without in french

The common translation of “without” in French is sans.

Core meaning

• “Without” = sans (preposition showing absence or lack).

* I can’t live without you. → Je ne peux pas vivre **sans** toi.

* Don’t go out without a coat. → Ne sors pas **sans** manteau.

Useful patterns

• do without (manage without) → se passer de
  • We had to do without sugar. → On a dû se passer de sucre.

• without a doubt → sans aucun doute.

• without fail → sans faute.

Mini example set

• She went home without us. → Elle est rentrée chez elle sans nous.

• We cannot survive without water. → Nous ne pouvons pas survivre sans eau.

• He left without saying goodbye. → Il est parti sans dire au revoir.

So in everyday French, think “without = sans” in almost all basic sentences.