laisser la conséquence
to laisser a consequence
Literally: to leave the consequence
Use it to describe the serious, lasting impact of a decision or event on a situation.
In 15 Seconds
- The lasting impact or after-effect of an action.
- Used for abstract results, not physical objects.
- Often used in plural form for natural flow.
- Implies a logical 'cause and effect' relationship.
Meaning
It means to leave behind a result or an after-effect of an action. Think of it as the 'footprint' or the 'echo' that stays after you do something.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a health choice
Fumer trop peut laisser une conséquence grave sur la santé.
Smoking too much can leave a serious consequence on health.
Discussing a work mistake
Cette erreur va laisser une conséquence sur notre projet.
This error is going to leave a consequence on our project.
Texting about a missed party
Désolé, mon absence va laisser une conséquence pour l'organisation ?
Sorry, will my absence leave a consequence for the planning?
Cultural Background
The French have a deep-rooted sense of 'responsabilité'. This phrase reflects the cultural emphasis on logical outcomes and the idea that every action has a weight that must be carried. It is frequently used in French news and debates to discuss the long-term effects of social policies.
Go Plural
Native speakers almost always use the plural: `laisser des conséquences`. It sounds much more natural and less like a textbook.
Not for Objects
Never use this for physical things. If you leave your coat, say `J'ai laissé mon manteau`, not `J'ai laissé une conséquence`!
In 15 Seconds
- The lasting impact or after-effect of an action.
- Used for abstract results, not physical objects.
- Often used in plural form for natural flow.
- Implies a logical 'cause and effect' relationship.
What It Means
Think of this phrase like a stain on a white shirt. You spill coffee, and even after you wipe it, a mark remains. In French, laisser la conséquence (or more commonly laisser des conséquences) describes the lasting impact of an event. It is the 'what happens next' that you can't easily undo. It usually refers to the ripple effect of a choice you made.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this when talking about the future or analyzing the past. It works best with the verb aller to predict trouble. For example, Cela va laisser une conséquence. You can also use it to describe how an event changed a situation. Remember that in French, we often prefer the plural des conséquences. It sounds more natural to say 'some consequences' than just one.
When To Use It
Use it when the stakes are a bit high. It is perfect for talking about health, work, or relationships. If you skip a big meeting, that will laisser une conséquence. If you eat spicy food at midnight, your stomach might laisser une conséquence the next morning. It is great for adding a bit of weight to your sentences.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny, trivial things that don't matter. If you drop a pen, it doesn't really laisser une conséquence. Also, avoid using it for physical objects you accidentally left behind. If you left your keys at a cafe, use oublier or laisser mes clés. This phrase is for abstract results, not physical items you forgot on a table.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on 'l'esprit cartésien' or logical thinking. People love to analyze the 'cause and effect' of everything. Whether it is a political move or a family drama, the French enjoy discussing the long-term impact. Facing the consequences is seen as a sign of maturity and intellectual honesty in French society.
Common Variations
You will often hear subir les conséquences, which means to suffer the consequences. Another common one is assumer les conséquences, which means to take responsibility for them. If you want to sound more poetic, you might say laisser des traces. This implies the event left a 'trace' or a scar on the situation.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral but leans toward serious topics. Always try to use the plural 'des conséquences' to sound like a native speaker.
Go Plural
Native speakers almost always use the plural: `laisser des conséquences`. It sounds much more natural and less like a textbook.
Not for Objects
Never use this for physical things. If you leave your coat, say `J'ai laissé mon manteau`, not `J'ai laissé une conséquence`!
The 'Trace' Secret
If you want to sound really French, use `laisser des traces`. It means the same thing but feels more vivid and idiomatic.
Examples
6Fumer trop peut laisser une conséquence grave sur la santé.
Smoking too much can leave a serious consequence on health.
Here it emphasizes the long-term damage.
Cette erreur va laisser une conséquence sur notre projet.
This error is going to leave a consequence on our project.
Used to warn a colleague about a mistake's impact.
Désolé, mon absence va laisser une conséquence pour l'organisation ?
Sorry, will my absence leave a consequence for the planning?
Asking if their absence caused problems.
Attention, ce piment va laisser une conséquence demain matin !
Watch out, this chili will leave a consequence tomorrow morning!
A lighthearted way to warn someone about spicy food.
La décision du directeur va laisser une conséquence durable.
The director's decision will leave a lasting consequence.
Used to describe a significant corporate shift.
La guerre a laissé une conséquence sur la culture du pays.
The war left a consequence on the country's culture.
Describing the deep impact of history.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a bad decision.
Ton retard va ___ une conséquence sur le planning.
In French, we 'leave' (laisser) a consequence when referring to an after-effect.
Which form is more common in daily speech?
Cela va laisser ___ conséquences.
While 'la conséquence' is grammatically correct, using the plural 'des' is much more natural in French.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Laisser la conséquence'
Used with friends about small mistakes.
Ça va laisser une trace !
Standard way to discuss results of actions.
Cela va laisser une conséquence.
Used in professional reports or news.
Cette mesure laissera des conséquences majeures.
When to use 'Laisser la conséquence'
Workplace errors
Missing a deadline.
Health & Lifestyle
Eating poorly or lack of sleep.
Social Life
Forgetting a friend's birthday.
Politics/News
Discussing a new law.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is understood, but laisser des conséquences (plural) is much more common in daily speech.
Technically yes, but it usually implies something negative or heavy, like un impact or un effet.
A résultat is just the end of a process, while a conséquence is the often-unwanted effect that follows an action.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
Yes! Avoir des conséquences is actually even more common than laisser in many contexts.
You would say en subir les conséquences. For example: Il doit en subir les conséquences.
No, it is not slang. It remains standard French used in schools, offices, and homes.
Yes, you could say L'orage a laissé des conséquences sur les récoltes (The storm left consequences on the crops).
Usually, you use sur to indicate what is affected, like laisser une conséquence sur mon travail.
You can just say C'est grave or Ça va laisser des traces for a more idiomatic feel.
Related Phrases
en subir les conséquences
laisser des traces
assumer ses actes
avoir un impact
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free