French Phrase
Attends que les gens sortent.
Meaning
Literally, “Wait until the people go out.” It is used when you want to stay put until a crowd or a group of people has left, often to avoid being left alone or to keep the atmosphere calm.
When to use
You might say this at the end of a party, before leaving a café when the last customers are still there, or when you need the room to be empty before you can start something else.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Attendsquelesgenssortent
Attends (imperative)
The verb *attendre* in the second‑person singular imperative, meaning “wait”.
que (subordinating conjunction)
Introduces a subordinate clause that expresses a condition or a future event.
les gens (noun phrase)
A collective noun meaning “people”. It is always plural.
sortent (subjunctive)
After *attendre que* the verb is in the present subjunctive; for -er verbs the subjunctive form looks like the indicative.
🗨In Conversation
Attends que les gens sortent.
Wait until the people go out.
D'accord, on part dans cinq minutes.
Okay, we’ll leave in five minutes.
✕Common Mistakes
Attends que les gens sort.
The verb must agree with the plural subject and be in the subjunctive; *sort* is singular.
Attends les gens sortent.
Missing the conjunction *que*; the clause needs *que* to link to the imperative.
Attends que les gens sortez.
You are addressing the people, not yourself; the correct form is *sortent* (third‑person plural).
↔Alternatives
Attends que les gens partent.
Wait until the people leave.
Patiente jusqu'à ce que les gens sortent.
Be patient until the people go out.
Reste jusqu'à ce que tout le monde parte.
Stay until everyone leaves.
Cultural Tip
In French, *attendre que* always triggers the subjunctive mood, even though the form of *sortent* looks identical to the indicative. Using the subjunctive signals that the action is not yet realized. Also, French speakers often prefer *attends* (imperative) in informal contexts; in a more formal setting you could say *Veuillez attendre que les gens sortent.*