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.