French Conversation · Level 12
90 words
French word
laisser
Pronunciation
IPA/lese/
Meaning
- verbleave
Example
Je laisse mes clés sur la table.
I leave my keys on the table.
More examples
Elle a laissé un message sur le répondeur.
She left a message on the answering machine.
Core concept
A hand moves away while an object or person remains where or as it is.
Common phrases
laisser un message
leave a message
laisser la porte ouverte
leave the door open
laisser quelqu'un tranquille
leave someone alone
Similar words
déposer: To set something down in a particular place.
poser: To place something gently and position it carefully.
oublier: To forget something or fail to remember a promise.
abandonner: To leave a person or thing behind without caring for it.
Definition in French
Mettre quelque chose ou quelqu'un dans un endroit ou un état et ne pas le retirer ni intervenir.
Word origin
Laisser comes from Old French laissier, from Latin laxare, meaning to loosen, with the sense of releasing something developing into leaving it in place.
Usage tips
- Laisser quelqu'un faire quelque chose means to let someone do something, unlike laisser quelque chose, which means to leave something in place.