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Course: French English Spanish Greek
Explanations in: Greek English Spanish French
B2

Faire + infinitive and laisser + infinitive

«to have something done», «to make someone do», «to let someone do».

Faire + infinitive means having someone else do something, or making someone do something:

  • Je fais réparer ma voiture.
    I'm having my car repaired.
  • Elle a fait construire une maison.
    She had a house built.
  • Ce film m'a fait pleurer.
    This film made me cry.
  • Fais-le entrer.
    Show him in.

Se faire + infinitive

Something happens to the subject, often something unpleasant, like English «get + participle»:

  • Il s'est fait voler son portefeuille.
    He had his wallet stolen.
  • Elle s'est fait renvoyer.
    She got fired.

Pronoun position

Pronouns go before faire, not before the infinitive. If the infinitive has its own object, the person doing the action becomes an indirect object (lui / leur):

  • Je fais lire ce livre à mes élèves. → Je le leur fais lire.
    I get my students to read this book. → I get them to read it.

Laisser + infinitive

  • Laisse-moi parler !
    Let me speak!
  • Ils ont laissé partir le chien.
    They let the dog go.

Test yourself

  1. Translate: «I had my car checked.» (vérifier)
    Show answer
    J'ai fait vérifier ma voiture.
  2. Translate: «She had her bag stolen.»
    Show answer
    Elle s'est fait voler son sac.
  3. Replace: Je fais visiter la ville à mes amis.
    Show answer
    Je la leur fais visiter.
  4. Fill in: Les photos qu'elle a ___ imprimer.
    Show answer
    fait (no agreement)