In French, both sortir and partir relate to leaving or going out, but they are used in different contexts and have distinct meanings. Understanding when to use each verb will help you express yourself more naturally.
Key Differences
- Sortir means “to go out” or “to exit” and often implies going out for leisure, socializing, or simply stepping outside.
- Partir means “to leave” or “to depart” and usually implies leaving a place to go somewhere else, often for a longer period.
- Sortir can be used with direct objects (e.g., sortir la poubelle), while partir is generally intransitive.
- Sortir focuses on the action of going out or exiting; partir focuses on the action of leaving or departing.
Usage of Sortir
Going out socially
- Je sors ce soir. (I’m going out tonight.)
- Nous sortons au cinéma. (We’re going out to the movies.)
Exiting a place
- Il sort de la maison. (He’s leaving the house.)
- Elle sort de la salle de bain. (She’s coming out of the bathroom.)
Taking something out
- Je sors la poubelle. (I’m taking out the trash.)
- Peux-tu sortir tes affaires ? (Can you take out your things?)
Usage of Partir
Leaving a place
- Je pars à huit heures. (I’m leaving at eight o’clock.)
- Ils partent demain. (They’re leaving tomorrow.)
Departing for a destination
- Nous partons en vacances. (We’re leaving for vacation.)
- Elle part pour Paris. (She’s leaving for Paris.)
She’s leaving for Paris.
Elle part pour Paris.
Partir + pour + destination indicates departure. 'Elle part' is correct.
Leaving a situation or stopping an activity
- Il part déjà ? (Is he leaving already?)
- Je dois partir maintenant. (I have to leave now.)
Is he leaving already?
Il part déjà ?
Partir is used for leaving a situation. 'Il part déjà ?' is the correct form.
Summary: When to Use Each Verb
- Use sortir when talking about going out, exiting, or taking something out.
- Use partir when talking about leaving a place or departing for somewhere.
- Remember: sortir can have a social or physical exit sense; partir has a sense of departure or leaving behind.
When should you use partir?
When talking about leaving a place or departing for somewhere.
Partir is used when leaving a place, starting a journey, or ending a situation.
Examples Side-by-Side
| French Example | English Example | Sortir or Partir? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Je sors ce soir. | I’m going out tonight. | Sortir | Social outing |
| Je pars ce soir. | I’m leaving tonight. | Partir | Departing from a place |
| Il sort de la classe. | He’s leaving the classroom. | Sortir | Exiting a place |
| Il part de la classe. | He’s leaving the classroom. | Partir | Departing from a place |
| Nous sortons au restaurant. | We’re going out to the restaurant. | Sortir | Social outing |
| Nous partons au restaurant. | We’re leaving for the restaurant. | Partir | Going to a destination |
Practice Sentences
- Je avec mes amis ce soir. (sortir/partir)
- Nous demain matin. (sortir/partir)
- Elle de la bibliothèque à trois heures. (sortir/partir)
- Ils en voyage la semaine prochaine. (sortir/partir)
The answers are: sors, partons, sort, partent.
Remember, context is key!
Flashcards (1 of 6)
- Sortir or Partir?: Sortir
- Explanation: Social outing
- English Example: I’m going out tonight.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
