French Phrase
Respecte l'espace perso.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to keep a respectful distance. It’s informal and concise, often used among friends, coworkers, or in public settings where personal boundaries are being ignored.
When to use
Use this phrase when you feel someone is standing too close, touching your belongings, or invading your personal bubble. It works best in casual contexts; in formal or professional settings you might soften it.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Respectel'espaceperso
Imperative (tu) of 'respecter'
Use the verb 'respecter' in the second‑person singular imperative without the subject pronoun; add an -e to the stem for regular -er verbs.
Elision with l'
The definite article 'le' contracts to 'l'' before a vowel or mute h, as in 'l'espace'.
Adjective placement
When 'perso' (short for 'personnel') is used as an informal adjective, it follows the noun, similar to English.
🗨In Conversation
Excuse‑moi, tu peux reculer un peu ? Respecte l'espace perso.
Excuse me, could you step back a bit? Respect personal space.
Désolé, je ne voulais pas te déranger.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you.
✕Common Mistakes
Respecte l'espace personnel.
While correct, it sounds formal; the phrase asked for is the informal 'perso'.
Respectez l'espace perso.
Uses the plural/formal imperative; only appropriate if speaking to multiple people or using 'vous'.
Respecte le espace perso.
Missing the elision; 'le' should contract to 'l'' before a vowel.
↔Alternatives
Ne t'approche pas trop.
Don’t get too close.
Garde tes distances.
Keep your distance.
Respecte mon espace personnel.
Respect my personal space.
Cultural Tip
In France, personal space is respected but varies by region. In Paris, people tend to keep a larger distance in public transport, while in the south people may stand closer. Using the informal imperative can sound blunt; adding 's'il te plaît' or a smile softens the request.