Il ne veut pas laisser ce moment passer sans en profiter pleinement.

He does not want to let this moment pass without fully enjoying it.

Breakdown of Il ne veut pas laisser ce moment passer sans en profiter pleinement.

• il: he
• ne ... pas: not
• vouloir: to want
• le moment: the moment
• sans: without
• profiter: to enjoy
• laisser: to let
• passer: to pass
• en: it
• pleinement: fully

Questions & Answers about Il ne veut pas laisser ce moment passer sans en profiter pleinement.

Why is ce moment placed between laisser and passer in the phrase laisser ce moment passer?

In French causative constructions, the direct object is commonly placed between the main verb and its accompanying infinitive. Here, laisser (to let) is followed by the object ce moment (this moment) before the second infinitive passer (to pass), which together express the idea of “letting the moment pass.”

What is the role of en in en profiter pleinement, and why is it used instead of repeating the noun?

The pronoun en substitutes for a phrase beginning with de. Since the verb profiter requires the preposition de (as in profiter de quelque chose meaning “to make the most of something”), en replaces de ce moment to avoid repetition. Essentially, en profiter means “to enjoy it” or “to take advantage of it,” with en linking back to ce moment.

How does the negation work in the sentence Il ne veut pas laisser ce moment passer sans en profiter pleinement?

The negation ne … pas applies to the main verb veut (wants), meaning “does not want.” This negative structure covers the entire idea that follows, so the sentence conveys that he does not want to let the moment pass. The word sans (without) that comes later is not part of the negation; it simply introduces a condition—“without enjoying it fully.”

Why are there two infinitives, laisser and passer, after the conjugated verb veut?

After a modal or semi-modal verb like veut (wants), French grammar requires the following verbs to be in the infinitive form. In this sentence, laisser (to let) acts as a causative verb and is immediately followed by passer (to pass). Together, they form the construction “to let [this moment] pass,” which is common in French when describing an action that one wishes not to allow.

What does pleinement add to the expression en profiter?

The adverb pleinement means “fully” or “completely,” and it intensifies the action expressed by en profiter. By adding pleinement, the sentence emphasizes that if he is to enjoy the moment, he intends to do so entirely and without reservation.

How does sans function within this sentence?

Sans means “without” and is used here to introduce a condition. In the context of the sentence, sans en profiter pleinement indicates that the moment should not slip by “without” the opportunity to enjoy it fully. It sets up a contrast between letting the moment pass and actively taking advantage of it.