French Phrase
Je devrais te laisser maintenant.
Meaning
Literally, ‘I should let you go now.’ It is a polite way to end a conversation or a meeting, indicating that you need to part ways while still showing consideration for the other person.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are wrapping up a chat, a phone call, or a face‑to‑face meeting and want to excuse yourself politely. It works well in both informal and semi‑formal contexts, especially when you feel a slight obligation to stay longer but must leave.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Jedevraistelaissermaintenant
Je (subject pronoun)
The first‑person singular subject pronoun, always placed before the verb.
devrais (conditional of devoir)
The conditional present of devoir expresses a polite suggestion, obligation or probability: ‘should / would have to’. It is formed with the infinitive ‘devoir’ + the conditional endings –ais, –ais, –ait, –ions, –iez, –aient.
te (direct object pronoun)
The informal second‑person singular direct object pronoun. It precedes the infinitive when the infinitive follows a modal verb (devrais).
laisser (infinitive)
The infinitive of the verb ‘to let, to allow, to leave’. After a modal verb (devrais) the infinitive stays in its base form.
maintenant (adverb)
Means ‘now’. It is placed at the end of the sentence for emphasis, but can also appear after the verb for a slightly more formal tone.
🗨In Conversation
Je devrais te laisser maintenant, j’ai un rendez‑vous dans cinq minutes.
I should let you go now, I have an appointment in five minutes.
Pas de problème, à plus tard !
No problem, see you later!
✕Common Mistakes
Je devrais laisser toi maintenant.
Object pronouns must precede the infinitive, not follow it.
Je devrais laisser te maintenant.
The conditional form of devoir is ‘devrais’, not ‘devrais laisser’. The infinitive stays separate.
Je devrais maintenant te laisser.
Adverbs like ‘maintenant’ normally go at the end of the clause unless you want a more formal structure.
↔Alternatives
Je dois te laisser maintenant.
I have to let you go now.
Il faut que je te laisse maintenant.
I need to let you go now.
Je vais devoir te laisser maintenant.
I'm going to have to let you go now.
Cultural Tip
In French, the conditional (devrais) softens a statement, making it sound more courteous. Using ‘te laisser’ instead of ‘vous laisser’ signals familiarity; switch to ‘vous’ if you’re speaking to someone you don’t know well or in a professional setting. Also, adding a brief reason (e.g., ‘j’ai un rendez‑vous’) makes the departure feel more natural and polite.