French Phrase
Ne laisse pas tes affaires de valeur en évidence.
Meaning
This sentence is a warning or piece of advice telling someone not to expose their valuable items where anyone can see them. It uses the negative imperative form to give a direct command, emphasizing the importance of keeping valuables hidden for safety.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to caution a friend, family member, or colleague about security—e.g., while traveling, staying in a hotel, or leaving a bag unattended in a public place.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nelaissepastesaffairesdevaleurenévidence
Negative imperative (Ne…pas)
In commands, French uses 'Ne' before the verb and 'pas' after it to make the sentence negative.
Laisser (to leave)
Here, 'laisser' means 'to leave behind' or 'to abandon' something in a place.
Possessive adjective (tes)
Use 'tes' for plural nouns owned by 'you' (informal).
Affaires de valeur (valuable belongings)
A set phrase meaning items that have monetary or sentimental worth.
En évidence (in plain sight)
An idiomatic expression meaning 'clearly visible' or 'obviously exposed'.
🗨In Conversation
Je vais poser mon sac sur la table du café.
I'm going to put my bag on the café table.
Ne laisse pas tes affaires de valeur en évidence.
Don't leave your valuable belongings in plain sight.
✕Common Mistakes
Ne laissez pas tes affaires de valeur en évidence.
Using the formal 'laissez' changes the register; the phrase is informal, so 'laisse' is appropriate for friends.
Ne pas laisse tes affaires de valeur en évidence.
The negative particle must come after the verb, not before the possessive.
Ne laisse pas tes affaires de valeur en vue.
While 'en vue' is understandable, the idiomatic expression is 'en évidence' for this warning.
Ne laisse pas tes affaires valeur en évidence.
Dropping 'de' changes the meaning; you need the preposition to link 'affaires' and 'valeur'.
↔Alternatives
Ne mets pas tes objets de valeur à la vue de tous.
Don't put your valuable objects where everyone can see them.
Cache tes affaires précieuses.
Hide your precious belongings.
Évite de laisser tes biens de valeur à découvert.
Avoid leaving your valuable goods uncovered.
Cultural Tip
In France, as in many countries, pickpocketing is common in crowded tourist areas. Locals often advise each other to keep wallets, phones, and bags out of sight, especially on metros, markets, and cafés. Using a polite yet firm tone, as in this phrase, is typical when giving safety advice among friends.