Laisser and Quitter are two French verbs that both relate to the idea of "leaving," but they are used in different situations and have different meanings. Understanding the difference between these verbs will help you use them correctly in context.
Laisser
Laisser means "to leave" in the sense of allowing something to remain, leaving something behind, or letting something be. It can also mean "to leave something to someone" (like leaving a message or leaving money).
- Focuses on leaving something/someone in a certain state or abandoning/neglecting
- Often followed by a direct object (something or someone left behind)
- Can also mean "to let" or "to allow"
Examples
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Laissez-moi tranquille ! | Leave me alone! |
| J'ai laissé mes clés sur la table. | I left my keys on the table. |
| Elle a laissé son travail pour voyager. | She left her job to travel. |
| Laissez le gâteau refroidir. | Let the cake cool. |
Quitter
Quitter means "to leave" in the sense of departing from a place or leaving someone. It implies ending a presence or relationship and is always followed by the place or person you are leaving.
- Means physically leaving a place or person
- Always followed by a noun (place or person)
- Can imply a permanent or temporary departure
- More final or deliberate than partir
Examples
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Il a quitté la maison à 8 heures. | He left the house at 8 o'clock. |
| Elle a quitté son mari. | She left her husband. |
| Nous devons quitter le restaurant. | We have to leave the restaurant. |
| Ils ont quitté Paris hier soir. | They left Paris last night. |
Summary
| Verb | Meaning | Usage Tips | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| laisser | to leave (something behind; to let; to allow) | Focus on what is left (things, people, states). Often followed by a direct object. | J'ai laissé mon sac ici. |
| quitter | to leave (a place or person) | Focus on physically leaving. Always followed by the place or person being left. | Je quitte le bureau à 18h. |
Can laisser be used to mean "let" or "allow"?
Yes, **laisser** can mean "let" or "allow" someone to do something.
**Laisser** can mean "let" or "allow," as in "Laissez-moi tranquille !" (Leave me alone!) or "Laissez le gâteau refroidir." (Let the cake cool.)
What do you always follow quitter with?
A place or a person (noun).
Quitter is always followed by a noun that is a place or person being left.
Quick Practice
| French (Fill in the Blank) | English |
|---|---|
| Je _ mes chaussures à l'entrée. | I leave my shoes at the entrance. (laisser) |
| Elle _ son appartement hier. | She left her apartment yesterday. (quitter) |
| Ne _ pas la fenêtre ouverte ! | Don’t leave the window open! (laisser) |
| Ils ont _ la fête tôt. | They left the party early. (quitter) |
Use laisser when leaving something behind or letting something be. Use quitter when physically leaving a place or person.
Flashcards (1 of 12)
- English: Leave me alone!
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
