What is the difference between sortir, partir, quitter and aller?

The French language has several verbs to communicate specific notions that in English we could simply express by saying or conjugating: go. 

From sortir to quitter, we look at the different ways these words can be used, so you can clearly and correctly explain yourself when going or leaving somewhere. 

What does aller mean?

Aller is one of the most commonly used verbs, meaning: to go. 

It is considered ‘irregular’ meaning that it does not follow standard -er grammar patterns, and it is always conjugated with être (to be). 

For example:

• Je vais au restaurant ce soir - I am going to a restaurant tonight.

• Je suis allé au restaurant hier soir - I went to a restaurant last night.

Note that you can also say:

• Je vais aller au restaurant ce soir - I am going to go to a restaurant tonight.

The use of aller here in its infinitive ‘basic’ form is redundant, however, like in English, you may sometimes hear people saying this for actions that are in the near future.

You can technically use aller to express each of the ideas we will go on to look at in this article, however it is important to enrich your vocabulary with new verbs to improve your comprehension and expression in French.

What does sortir mean?

The verb sortir is most often used to say that you are going out or exiting from somewhere.

It places emphasis on the idea of leaving a space.

For example:

• Je sors ce soir - I am going out tonight.

When used in this sense, sortir is always conjugated with être (to be).

Note that sortir can also be conjugated with avoir (to have), but it changes the meaning slightly. This would be like saying ‘to take out’ in English, and is typically said when referring to an object or animal.

For example:

• Je sors le parapluie de mon sac - I take out the umbrella from my bag.

What does partir mean?

Partir is quite similar to sortir, as it means: to leave. 

These verbs can in some cases be used interchangeably, if followed by an action.

For example:

• Je sors faire les courses - I am going out to do the shopping. 

• Je pars faire les courses - I am leaving to do the shopping.

However, in general, the verbs can not be swapped out so easily when referring to a geographical location.

In this case, you would want to choose partir, as it is typically more evocative of travelling somewhere and staying for a period of time. It suggests departing from one place to another destination.

For example:

• Je pars de France pour aller en Espagne - I am leaving France to go to Spain.

If you want to imply the idea of leaving, without stating your point of departure, you can say:

• Je pars en Espagne - I am going to Spain.

If you used sortir in this example, it would change the meaning: 

• Je sors en Espagne - I am going out in Spain.

Partir is always conjugated with être (to be).

What does quitter mean?

Quitter looks similar to the English word ‘quit’ and although it can carry this meaning, it most commonly means, once again: to leave.

This time, quitter emphasises the place you are leaving, without giving a precise destination.

For example:

• Je quitte la maison familiale - I am leaving the family home.

This verb is quite formal and usually implies a long-term decision or change.

It can apply to situations as well as geographical locations:

• Je vais quitter mon copain - I am going to break up with (leave) my boyfriend. 

• Je quitte mon travail - I am quitting (leaving) my job.

In the case of our previous example featuring France and Spain, using quitter instead of partir suggests leaving France indefinitely:

• Je quitte la France pour aller en Espagne - I am leaving France to go to Spain.

Another difference with quitter is that it is only conjugated with avoir (to have).

What does laisser mean?

Watch out for laisser - another French verb that can be translated into English as: to leave.

Laisser is used to say you are leaving something or someone behind.

For example:

• J'ai laissé mon parapluie à la maison - I left my umbrella at the house.

It can also refer to letting or allowing something to happen:

• Je vous laisse faire ce que vous voulez -  I let you do what you want.

This verb is never used to say you are leaving to go somewhere.

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com