French Phrase

Garde l'endroit propre et sûr.

/ɡaʁd l‿ɑ̃.dʁwa pʁɔpʁ e syʁ/

Meaning"Keep the place clean and safe."

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Meaning

‘Keep the place clean and safe.’ The sentence is a short, direct instruction that stresses both hygiene and security at the same time.

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When to use

Use this phrase on signs, in spoken reminders, or in written notes when you want someone to maintain a space – for example in a classroom, a workshop, a kitchen, or a public area.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Gardel'endroitpropreetsûr.

Impératif (2e pers. sing.)

‘Garde’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *garder*; it gives a direct command or advice.

Article élidé

‘l’’ is the elided form of *le* before a vowel (endroit). It must stay attached to the noun.

Accord des adjectifs

Both adjectives *propre* and *sûr* agree in gender and number with *endroit* (masculine singular).

Conjonction ‘et’

‘et’ simply links two qualities; no comma is needed before it in French.

🗨In Conversation

Garde l'endroit propre et sûr.

Keep the place clean and safe.

D'accord, je vais le faire tout de suite.

Okay, I’ll do it right away.

✕Common Mistakes

Gardes l'endroit propre et sûr.
The verb should stay in the imperative form *garde* (no ‘s’ at the end).
Garde les endroit propre et sûr.
The article must agree with the singular noun; use *l'* (elided *le*) not *les*.
Garde l'endroit propre et sûre.
Because *endroit* is masculine, the adjective must be *sûr*, not the feminine *sûre*.
Garde l'endroit propre, et sûr.
Do not place a comma before *et* in French; the conjunction directly links the adjectives.

↔Alternatives

Maintiens l'endroit propre et sécurisé.
Maintain the place clean and secure.
Assure-toi que l'endroit reste propre et sûr.
Make sure the place stays clean and safe.
Veille à ce que l'endroit soit propre et sûr.
See to it that the place is clean and safe.

Cultural Tip

French signs that give instructions often use the imperative mood, just like this example. In public places you’ll frequently see *‘Propre et sûr’* on safety notices, especially in schools and workplaces. The tone is polite yet firm, so it works well for both formal and informal contexts.