Differences between verbs “sortir” and “partir”

Question

Both sortir and partir are the same in meaning. But what is the difference between these words in particular?

score 14 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 19 '13 at 10:22

14

Sortir and partir do not have the same meaning.

Sortir means getting out of something in this context. A physical object or an abstract object is needed.

For example, "je sors de chez moi", or "de la fumée sort de la cheminée", or also "l'accélération est sortie des valeurs limites de sécurité, c'est pourquoi la fusée s'est auto-détruite".

When no object is specified from here, from where the subject is currently should be assumed: "je sors. (d'ici)" or "attention, quand je dévisserai ce bouchon, du liquide va sortir (du réservoir)".

Partir means to leave a place, or an entity, in this context. A destination may be specified.

For example, "je pars deux semaines en Espagne cet été", or "Jean a démissionné, il est parti chez un concurrent", or also "Stéphanie est partie ? (de cette réunion)".

In certain cases, this is subtle:

Stéphanie est partie ? suggests she left the party, or the meeting, for good

while

Stéphanie est sortie ? suggests this is temporary: she will be back in a while

answered Jul 19 '13 at 10:22

Shlublu

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Another important distinction is that sortir is also used when talking about going out with someone on a date. "Je sors avec cette fille ce soir" – bronxbomber92 Jun 21 '14 at 22:04
Both sortir and partir (in the meaning of "to leave") must have an origin point. If it is not specified, "here" is implicitly assumed. 2) A destination may also be specified with sortir , eg. "je sors dans la rue". You speak like if these two characteristics were exclusive of only one of those verbs.

Alan Evangelista

Apr 10 '19 at 08:07

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@AlanEvangelista 1) is wrong actually. "Qu'a-t-elle fait ensuite ? Elle est sortie.". Not from "here", but from where she was. She left the room or the building or anything the context implies. This would have worked with partir too: "Qu'a-t-elle fait ensuite ? Elle est partie.". 2) is right, a destination may be specified with sortir. The answer above doesn't say it cannot. – Shlublu Apr 10 '19 at 20:10

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 19 '13 at 09:17

Sortir is used when the subject leaves a place.

L'oiseau est sorti de son oeuf.

On the contrary, partir is generally used when it implies the destination.

Il est parti en France pour l'été.

We can use partir without a destination. In that case, it will mean that he left for a long moment.

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Mar 10 '21 at 11:41

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Les deux verbes n'ont pas le même sens: ''Sortir'' c'est statique, changer de décor encombrant, de coquille, de cachette, se défaire, se libérer d'embarras, tandis que ''partir'' c'est se déplacer à quelque part pour de bon, le plus souvent sans revenir au lieu de départ.

answered Mar 10 '21 at 11:41

André Dörflinger

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Que signifie "changer de décor encombrant" ? D'autres expressions sont curieuses "se défaire", "se libérer d'embarras", "se déplacer à quelque part". – jlliagre Mar 10 '21 at 11:51

score -1 · Answer 4 · answered Jun 21 '14 at 18:59

-1

In English, partir is to depart (or leave). Sortir is to sortie, (or go out of). You can go out of something (e.g. a house) without leaving the general vicinity.

answered Jun 21 '14 at 18:59

Tom Au

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"Sortir is to sortie" that doesn't actually help translate. "Sortie" is not an English word. – Aaron Franke Mar 27 '19 at 07:21

Differences between verbs “sortir” and “partir”

4 Answers4