French Phrase
Ne tirez pas sur l'oiseau moqueur, c'est génial.
Meaning
The speaker is telling someone not to shoot at the mockingbird, adding that the bird is wonderful. It can be a literal warning in a nature setting or a playful metaphor about not harming something enjoyable.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to protect a bird (or a metaphorical ‘mocking’ element) and emphasize that it’s something to be appreciated, such as during a bird‑watching walk, a wildlife documentary, or a humorous conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Netirezpassurl'oiseaumoqueur,c'estgénial.
Negative Imperative (Ne … pas)
To give a negative command in French, wrap the verb with Ne and pas. With the formal/plural vous imperative, the Ne remains separate: Ne tirez pas.
Verb + Preposition (tirer sur)
When the verb tirer means “to shoot at,” it is followed by the preposition sur + object.
Adjective After Noun
Some adjectives, especially those describing a characteristic like moqueur (‘mocking’), can follow the noun: l'oiseau moqueur.
Contraction c'est
The phrase c’est is a contraction of ce + est, used for “it is/this is.”
🗨In Conversation
Ne tirez pas sur l'oiseau moqueur, c'est génial.
Don't shoot at the mockingbird, it's great.
D'accord, je le laisserai tranquille.
Alright, I'll leave it alone.
✕Common Mistakes
Pas tirez sur l'oiseau moqueur.
In a negative imperative, Ne must precede the verb and pas must follow it: Ne tirez pas.
Tirez sur l'oiseau moqueur, c'est génial.
Missing the negative Ne changes the meaning to a command to shoot.
Le moqueur oiseau.
Do not place the adjective before the noun unless you intend a different nuance; moqueur normally follows the noun here.
↔Alternatives
Ne visez pas l'oiseau moqueur, il est magnifique.
Don't aim at the mockingbird, it's magnificent.
Ne touchez pas à l'oiseau moqueur, c'est splendide.
Don't touch the mockingbird, it's splendid.
Laissez l'oiseau moqueur tranquille, c'est super.
Leave the mockingbird alone, it's awesome.
Cultural Tip
In French, adjectives that describe a characteristic (like moqueur ‘mocking’) often follow the noun, especially in literary or poetic contexts. The expression c’est génial is informal; in a formal setting you might say c’est formidable or c’est excellent.