General Meaning
Both sortir and partir translate to "to leave" or "to go out" in English, but they are used in different contexts to express different nuances of leaving or going away.
Usage of Sortir
Sortir generally means "to go out" in the sense of leaving a place to go outside or to go out socially. It is often used when someone leaves the house, a room, or a building to go somewhere else, especially for leisure or social activities.
Usage of Partir
Partir means "to leave" or "to depart," focusing more on the act of leaving a place for a journey or a longer absence. It often implies starting a trip or moving away from a place without immediate return.
Verb Conjugation Overview
Both verbs are irregular and have different conjugation patterns. Here is a brief overview for the present tense:
| Pronoun | Sortir | Partir |
|---|---|---|
| Je | sors | pars |
| Tu | sors | pars |
| Il/Elle | sort | part |
| Nous | sortons | partons |
| Vous | sortez | partez |
| Ils/Elles | sortent | partent |
Examples with Sortir
- Je sors ce soir avec mes amis. (I'm going out tonight with my friends.)
- Elle sort de la maison à 8 heures. (She leaves the house at 8 o'clock.)
- Nous sortons du cinéma après le film. (We leave the cinema after the movie.)
Examples with Partir
- Ils partent en vacances demain. (They leave for vacation tomorrow.)
- Je pars à Paris ce weekend. (I'm leaving for Paris this weekend.)
- Elle part tôt ce matin pour le travail. (She leaves early this morning for work.)
Key Differences
- Use sortir when emphasizing going out, usually from a building or for social activities.
- Use partir when emphasizing the act of leaving to go somewhere else, often for a longer time or journey.
Summary
Understanding the difference between sortir and partir helps express leaving or going out more precisely in French. Sortir is more about "going out" from a place, often for social reasons, while partir focuses on "leaving" or "departing" for a trip or a longer absence.
