French Phrase
Regarde d'abord s'il y a un danger.
Meaning
‘First, look to see if there is any danger.’ The sentence is a polite but direct instruction, often used when someone is about to start an activity that could be risky.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want someone to check the safety of a situation before proceeding – for example before crossing a street, entering a construction site, or starting a new task that might involve hazards.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Regarded'abords'ilyaundanger
Regarde (imperative)
‘Regarde’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *regarder* (to look, to watch). It is used for direct commands or suggestions.
d'abord (adverb)
‘d'abord’ means ‘first’ or ‘to begin with’. It is placed after the verb in an imperative sentence.
s'il (contraction)
‘s'il’ is the contraction of *si* (if) + *il* (he/it). In this clause it introduces a condition.
y (impersonal pronoun)
‘y’ replaces a previously mentioned location or situation; here it stands for ‘there’ in the expression *y a* (there is).
a (avoir, 3rd pers. sing.)
‘a’ is the third‑person singular present of *avoir* (to have). In the fixed expression *il y a* it means ‘there is/are’.
un danger (noun phrase)
‘danger’ is a masculine noun; the indefinite article *un* signals ‘a danger’ or ‘any danger’ in this context.
🗨In Conversation
Regarde d'abord s'il y a un danger.
First, check if there is any danger.
Oui, il n'y a rien de dangereux ici.
Yes, there’s nothing dangerous here.
✕Common Mistakes
Regarde d'abord si il y a un danger.
‘si il’ must be contracted to *s'il*; otherwise it sounds ungrammatical.
Regarde d'abord s'il y a des dangers.
Do not use the plural *dangers* here unless you refer to multiple specific hazards.
↔Alternatives
Vérifie d'abord s'il y a un danger.
First, verify if there is any danger.
Assure-toi d'abord qu'il n'y a pas de danger.
Make sure first that there is no danger.
Regarde s'il y a un danger avant de commencer.
Look for danger before you start.
Cultural Tip
In everyday French, the imperative *Regarde* is informal; with strangers or in a professional setting you would soften it with *Veuillez regarder* or replace it with *Vérifiez*. The fixed expression *il y a* is ubiquitous for stating existence, so mastering it helps you sound natural.