The Difference Between “Partire,” “Lasciare,” “Uscire,” and “Andarsene” in Italian

A common mistake among students learning Italian is translating the English verb “to leave” as partire in every situation. However, partire is not always the right choice. In this blog, we will explore the differences between partire, lasciare, uscire, and andarsene, and when to use each one.

1. Partire

The verb partire is often translated as “to leave” or “to depart,” but in Italian, it is used in more specific contexts. It generally refers to leaving with the intention of starting a journey, often involving a mode of transport or a significant relocation.

Correct Uses of Partire:

• When leaving for a trip:

Parto per un viaggio in Spagna domani.

(I’m leaving for a trip to Spain tomorrow.)

• When using a specific means of transport:

Il treno parte alle 7.

(The train departs at 7.)

The mistake many learners make is using partire in situations where no significant journey is involved, such as leaving the office or a house. For example, saying Parto dall’ufficio to mean “I leave the office” sounds odd in Italian, because partire implies a journey, not simply exiting a place as part of your daily routine.

2. Lasciare

Lasciare is a more versatile verb than partire and is often the correct translation for “to leave” when you’re talking about abandoning, quitting, or departing from a person, place, or thing. It doesn’t have the implication of traveling or starting a journey.

Uses of Lasciare:

• When leaving a place:

Lascio l’ufficio alle 5.

(I leave the office at 5.)

• When leaving something behind:

Ho lasciato il telefono a casa.

(I left my phone at home.)

• When ending a relationship:

Giulia ha lasciato il suo ragazzo.

(Giulia broke up with her boyfriend.)

In these examples, lasciare works because there’s no implication of travel, just separation from a person or place.

3. Uscire

Uscire means “to go out” or “to exit” and is used when you are leaving an enclosed or defined space, such as a house, a building, or a car. It often refers to a simple movement from inside to outside, and is frequently used in everyday conversation.

Uses of Uscire:

• When leaving a house or a building:

Esco di casa ogni mattina alle 8.

(I leave the house every morning at 8.)

• When going out with friends:

Stasera esco con gli amici.

(Tonight I’m going out with friends.)

The verb uscire typically describes short-term, casual outings or exits.

4. Andarsene

Andarsene is a pronominal verb that means “to go away” or “to leave,” often implying the decision to leave a situation or place, usually with a sense of finality or emotional detachment. It’s different from uscire because it often emphasizes the act of leaving more than the destination.

Uses of Andarsene:

• When leaving a situation:

Me ne vado, non mi piace questa festa.

(I’m leaving, I don’t like this party.)

• When leaving a place permanently or emotionally:

Se n’è andato di casa dopo una discussione.

(He left the house after an argument.)

Andarsene conveys a stronger emotional tone, often used in situations where the speaker wants to emphasize their desire to leave or escape.

Summary: Choosing the Right Verb

• Partire: Use when leaving for a trip or when a mode of transport is involved (Parto per Roma domani.).

• Lasciare: Use when leaving a place, a person, or an object behind (Lascio il lavoro alle 6; Ho lasciato le chiavi sul tavolo).

• Uscire: Use when physically exiting or going out of an enclosed space (Esco dall’ufficio alle 7; Stasera esco con gli amici).

• Andarsene: Use when leaving a situation, often with an emotional or definitive undertone (Me ne vado, sono stufo!).

Understanding the differences between these verbs will help you avoid common mistakes and speak more naturally in Italian.