French Phrase
Laisse d'abord descendre les passagers, s'il te plaît.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite request to allow passengers to exit a vehicle (like a bus, train, or metro) before attempting to board. It emphasizes the importance of letting people off first for safety and efficiency. It's a common courtesy in public transport.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are about to board public transport (bus, metro, train) and someone is blocking the exit or trying to get on before others have gotten off. It's a gentle reminder to follow common etiquette.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Laissed'aborddescendreles passagerss'il te plaît
Laisse (Laisser)
Laisse is the imperative form of the verb 'laisser' (to let, to allow) for the 'tu' form. It's used to give a command or make a request to someone you address informally.
D'abord
D'abord means 'first' or 'firstly.' It indicates the order of actions and is often placed after the verb it modifies.
Descendre
Descendre is an infinitive verb meaning 'to go down' or 'to get off.' It follows 'laisser' in this construction, forming a causative structure (let someone do something).
S'il te plaît
This is a common polite expression meaning 'please' (literally 'if it pleases you'). It uses the informal 'te' (you) and matches the informal 'laisse.' For a formal request, you would use 's'il vous plaît.'
🗨In Conversation
Excusez-moi, je dois descendre ici.
Excuse me, I need to get off here.
Ah, pardon! Laisse d'abord descendre les passagers, s'il te plaît.
Oh, sorry! First, let the passengers get off, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Laisse descendre d'abord les passagers, s'il te plaît.
D'abord (first) usually comes after the conjugated verb in compound tenses or after the imperative verb when it modifies the action of the main verb.
Permets les passagers de descendre, s'il te plaît.
While grammatically correct, 'permettre' is less natural and common in this specific context than 'laisser' when referring to allowing people to exit a vehicle.
↔Alternatives
S'il vous plaît, laissez d'abord descendre les passagers.
Please, first let the passengers get off.
Attendez que les passagers descendent, s'il te plaît.
Wait for the passengers to get off, please.
On laisse descendre avant de monter.
We let people off before getting on.
Cultural Tip
In France, and many other European countries, it's considered basic etiquette and a sign of respect to allow passengers to exit public transport before attempting to board. Ignoring this can be seen as rude or impatient. This phrase is a polite way to enforce this unwritten rule, often used in crowded situations.