French Phrase
N'abîme pas la propriété.
Meaning
Literally, 'Do not damage the property.' It is a firm but courteous request not to cause any harm to the premises or belongings that belong to someone else.
When to use
Use this sentence on signs in rental apartments, hotels, museums, or any public place where owners want to remind visitors to treat the space respectfully. It can also be spoken directly to a guest who is about to do something that could cause damage.
✦Grammar Breakdown
N'abîmepaslapropriété.
Negative Imperative (Ne…pas)
In the negative imperative, the particle 'ne' contracts to 'n'' before a vowel or mute h, and 'pas' follows the verb: N'abîme pas.
Verb Form – abîmer
The verb 'abîmer' (to damage) uses the second‑person singular imperative 'abîme' (without the final -s).
Definite Article with Noun
The noun 'propriété' (property) is preceded by the definite article 'la' because it refers to a specific property.
Punctuation
A period ends the command, indicating a firm but polite instruction.
🗨In Conversation
Est‑ce que je peux accrocher ce tableau au mur ?
Can I hang this picture on the wall?
Non, n'abîme pas la propriété.
No, don’t damage the property.
✕Common Mistakes
Pas abîme la propriété.
The adverb 'pas' must follow the verb, not precede it.
Ne abîme pas la propriété.
When the verb starts with a vowel, 'ne' contracts to 'n''; writing the full 'ne' is considered a spelling error.
N'abîmez pas la propriété.
The plural imperative 'abîmez' is for 'vous' (you all); the sentence addresses a single person, so use 'abîme'.
N'abîme pas le propriétaire.
Do not confuse 'propriété' (property) with 'propriétaire' (owner).
↔Alternatives
Ne détériore pas la propriété.
Do not deteriorate the property.
Ne cause pas de dommages à la propriété.
Do not cause damage to the property.
Veuillez ne pas abîmer la propriété.
Please do not damage the property.
Cultural Tip
French signs often use the full negative form (ne…pas) for formal instructions, even though spoken French frequently drops the 'ne'. When addressing a single person politely, the imperative without a subject is standard. In Quebec, you might also see 'Ne fane pas la propriété' as a regional variant, but 'abîmer' is the most common verb nationwide.