French Phrase
Prépare-toi toujours au temps imprévisible.
Meaning
The sentence advises someone to constantly be ready for weather that can change without warning. It can also be understood more figuratively as being prepared for any unpredictable circumstances.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving a friendly piece of advice about packing for a trip, planning outdoor activities, or reminding a friend to keep an umbrella handy. It works well in informal conversation among peers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Prépare-toitoujoursautempsimprévisible
Imperative reflexive (se préparer)
‘Prépare‑toi’ is the second‑person singular informal imperative of the reflexive verb se préparer; the reflexive pronoun ‘toi’ follows the verb with a hyphen.
Adverb placement
‘Toujours’ (always) is placed after the imperative verb phrase, which is the most natural position in French.
Contraction ‘au’
‘Au’ is the contraction of the preposition ‘à’ + definite article ‘le’, used before masculine singular nouns.
Adjective agreement
‘Imprévisible’ is an invariable adjective here because it follows a masculine singular noun ‘temps’.
🗨In Conversation
Prépare-toi toujours au temps imprévisible avant de partir en randonnée.
Always prepare yourself for unpredictable weather before going hiking.
Bonne idée, je vais prendre une veste imperméable et un chapeau.
Good idea, I’ll take a waterproof jacket and a hat.
✕Common Mistakes
Préparez‑vous toujours au temps imprévisible.
‘Préparez‑vous’ is the formal/plural form; use ‘Prépare‑toi’ for an informal singular address.
Prépare‑toi toujours à le temps imprévisible.
The article contracts with the preposition; ‘au’ already includes ‘le’.
Prépare‑toi toujours au temps imprévisibles.
‘Temps’ is singular, so the adjective must stay singular: ‘imprévisible’.
↔Alternatives
Sois toujours prêt au temps changeant.
Always be ready for changing weather.
Anticipe le temps imprévisible.
Anticipate unpredictable weather.
Prévois toujours un plan B en cas de mauvais temps.
Always have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
Cultural Tip
The French love to talk about the weather, and it’s common to hear advice about carrying a ‘parapluie’ (umbrella) or a ‘veste coupe‑vent’ (windbreaker). In casual conversation, using the imperative with a friendly tone (like ‘Prépare‑toi’) shows camaraderie and concern without sounding too formal.