French Phrase
Laisse‑le sur le comptoir.
Meaning
‘Leave it on the counter.’ The speaker is giving a direct, informal command to put a previously mentioned masculine object on the counter. The pronoun *le* replaces the noun (e.g., *le livre*, *le paquet*).
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to tell a friend, family member, or colleague (using *tu*) to place something on a counter in a casual setting such as a kitchen, café, or shop.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Laisse-lesurlecomptoir
Laisse (imperative)
‘Laisse’ is the second‑person singular (tu) imperative of the verb *laisser* ‘to leave, to let’.
-le (object pronoun)
In the affirmative imperative, direct object pronouns are attached to the verb with a hyphen; *le* refers to a masculine singular object.
sur (preposition)
‘sur’ means ‘on’ and introduces the location where the object should be left.
le (definite article)
The article *le* specifies the noun *comptoir* (the counter).
comptoir (noun)
*Comptoir* is a masculine noun meaning ‘counter’, often a kitchen or shop counter.
🗨In Conversation
Où veux‑tu que je mette le paquet ?
Where do you want me to put the package?
Laisse‑le sur le comptoir.
Leave it on the counter.
✕Common Mistakes
Laisse le sur le comptoir.
In the affirmative imperative, the object pronoun must be attached to the verb with a hyphen; separating them is incorrect.
Laissez‑le sur le comptoir.
Use *laissez‑le* only when speaking formally (vous). With *tu* the correct form is *laisse‑le*.
↔Alternatives
Pose‑le sur le comptoir.
Put it on the counter.
Dépose‑le sur le comptoir.
Set it down on the counter.
Mets‑le sur le comptoir.
Put it on the counter.
Laisse‑le là.
Leave it there.
Cultural Tip
In spoken French, the affirmative imperative attaches object pronouns directly to the verb with a hyphen (e.g., *Laisse‑le*). In the negative form the pronoun moves back: *Ne le laisse pas sur le comptoir.* Also, *comptoir* can refer to a kitchen counter, a bar counter, or a shop checkout, so the exact setting influences the nuance.