French Phrase
Garde la zone propre.
Meaning
A direct command meaning “Keep the area clean.” It is used to ask someone to maintain cleanliness in a specific place, such as a work‑space, classroom, or public area.
When to use
Use this informal imperative when speaking to a friend, colleague, child, or anyone you address with *tu*. In formal contexts replace it with *Veuillez garder la zone propre* or *Veuillez maintenir la zone propre*.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Gardelazonepropre.
Imperative (2nd pers. sing.)
The verb *garder* drops the -s in the informal singular imperative: *garde*.
Definite article
*la* is the feminine singular definite article used before *zone*.
Noun gender
*zone* is a feminine noun, so adjectives agree in gender and number.
Adjective placement
*propre* can follow the noun for emphasis (*la zone propre*) rather than the usual pre‑noun position.
🗨In Conversation
Après le déjeuner, n'oublie pas de nettoyer les tables.
After lunch, don’t forget to clean the tables.
Pas de problème, je garde la zone propre.
No problem, I’ll keep the area clean.
✕Common Mistakes
GardeS la zone propre.
The -s is dropped in the informal singular imperative of *garder*.
Garde la propre zone.
When *propre* follows the noun for emphasis, the order is *la zone propre*, not *la propre zone*.
↔Alternatives
Maintiens la zone propre.
Maintain the area clean.
Veille à ce que la zone reste propre.
Make sure the area stays clean.
Garde cet endroit propre.
Keep this place clean.
Cultural Tip
In French‑speaking cultures, cleanliness in shared spaces is a sign of respect. The informal imperative *garde* is common among peers, but in a professional or customer‑service setting you should use the polite form *Veuillez garder…* to avoid sounding too familiar.