French Phrase
Laisse ta place aux femmes enceintes.
Meaning
A polite but firm informal command telling someone to give up their seat for pregnant women. It is often heard on public transport or in crowded public spaces where a pregnant woman needs a place to sit.
When to use
Use it on buses, metros, trains, or any crowded venue when you see a pregnant woman standing and you want to ask the person occupying a seat to move. The tone is informal; in a formal setting you would say ‘Laissez votre place…’.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Laissetaplaceauxfemmesenceintes
Laisse (imperative)
‘Laisse’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *laisser* (to let, to give up). It is used for informal commands.
ta (possessive adjective)
‘ta’ agrees with the feminine noun *place* and means ‘your’.
place (noun)
‘place’ means ‘seat’ or ‘spot’; it is feminine singular.
aux = à + les
‘aux’ is the contraction of the preposition *à* + the plural definite article *les*, introducing an indirect object.
femmes enceintes (noun phrase)
‘femmes enceintes’ is a plural noun phrase meaning ‘pregnant women’; *enceintes* agrees in gender and number with *femmes*.
🗨In Conversation
Excusez‑moi, j’ai besoin d’un siège.
Excuse me, I need a seat.
Laisse ta place aux femmes enceintes.
Give up your seat for the pregnant women.
✕Common Mistakes
Laissez ta place aux femmes enceintes.
Mixes the formal verb form *laissez* with the informal possessive *ta*. Use either *Laissez votre place…* (formal) or *Laisse ta place…* (informal).
Laisse ta place aux femme enceintes.
The article must agree in number and gender: *aux femmes enceintes* (plural).
Laisse ta place à les femmes enceintes.
In French the preposition *à* + article *les* contracts to *aux*.
Laisse ta place aux femmes enceinte.
The adjective *enceinte* must agree with the plural noun *femmes* → *enceintes*.
↔Alternatives
Cède ta place aux femmes enceintes.
Yield your seat to pregnant women.
Donne ta place aux femmes enceintes.
Give your seat to pregnant women.
Offre ton siège aux femmes enceintes.
Offer your seat to pregnant women.
Cultural Tip
In France, offering a seat to pregnant women, the elderly, or people with disabilities is considered good manners, though it is not legally mandatory. Dedicated seats are usually marked, but when they are taken, a polite request like this is common. Remember that ‘laisse’ is informal; in a professional or formal context you should use the formal imperative ‘Laissez’.