French Phrase
C'est pas sûr de sortir.
Meaning
Literally, "It's not sure to go out," this informal sentence expresses uncertainty about whether the speaker will go out, often because of weather, mood, or other plans. It conveys a casual, spoken tone rather than a formal statement.
When to use
Use this phrase in everyday conversation when you want to tell a friend that you’re not certain you’ll go out later, perhaps because you’re feeling tired, the weather is bad, or you have other commitments. It’s best suited for informal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estpassûrdesortir.
C'est = ce + est
The contraction "C'est" combines the demonstrative pronoun "ce" (this/it) with the verb "être" (to be) and is used to introduce a statement.
Negation without "ne"
In spoken French the particle "ne" is often dropped, leaving only "pas" to mark negation.
Adjective + de + infinitive
"sûr" (sure) is followed by the preposition "de" when it introduces an infinitive verb, meaning "sure of doing something".
Infinitive "sortir"
"sortir" means "to go out" or "to leave"; here it refers to the act of going out socially.
🗨In Conversation
C'est pas sûr de sortir ce soir, il pleut trop.
I'm not sure about going out tonight, it's raining too much.
On peut rester à la maison et regarder un film alors.
We could stay home and watch a movie then.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est pas sûr à sortir.
The adjective "sûr" takes the preposition "de" before an infinitive, not "à".
C'est pas sûr de je sortir.
You need the infinitive after "de"; adding a subject pronoun makes it ungrammatical.
C'est pas sûr pour sortir.
"pour" is not the correct preposition after "sûr" when followed by an infinitive.
↔Alternatives
Je ne suis pas sûr de sortir.
I'm not sure about going out.
Je ne sais pas si je vais sortir.
I don't know if I'm going to go out.
Ce n'est pas certain que je sorte.
It's not certain that I'll go out.
Cultural Tip
In spoken French, especially among younger people, the "ne" in negations is frequently omitted, giving sentences like "C'est pas sûr". However, in written or formal contexts you should keep the full "Ce n'est pas sûr". Also, "sûr" can sound a bit strong; many speakers prefer "certain" for a softer tone.