C1 users manipulate 'partir' in highly complex and abstract contexts. They are adept at using it in literary or formal registers, understanding its nuances in classic French literature or sophisticated journalism. They effortlessly employ compound nouns and derived terms, such as 'un point de départ' (a starting point) or 'un faux départ' (a false start), integrating them seamlessly into complex arguments or analyses. The use of 'partir' in idiomatic expressions is extensive and natural, including obscure or highly specific phrases. They understand the emotional weight of 'partir' when used as a euphemism for death ('il nous a quittés' or 'il est parti') and can navigate such sensitive topics with appropriate grace. At this level, the learner can play with the language, using 'partir' to create specific rhythms or emphases in their speech and writing. They can easily correct others' mistakes and explain the intricate rules governing the verb's usage, demonstrating a metalinguistic awareness that goes far beyond simple communication.

The C2 level represents absolute mastery of the French language, and the use of 'partir' at this stage is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. C2 users possess an exhaustive knowledge of every conceivable nuance, idiom, and historical usage of the verb. They can employ 'partir' in the most demanding intellectual, academic, or professional environments without hesitation. Their understanding encompasses regional variations and slang, knowing exactly when and where it is appropriate to use phrases like 'partir en cacahuète' (to go pear-shaped) versus more elevated expressions. They can deconstruct complex texts where 'partir' plays a central thematic role, analyzing its contribution to the overall meaning. Furthermore, C2 learners can creatively generate new metaphors or plays on words involving 'partir', demonstrating a deep, intuitive feel for the language's mechanics and aesthetics. They use the verb not just to convey information, but to persuade, entertain, and express the most subtle shades of thought and emotion. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'partir' is a fully integrated element of the user's linguistic identity, wielded with precision, flair, and complete confidence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

partir in 30 Seconds

Means 'to leave' or 'to depart'.
Always intransitive (no direct object).
Uses 'être' in the passé composé.
Often followed by 'de' or 'pour'.

The French verb 'partir' is one of the most fundamental and frequently used verbs in the French language, primarily meaning 'to leave' or 'to depart'. Understanding its nuances is essential for any learner, from beginner to advanced levels. At its core, 'partir' indicates the action of moving away from a current location to go somewhere else. Unlike other verbs that might translate to 'leave' in English, such as 'quitter' or 'laisser', 'partir' is almost exclusively intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object. You cannot 'partir' a room; you simply 'partir' from it. This fundamental distinction is crucial for mastering French syntax and avoiding common pitfalls.

Intransitive Nature: The verb 'partir' never takes a direct object. It focuses entirely on the subject's action of departing, emphasizing the origin or the act of moving away rather than what is being left behind.

Je dois partir maintenant pour ne pas rater mon train.

Furthermore, 'partir' is heavily utilized in various contexts, from casual daily departures to grand voyages. When you say 'je pars', it can mean you are leaving a party, leaving for work, or embarking on a month-long vacation. The context and the prepositions that follow dictate the specific meaning. For instance, 'partir pour' indicates a destination (partir pour Paris), while 'partir en' is often used with modes of transportation or feminine countries (partir en train, partir en France).

Auxiliary Verb Être: In compound tenses like the passé composé, 'partir' is conjugated with the auxiliary verb 'être', not 'avoir'. This means the past participle must agree in gender and number with the subject.

Elles sont parties très tôt ce matin.

The versatility of 'partir' extends beyond physical movement. It is also used in numerous idiomatic expressions. For example, 'à partir de' translates to 'starting from' or 'as of', which is incredibly useful for establishing timeframes or conditions. Another common phrase is 'c'est parti', which enthusiastically means 'here we go' or 'let's go'. Understanding these extended meanings enriches your vocabulary and allows you to sound more natural and fluent.

Figurative Usage: Partir can also describe the start of an action or a sudden change in state, such as 'partir en courant' (to run away) or 'partir en éclats de rire' (to burst out laughing).

Quand il a entendu la blague, il est parti d'un grand éclat de rire.

Le coup est parti tout seul.

À partir de demain, je fais du sport.

In summary, 'partir' is a foundational verb that requires careful attention to its intransitive nature, its reliance on the auxiliary 'être' for compound tenses, and its diverse applications in both literal departures and figurative expressions. Mastering 'partir' will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in French, allowing you to describe movements, schedules, and sudden actions with precision and confidence.

Using 'partir' correctly involves mastering its conjugation, understanding the prepositions that follow it, and recognizing its role in various grammatical structures. As an irregular -ir verb, 'partir' does not follow the standard conjugation pattern of regular -ir verbs like 'finir' or 'choisir'. Instead, it belongs to a specific subgroup of irregular verbs that includes 'sortir', 'dormir', 'sentir', and 'servir'. In the present tense, the conjugation is: je pars, tu pars, il/elle/on part, nous partons, vous partez, ils/elles partent. Notice how the singular forms drop the final consonant of the stem (part- becomes par-), while the plural forms retain it.

Present Tense Conjugation: The present tense of 'partir' is highly irregular in the singular forms but follows a more predictable pattern in the plural. Memorizing this pattern is crucial as it applies to several other common verbs.

Nous partons en vacances la semaine prochaine.

When discussing past events, 'partir' requires the auxiliary verb 'être' in the passé composé. This is a common stumbling block for English speakers who are accustomed to using 'have' (avoir) for almost all past tense verbs. Because it uses 'être', the past participle 'parti' must agree in gender and number with the subject. For a feminine subject, add an 'e' (partie); for a masculine plural subject, add an 's' (partis); and for a feminine plural subject, add 'es' (parties).

Passé Composé Agreement: The agreement of the past participle is mandatory when using 'être'. This rule applies to all subjects, whether they are pronouns or nouns.

Ma sœur est partie vivre au Canada.

Prepositions play a vital role in how 'partir' is used to convey specific meanings. To express leaving *for* a destination, use 'pour' (e.g., partir pour Londres). To express leaving *from* a place, use 'de' (e.g., partir de la gare). When discussing the mode of transportation, use 'en' for enclosed vehicles (partir en voiture, en train) and 'à' for open modes (partir à vélo, à pied). Additionally, 'partir' can be followed by an infinitive verb to indicate leaving to do something, such as 'partir travailler' (to leave for work) or 'partir étudier' (to leave to study).

Prepositions of Destination: Choosing the correct preposition after 'partir' is essential for clarity. 'Pour' indicates the intended destination, while 'en' or 'au/aux' can also be used depending on the geographical location.

Ils sont partis pour le Japon hier soir.

Je vais partir de ce bureau à 18h.

Il vaut mieux partir en avance.

By mastering the conjugation, auxiliary verb requirements, and associated prepositions, you will be able to use 'partir' accurately and effectively in a wide range of contexts, from simple daily routines to complex travel narratives.

The verb 'partir' is ubiquitous in French-speaking environments, echoing through train stations, airports, workplaces, and homes. Its frequency is a testament to its central role in expressing movement and transitions in daily life. One of the most common places you will hear 'partir' is in the context of travel and transportation. Announcements at the SNCF (French National Railway Company) frequently use this verb to inform passengers about departing trains. For example, 'Le train à destination de Lyon va partir' (The train bound for Lyon is going to leave). In airports, you will hear similar announcements regarding flights.

Travel Announcements: Public transport systems heavily rely on 'partir' to communicate schedules and imminent departures to the public.

Attention, le train va partir, éloignez-vous de la bordure du quai.

In everyday social interactions, 'partir' is used constantly to announce one's departure from a gathering, a house, or a conversation. When a party is winding down, you might hear guests saying, 'Bon, on va partir' (Well, we are going to leave) or 'Il est temps de partir' (It's time to leave). In a professional setting, colleagues use it to indicate the end of their workday, saying 'Je pars du bureau' (I'm leaving the office) or simply 'Je pars, à demain!' (I'm leaving, see you tomorrow!).

Social and Professional Departures: 'Partir' is the standard verb for excusing oneself or announcing the end of an activity or workday.

Désolé, je dois partir, j'ai un rendez-vous.

Beyond literal movement, 'partir' is deeply embedded in French culture through idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. You will often hear the phrase 'C'est parti !' used enthusiastically to signal the beginning of an activity, much like 'Here we go!' or 'Let's do this!' in English. In sports, the referee might say 'Partez !' (Go!) to start a race. In more emotional contexts, 'partir' can be used as a euphemism for dying, similar to 'passing away' in English (e.g., 'Il est parti trop tôt' - He left too soon).

Idiomatic and Emotional Contexts: The verb transcends physical movement, serving as a versatile tool for expressing enthusiasm, beginnings, and even grief.

Allez, c'est parti pour une nouvelle aventure !

Mon grand-père est parti l'année dernière.

Le projet est bien parti.

From the mundane routine of commuting to the profound moments of life and death, 'partir' is a word you will encounter daily in the French-speaking world. Its widespread use makes it an indispensable part of your vocabulary.

Learning 'partir' comes with its fair share of challenges, and learners frequently make specific mistakes when trying to integrate it into their French. The most prominent error involves confusing 'partir' with other verbs that translate to 'leave' in English, namely 'quitter', 'laisser', and 'sortir'. English speakers often try to use 'partir' transitively, meaning they try to attach a direct object to it. For example, a learner might say 'Je pars la maison' to mean 'I am leaving the house'. This is grammatically incorrect in French. 'Partir' is intransitive; you cannot 'partir' something. You must either use a preposition (Je pars de la maison) or use the transitive verb 'quitter' (Je quitte la maison).

The Transitive Trap: Never place a direct object immediately after 'partir'. Always use a preposition if you need to specify the place you are leaving from, or switch to 'quitter'.

Incorrect: Je pars la France. Correct: Je pars de France / Je quitte la France.

Another major source of errors is the choice of auxiliary verb in compound tenses like the passé composé. Because English uses 'have' (I have left), learners instinctively use 'avoir' in French (J'ai parti). This is a critical mistake. 'Partir' is a verb of motion and state change, placing it firmly in the category of verbs that require 'être' as their auxiliary. The correct form is 'Je suis parti(e)'. Failing to use 'être' not only sounds unnatural to native speakers but also leads to the subsequent error of forgetting past participle agreement.

Auxiliary Verb Confusion: Using 'avoir' instead of 'être' is a hallmark mistake of beginner and intermediate learners. Always associate 'partir' with 'être'.

Incorrect: Il a parti. Correct: Il est parti.

Finally, learners often struggle with the prepositions that follow 'partir'. A common mistake is using 'à' when 'pour' is required to indicate a destination. While you can say 'Je vais à Paris' (I am going to Paris), you should say 'Je pars pour Paris' (I am leaving for Paris). Using 'partir à Paris' is sometimes heard in casual spoken French, but 'partir pour' is grammatically more precise and universally accepted for indicating a destination.

Preposition Errors: Mixing up 'pour', 'à', and 'de' after 'partir' can change the meaning of your sentence or make it grammatically incorrect.

Nous sommes partis pour la plage (We left for the beach).

Elle est partie de la réunion en avance.

Ne dis pas 'j'ai parti', dis 'je suis parti'.

By being aware of these common mistakes—avoiding direct objects, using the correct auxiliary verb, and selecting the appropriate prepositions—you can significantly improve your accuracy and sound much more like a native French speaker.

The English verb 'to leave' is a broad term that covers many different actions and contexts. In French, this single concept is divided among several distinct verbs, primarily 'partir', 'quitter', 'laisser', and 'sortir'. Understanding the differences between these similar words is crucial for precise communication. 'Partir' focuses on the act of departing or setting off. It emphasizes the origin of the movement and is always intransitive. You use it when the focus is on the fact that someone is going away, often on a journey or simply leaving a location without specifying what is being left behind.

Partir vs. Quitter: While 'partir' is intransitive, 'quitter' is transitive and must be followed by a direct object. You 'quitter' a place or a person.

Je pars demain. vs. Je quitte mon travail demain.

'Laisser' is another verb that translates to 'leave', but it means 'to leave something behind' or 'to let'. It is also transitive and requires a direct object. You use 'laisser' when you forget your keys, when you leave a tip, or when you leave someone alone. It focuses on the object that remains in a place, rather than the movement of the subject. For example, 'J'ai laissé mes clés sur la table' (I left my keys on the table). You would never use 'partir' in this context.

Partir vs. Laisser: 'Partir' is about the subject moving away; 'laisser' is about the object staying behind.

Il est parti et il a laissé la porte ouverte.

Finally, 'sortir' translates to 'to go out' or 'to exit'. It implies moving from the inside of a space to the outside. Like 'partir', it uses 'être' in the passé composé when used intransitively. However, 'sortir' can also be used transitively (with 'avoir') to mean 'to take something out' (e.g., sortir les poubelles - to take out the trash). 'Partir' is more general and implies a more significant departure or journey, whereas 'sortir' is often a temporary exit, like going out for the evening or stepping out of a room.

Partir vs. Sortir: 'Sortir' emphasizes the transition from inside to outside, while 'partir' emphasizes the departure itself, regardless of the physical boundaries.

Je sors ce soir, mais je pars en vacances demain.

Il faut partir maintenant si on veut arriver à l'heure.

S'en aller is another synonym meaning to go away, often used interchangeably with partir.

By carefully distinguishing between 'partir', 'quitter', 'laisser', and 'sortir', you will avoid the common pitfalls that trap many learners and express your intentions with native-like accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Passé composé with être

Past participle agreement

Prepositions with geographical names

Irregular -ir verbs (sortir, dormir)

Futur proche (aller + infinitive)

Examples by Level

Je pars à l'école.

I am leaving for school.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Il part demain matin.

He leaves tomorrow morning.

Present tense used for near future.

Nous partons en vacances.

We are leaving on vacation.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Tu pars à quelle heure ?

What time are you leaving?

Question formation with 'à quelle heure'.

Elle part en train.

She is leaving by train.

Use of preposition 'en' for transportation.

Ils partent au travail.

They are leaving for work.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Je ne pars pas aujourd'hui.

I am not leaving today.

Negative form 'ne... pas'.

Vous partez avec moi ?

Are you leaving with me?

Formal/plural question.

Je suis parti très tôt ce matin.

I left very early this morning.

Passé composé with auxiliary 'être'.

Elle est partie vivre en Espagne.

She left to live in Spain.

Past participle agreement (feminine 'e').

Nous sommes partis de la maison à midi.

We left the house at noon.

Use of 'de' to indicate origin.

Ils vont partir la semaine prochaine.

They are going to leave next week.

Futur proche (aller + infinitive).

Pourquoi es-tu parti si vite ?

Why did you leave so quickly?

Question in the passé composé.

Mes parents sont partis en voyage.

My parents left on a trip.

Past participle agreement (masculine plural 's').

Le train est déjà parti.

The train has already left.

Adverb 'déjà' placed between auxiliary and past participle.

C'est parti pour l'aventure !

Here we go for the adventure!

Common idiomatic expression.

Quand j'étais jeune, je partais souvent en colonie de vacances.

When I was young, I often used to leave for summer camp.

Imparfait used for repeated past actions.

Il faut que je parte avant la nuit.

I must leave before nightfall.

Subjunctive mood after 'il faut que'.

Si j'avais de l'argent, je partirais faire le tour du monde.

If I had money, I would leave to travel the world.

Conditional mood used in a 'si' clause.

Dès qu'il aura fini, il partira.

As soon as he has finished, he will leave.

Futur simple and futur antérieur sequence.

Elle est partie en courant quand elle a vu le chien.

She ran away when she saw the dog.

Expression 'partir en courant'.

À partir de demain, je commence mon régime.

Starting tomorrow, I begin my diet.

Expression 'à partir de' for timeframes.

Je ne pensais pas qu'ils partiraient si tôt.

I didn't think they would leave so early.

Conditional used for future in the past.

En partant, n'oublie pas de fermer la porte.

When leaving, don't forget to close the door.

Gérondif (en + present participle).

Bien qu'il soit malade, il est parti travailler.

Even though he is sick, he left for work.

Concession clause with subjunctive 'bien que'.

Ils seraient partis plus tôt s'ils avaient su qu'il y aurait des bouchons.

They would have left earlier if they had known there would be traffic jams.

Conditionnel passé for an unrealized past condition.

La discussion est partie en vrille très rapidement.

The discussion spun out of control very quickly.

Colloquial idiom 'partir en vrille'.

C'est une rumeur qui est partie de rien.

It's a rumor that started from nothing.

Figurative use of 'partir' meaning 'to originate'.

Il est parti du principe que tout le monde était d'accord.

He started from the premise that everyone agreed.

Expression 'partir du principe que'.

Je suis ravi que tu sois parti en bons termes avec eux.

I am delighted that you left on good terms with them.

Subjunctive past after an expression of emotion.

À peine était-il arrivé qu'il est reparti.

Hardly had he arrived when he left again.

Inversion and use of prefix 're-' for repetition.

Le coup est parti tout seul, je vous le jure !

The gun went off by itself, I swear to you!

Specific use of 'partir' for a gunshot or sudden release.

Son discours est parti dans tous les sens, perdant ainsi son auditoire.

His speech went off in all directions, thereby losing his audience.

Figurative expression for lack of coherence.

Il est parti de rien pour bâtir un empire financier colossal.

He started from nothing to build a colossal financial empire.

Metaphorical use for humble beginnings.

La manifestation, partie d'une simple revendication salariale, s'est transformée en émeute.

The protest, which started from a simple wage demand, turned into a riot.

Past participle used as an adjective/apposition.

Je crains qu'il ne soit parti pour de bon cette fois-ci.

I fear he has left for good this time.

Subjunctive with 'ne expletif' and expression 'pour de bon'.

Tout est parti d'un malentendu tragique.

Everything stemmed from a tragic misunderstanding.

Use of 'partir de' to indicate the root cause.

Il a laissé entendre qu'il pourrait partir à la retraite anticipée.

He hinted that he might take early retirement.

Formal phrasing 'partir à la retraite'.

L'entreprise est bien partie pour réaliser des bénéfices records cette année.

The company is well on its way to making record profits this year.

Expression 'être bien parti pour' meaning 'on track to'.

C'est un parti pris esthétique qui se défend.

It's an aesthetic bias that can be justified.

Noun phrase 'un parti pris' derived from the verb.

Il s'en est allé, parti rejoindre les étoiles, laissant un vide immense.

He passed away, gone to join the stars, leaving an immense void.

Poetic/literary euphemism for death.

L'argumentation de l'auteur part d'un postulat tout à fait discutable.

The author's argumentation starts from a highly questionable premise.

Academic register, abstract origin.

Ne le lance pas sur ce sujet, sinon il est parti pour des heures.

Don't get him started on that topic, otherwise he's off for hours.

Colloquial use implying unstoppable momentum.

La situation économique est telle que le pays part à vau-l'eau.

The economic situation is such that the country is going to the dogs.

Rare/literary idiom 'partir à vau-l'eau'.

Son éclat de rire, parti du fond du cœur, a détendu l'atmosphère.

His burst of laughter, coming from the bottom of his heart, relaxed the atmosphere.

Participle phrase modifying a noun.

Il a pris le parti de se taire face aux accusations.

He made the decision to remain silent in the face of the accusations.

Expression 'prendre le parti de' (to decide/resolve).

C'est une initiative qui, bien que louable, part avec un sérieux handicap.

It's an initiative that, although praiseworthy, starts with a serious handicap.

Figurative use in a complex sentence structure.

La fusée est partie dans un vacarme assourdissant, déchirant le ciel nocturne.

The rocket launched in a deafening roar, tearing through the night sky.

Descriptive, evocative language using 'partir' for a launch.

Common Collocations

partir en vacances

partir en voyage

partir à l'étranger

partir à la retraite

partir de zéro

partir en courant

partir du principe

laisser partir

voir partir

prêt à partir

Common Phrases

C'est parti !

À partir de demain

Partir du bon pied

Partir en fumée

Partir en vrille

Partir en éclats

Faire partir

Partir à la recherche

Partir sur de bonnes bases

Partir pour de bon

Often Confused With

partir vs quitter

partir vs laisser

partir vs sortir

Idioms & Expressions

"Partir en cacahuète"

"Partir à vau-l'eau"

"Partir les pieds devant"

"Partir avec la caisse"

"Partir en sucette"

"Partir sur les chapeaux de roue"

"Avoir un parti pris"

"Prendre le parti de"

"Tirer parti de"

"Un coup parti"

Easily Confused

partir vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

figurative

Can mean 'to start' or 'to originate' in abstract contexts.

prepositions

Crucial to master: partir de (origin), partir pour (destination), partir en (transport/country).

Common Mistakes

Using 'avoir' instead of 'être' in the passé composé (saying 'j'ai parti').
Using 'partir' with a direct object (saying 'je pars la maison').
Forgetting to agree the past participle with the subject (writing 'elle est parti').
Confusing 'partir' with 'laisser' when talking about leaving an object behind.
Using 'partir à' instead of 'partir pour' in formal writing to indicate a destination.

Tips

Never use a direct object

The biggest mistake English speakers make is trying to translate 'I leave the room' directly. Remember that 'partir' is intransitive. You must say 'Je pars de la pièce' or use 'quitter'.

Group it with Sortir and Dormir

To memorize the present tense conjugation easily, learn 'partir', 'sortir', and 'dormir' together. They all drop the final consonant in the singular (pars, sors, dors) and keep it in the plural (partons, sortons, dormons).

Use 'C'est parti !'

Want to sound like a native? Use 'C'est parti !' when you are about to start an activity, a road trip, or a project. It brings a lot of positive energy to your speech.

Check your agreements

Because 'partir' uses 'être' in the passé composé, you must always agree the past participle with the subject. If a group of women leaves, write 'Elles sont parties'.

Pour vs De

Use 'partir de' for the place you are leaving (origin) and 'partir pour' for the place you are going to (destination). Example: Je pars de Londres pour aller à Paris.

Partir en vrille

Learn the slang expression 'partir en vrille'. It means things are spinning out of control or going crazy. It's very common in modern, casual French conversation.

À partir de

In formal writing or business emails, 'à partir de' is essential for stating when something begins. 'À partir de lundi' means 'As of Monday' or 'Starting Monday'.

Pronounce the R

Unlike regular -er verbs where the final 'r' is silent (like 'parler'), the 'r' at the end of 'partir' must be clearly pronounced. It sounds like 'par-teer'.

Partir vs S'en aller

While they both mean to go away, 's'en aller' often carries a slightly stronger sense of leaving a place for good or going away from the speaker. 'Partir' is more neutral.

Listen for the liaison

In plural forms, listen for the liaison. 'Ils sont partis' is pronounced with a strong 't' sound linking 'sont' and 'partis' in formal speech, though it's often dropped in casual speech.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of PARTing ways with someone when you PARTir.

Word Origin

From Latin 'partiri', meaning 'to divide' or 'to share'.

Cultural Context

Using 'partir' for death is extremely common and considered polite and empathetic.

The phrase 'partir en vacances' is a cornerstone of French work-life balance discussions.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"À quelle heure pars-tu demain ?"

"Où aimes-tu partir en vacances ?"

"Es-tu déjà parti à l'étranger ?"

"Pourquoi es-tu parti si tôt hier ?"

"Quand comptez-vous partir à la retraite ?"

Journal Prompts

Racontez la dernière fois que vous êtes parti en voyage.

Décrivez votre routine du matin avant de partir au travail.

Que ressentez-vous quand vous voyez quelqu'un partir ?

Si vous pouviez partir n'importe où demain, où iriez-vous ?

Écrivez sur un projet que vous avez commencé (qui est 'parti').

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In French, verbs that indicate a significant change of location or state use 'être' as their auxiliary verb in compound tenses. 'Partir' is a classic verb of motion. Therefore, it requires 'être'. Using 'avoir' is grammatically incorrect and sounds very unnatural. Remember the DR MRS VANDERTRAMP list to help you recall these verbs.

No, this is a very common mistake. 'Partir' is an intransitive verb, meaning it cannot take a direct object. You must use a preposition. The correct way to say this is 'Je pars de la maison' (I am leaving from the house). Alternatively, you can use the transitive verb 'quitter' and say 'Je quitte la maison'.

'Partir' generally means to leave or depart, often implying a journey or a significant departure. 'Sortir' means to exit or to go out, emphasizing the movement from inside to outside. For example, you 'sors' of a room or 'sors' with friends for the evening, but you 'pars' on vacation or 'pars' for work.

The phrase 'starting from' or 'as of' is translated using the expression 'à partir de'. So, 'starting from tomorrow' is 'à partir de demain'. This is a very useful phrase for setting timeframes, rules, or schedules in both formal and informal contexts.

Not always. While its primary meaning is physical departure, it is heavily used in idiomatic expressions. For example, 'c'est parti' means 'here we go' or 'let's start'. It can also mean to originate ('cette idée part d'un bon sentiment') or even serve as a euphemism for dying ('il est parti').

It is an irregular -ir verb. The singular forms drop the final 't': je pars, tu pars, il/elle/on part. The plural forms keep the 't': nous partons, vous partez, ils/elles partent. This pattern is identical to verbs like 'sortir' and 'dormir'.

Grammatically, 'partir pour' is the most correct and precise way to indicate a destination (e.g., Je pars pour Paris). However, in casual spoken French, you will frequently hear native speakers say 'partir à' (e.g., Je pars à Paris). For formal writing or exams, stick to 'partir pour'.

It literally translates to 'to leave by running', but it is the standard French expression for 'to run away' or 'to flee'. You use the verb 'partir' followed by the gerund 'en courant' to describe the manner of departure. Similarly, 'partir en pleurant' means to leave crying.

Yes, 'repartir', which means 'to leave again' or 'to set off again', follows the exact same conjugation pattern as 'partir'. It also uses 'être' in the passé composé (e.g., il est reparti). Do not confuse it with 'répartir' (to distribute), which is a regular -ir verb and uses 'avoir'.

It is used as a gentle euphemism, similar to 'to pass away' in English. You simply use it in the past tense, often with a time reference or an expression of sorrow. For example, 'Mon oncle est parti la nuit dernière' (My uncle passed away last night). It is considered very respectful.