French Phrase
Je peux partir plus tôt aujourd'hui ?
Meaning
A speaker is asking whether it is possible for them to leave work, school, or another activity earlier than usual on the same day. The tone is polite and seeks permission rather than demanding it.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to leave a meeting, class, or job before the scheduled end time – for example because of a doctor’s appointment, a family commitment, or a personal emergency. It works well in both formal and informal settings, provided you keep a courteous tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jepeuxpartirplustôtaujourd'hui?
Subject pronoun
« Je » is the first‑person singular subject pronoun, always placed before the verb.
Modal verb pouvoir
« peux » is the present‑tense form of the modal verb pouvoir, agreeing with the subject « je ».
Infinitive after pouvoir
When pouvoir expresses ability or permission, it is followed by an infinitive verb – here « partir ».
Comparative adverb plus tôt
« plus tôt » means “earlier”. It is a comparative adverb formed with plus + adjective/adverb.
Time adverb aujourd'hui
« aujourd'hui » (today) is placed at the end of the clause for emphasis, but can also appear earlier.
Polite question format
The sentence is a statement with rising intonation; the question mark signals a request for permission.
🗨In Conversation
Je peux partir plus tôt aujourd'hui ?
Can I leave earlier today?
Oui, pas de problème. Tu as besoin de quoi que ce soit ?
Sure, no problem. Do you need anything?
✕Common Mistakes
Je peux partir plus to aujourd'hui ?
Do not drop the accent on tôt; it changes the meaning (tôt = early, tôt = early).
Aujourd'hui je peux partir plus tôt ?
Placing aujourd'hui before the verb can sound unnatural in a request; keep it at the end.
Je pouvoir partir plus tôt aujourd'hui ?
Using the infinitive pouvoir instead of the conjugated form is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce que je peux partir plus tôt aujourd'hui ?
Is it possible for me to leave earlier today?
Puis‑je partir plus tôt aujourd'hui ?
May I leave earlier today?
Je voudrais partir plus tôt aujourd'hui, c'est possible ?
I’d like to leave earlier today, is that possible?
Cultural Tip
In French workplaces, asking for permission is usually done with a modal verb (pouvoir, pouvoir‑être) and a polite tone. Avoid sounding demanding; adding « s’il vous plaît » or a softening phrase like « si possible » can make the request feel more courteous. Also, be aware that French offices often expect you to give notice in advance, so using this phrase at the last minute may be viewed as less professional.