French Phrase
N'oublie pas le shampoing.
Meaning
Literally, 'Don't forget the shampoo.' It is a reminder not to leave the shampoo behind, often said when packing or before leaving the house.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to remind someone (or yourself) to take the shampoo, such as before a trip, after a shower, or when sharing a bathroom with a roommate.
✦Grammar Breakdown
N'oubliepasleshampoing.
Negative imperative (tu)
Use the verb stem + 's' (if needed) and add 'pas' after the verb to form a negative command for 'tu' (informal you).
Elision with 'ne' → 'n''
Before a vowel or mute 'h', 'ne' contracts to 'n'' (e.g., n'oublie).
Definite article 'le'
Use 'le' before masculine singular nouns to refer to a specific item.
Spelling of 'shampoing'
The French word for 'shampoo' is spelled 'shampoing' (or 'shampoo' in informal contexts).
🗨In Conversation
N'oublie pas le shampoing.
Don't forget the shampoo.
Merci, je le mets dans mon sac.
Thanks, I'll put it in my bag.
✕Common Mistakes
Ne oublie pas le shampoing.
The 'e' in 'ne' drops before a vowel, becoming 'n''
N'oublie pas le shampoo.
The correct spelling is 'shampoing' for the noun.
N'oublie pas shampoing.
Missing the definite article 'le' makes the phrase sound incomplete.
↔Alternatives
Pense à prendre le shampoing.
Remember to take the shampoo.
N'oublie pas d'apporter le shampoing.
Don't forget to bring the shampoo.
Rappelle-toi de prendre le shampoing.
Remind yourself to take the shampoo.
Cultural Tip
In French, the negative imperative often sounds softer than a direct command, especially with 'n'oublie pas' which is a friendly reminder. When speaking to children or close friends, this phrasing is common. Also, French speakers may use 'shampoing' for the product and 'shampoo' for the act of washing hair.