Laissez-moi (en. Leave me)

/lɛ.se.mwa/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

A request addressed to others to allow the speaker to perform an action.

Let me finish what I started.

Laissez-moi finir ce que j'ai commencé.

Often used to express a desire for autonomy.

Let me choose the song we are going to listen to.

Laissez-moi choisir la chanson que nous allons écouter.

Can also express distress or impatience.

Leave me alone, I want to be on my own.

Laissez-moi en paix, je veux être seul.

Derived from the imperative of the verb 'laisser' and the pronoun 'moi'.

leave me alone

A request for solitude or not to be disturbed.

laissez-moi tranquille

let me see

Expresses the desire to check or examine something.

laissez-moi voir

let me talk about it

Indicates a willingness to discuss a topic.

laissez-moi en parler

let

Verb meaning to allow or not to prevent.

laisser

Singular personal pronoun referring to the speaker.

moi

laissez-faire

Term referring to a non-interventionist attitude.

laisser-faire

Affectation of self-deprecation.

In a difficult situation, one might say 'leave me, I can handle it'.

Dans une situation difficile, on peut dire 'laissez-moi, je gère'.

To express exasperation.

When I am exasperated, I often say 'leave me, I can't take it anymore!'

Quand je suis exaspéré, je dis souvent 'laissez-moi, je ne peux plus!'