French Phrase
Compare bien les noms des rues.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to compare the names of the streets carefully, usually to verify that they match a map, a list, or a set of directions. The adverb ‘bien’ adds the nuance of doing it thoroughly rather than just glancing.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re giving instructions to a colleague, a friend, or a student who is checking a city plan, preparing a delivery route, or proofreading a document that lists street names. It’s also handy in urban‑planning meetings or when you’re double‑checking navigation apps.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comparebienlesnomsdesrues
Imperative (2nd person singular)
‘Compare’ is the informal singular imperative of the verb *comparer*, used to give a direct command or advice.
Adverb ‘bien’
‘bien’ modifies the verb, meaning ‘well’, ‘carefully’, or ‘thoroughly’ in this context.
Definite article ‘les’
‘les’ is the plural definite article, indicating that we are talking about specific street names.
Noun ‘noms’
‘noms’ is the plural of *nom* (name), here referring to the names of streets.
Partitive contraction ‘des’
‘des’ = *de* + *les*, meaning ‘of the’. It links the noun ‘noms’ to ‘rues’.
Feminine plural ‘rues’
‘rues’ is the feminine plural of *rue* (street).
🗨In Conversation
Compare bien les noms des rues avant de finaliser le plan.
Compare the street names carefully before finalizing the plan.
D'accord, je vais les vérifier sur la carte et les mettre à jour.
Okay, I’ll check them on the map and update them.
✕Common Mistakes
Comparez bien les noms des rues.
‘Comparez’ is the formal/plural imperative; use it only with strangers or a group. For a single friend, ‘Compare’ is correct.
Compare bien le noms des rues.
‘le’ is singular; the noun ‘noms’ is plural, so the article must be ‘les’.
Compare bien les noms de rues.
‘de rues’ loses the definite article and changes the meaning to ‘some street names’ rather than the specific ones you’re referring to.
↔Alternatives
Vérifie attentivement les noms des rues.
Check the street names attentively.
Assure‑toi de bien comparer les noms des rues.
Make sure to compare the street names well.
Passe en revue les noms des rues avec soin.
Go through the street names with care.
Cultural Tip
In France, street names often honor historical figures, local landmarks, or events. Because many towns share similar names (e.g., ‘Rue de la République’), it’s common to double‑check the exact spelling and the arrondissement or city name. When speaking to a French speaker, using the informal imperative (Compare) signals familiarity; in a professional setting you might prefer the formal ‘Comparez bien les noms des rues.’