French Phrase
Mets une lampe de poche et des piles.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct command telling someone to take or place a flashlight together with some batteries. It implies that the speaker wants the listener to be prepared for a situation where light and power are needed.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are packing for a trip, preparing an emergency kit, or simply reminding a friend to bring the necessary equipment before heading out on a night hike or a power outage.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Metsunelampedepocheetdespiles.
Imperative (Mets)
‘Mets’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *mettre* (to put). It is used for giving a direct command or suggestion.
Indefinite article (une)
‘une’ is the feminine singular indefinite article, used here because *lampe* is a feminine noun.
Noun‑of‑noun construction (de poche)
‘de poche’ literally means ‘of pocket’; together with *lampe* it forms a fixed expression *lampe de poche* (flashlight).
Conjunction (et)
‘et’ simply links two objects: the flashlight and the batteries.
Partitive article (des)
‘des’ is the plural indefinite article (some) used before *piles* (batteries).
🗨In Conversation
Mets une lampe de poche et des piles, on ne sait jamais quand il y aura une coupure de courant.
Take a flashlight and some batteries, you never know when there might be a power cut.
Bonne idée, je les mets dans le sac dès maintenant.
Good idea, I'll put them in the bag right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Met une lampe de poche et des piles.
The verb *mettre* in the imperative for ‘you (singular)’ drops the final *-re* and adds an *s* → *mets*.
Mets une lampe de poche et des pile.
*Pile* is singular; when you need more than one, use the plural *piles*.
Mets une lampe du poche et des piles.
Do not translate directly as *lampe du poche*; the correct preposition is *de*.
↔Alternatives
Prends une lampe de poche et des piles.
Take a flashlight and some batteries.
Apporte une lampe de poche ainsi que des piles.
Bring a flashlight as well as batteries.
N'oublie pas la lampe de poche et les piles.
Don't forget the flashlight and the batteries.
Cultural Tip
In French, *lampe de poche* is the standard term for a handheld flashlight, whereas in Canada you might also hear *lampe torche*. When speaking informally, many people simply say *la torche* (the torch). Also, French speakers often use the imperative without the polite *s’il vous plaît* when giving quick instructions among friends, but adding *s’il te plaît* can soften the command if needed.