French Phrase
Tiens la personne au chaud.
Meaning
‘Tiens la personne au chaud’ is a caring command that means ‘Keep the person warm.’ It is often said when someone is feeling cold or when you want to protect someone from the cold.
When to use
Use this phrase in winter, in a hospital, on a chilly night, or any situation where you’re looking after someone’s comfort. It conveys warmth, concern, and a sense of responsibility.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tienslapersonneauchaud
Tiens (imperative)
‘Tiens’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *tenir* (to hold/keep). It is used for giving a direct command.
la (definite article)
‘la’ is the feminine singular definite article that introduces the noun *personne*.
au (à + le)
‘au’ is the contraction of the preposition *à* + the masculine singular article *le*, forming the fixed expression *au chaud* (warm).
chaud (adjective)
In the phrase *au chaud*, *chaud* functions as a noun‑like adjective meaning ‘warmth’ or ‘heat’.
Word order in affirmative imperative
When a direct‑object noun follows an affirmative imperative, it stays after the verb (e.g., *Tiens la*). Pronouns would attach after the verb (e.g., *Tiens‑la*).
🗨In Conversation
Tiens la personne au chaud.
Keep the person warm.
Merci, elle a vraiment froid.
Thank you, she’s really cold.
✕Common Mistakes
Tiens la personne dans le chaud.
‘dans le chaud’ is not idiomatic; the correct preposition is *au* (à + le).
Tiens la personne à chaud.
‘à chaud’ changes the meaning to ‘while hot’; the idiom for warmth is *au chaud*.
Garde la personne chaud.
The adjective must be preceded by *au* to form the idiom *au chaud*.
↔Alternatives
Garde la personne au chaud.
Keep the person warm.
Maintiens la personne au chaud.
Maintain the person’s warmth.
Couvre la personne pour qu'elle reste au chaud.
Cover the person so she stays warm.
Cultural Tip
In French‑speaking cultures, *au chaud* is a set expression used not only for literal temperature but also metaphorically for comfort and safety (e.g., *être au chaud* = to be in a safe, comfortable position). When speaking to strangers or in formal settings, you might prefer *Veuillez garder la personne au chaud* for extra politeness.