French Phrase
Éloigne-toi des fenêtres.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to keep a safe distance from the windows. It can be used in situations where the windows pose a danger, such as during a fire drill, cleaning, or when a child is playing near a glass pane.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to quickly ask someone to move away from windows for safety reasons, or when giving instructions in a classroom, workplace, or home setting where the windows could be hazardous.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Éloigne-toidesfenêtres
Imperative of reflexive verb
For reflexive verbs in the affirmative imperative, the reflexive pronoun follows the verb and is attached with a hyphen (e.g., « éloigne‑toi »).
Pronoun forms
Use “toi” for singular informal, “vous” for plural or formal (e.g., « éloignez‑vous »).
Contraction « des »
« des » is the contraction of « de + les », used before a plural noun.
Verb choice
« Éloigner » means ‘to move away’. In a safety context, it’s stronger than « s’éloigner » which can be more neutral.
🗨In Conversation
Éloigne-toi des fenêtres, s'il te plaît.
Please stay away from the windows.
D'accord, je me mets à l'écart.
Okay, I’ll move away.
✕Common Mistakes
Éloigne vous des fenêtres.
The reflexive pronoun must agree with the subject; for singular informal you need “toi”, for plural/formal use “vous”.
Éloigne-toi de les fenêtres.
In French, “de les” contracts to “des”.
Éloigne-toi les fenêtres.
The preposition “de” is required before the noun.
↔Alternatives
Ne te rapproche pas des fenêtres.
Don’t get close to the windows.
Reste loin des fenêtres.
Stay far from the windows.
Mets-toi à l'écart des fenêtres.
Put yourself away from the windows.
Cultural Tip
In French, the affirmative imperative of reflexive verbs always places the pronoun after the verb and links it with a hyphen. The pronoun changes to “toi” (singular informal) or “vous” (plural/formal). Also, French speakers often use a softer tone with “s’il te plaît” to keep the command polite, especially in family or classroom contexts.