Partir vs. s'en aller

Michael S.B1Kwiziq community member

When would I use "partir" instead of "s'en aller"?

Also, as a command (imperative), is there a difference in emotion between "Partez!" vs. "Allez-vous en!" (Like "leave" vs. "get out of here!) .

Thanks.

Asked 4 years ago

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

S'en aller is very similar to partir, but it focuses a bit more on the immediate action of leaving.

Le train part à 19h45. -- The train leaves at 19:45.
Vite! Le train s'en va! -- Quick! The train is leaving.

And if you want to use it in the imperative sense, i.e., "Go away!" you would probably use va-t'en or allez-vous-en.

Like44 years ago

When would I use "partir" instead of "s'en aller"?

Also, as a command (imperative), is there a difference in emotion between "Partez!" vs. "Allez-vous en!" (Like "leave" vs. "get out of here!) .

Thanks.

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard