French Phrase
Sois pas en retard.
Meaning
‘Don’t be late.’ It is a short, informal warning or reminder that the listener should arrive on time. The omission of *ne* makes it sound casual, as is common in everyday spoken French.
When to use
Use this phrase with friends, classmates, or colleagues you know well. It is too informal for a formal work setting, a written email, or when speaking to someone you must address with *vous*.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Soispasenretard
Sois (imperative of être)
‘Sois’ is the second‑person singular imperative of the verb *être* (to be). It is used to give a command or advice to ‘you’ (informal).
Negative particle *pas*
In spoken French the *ne* of the negative is often dropped, leaving only *pas* after the verb. The full written form would be *Ne sois pas en retard*.
En retard (idiom)
The expression *en retard* means ‘late’. It is a fixed phrase that follows the verb *être*.
🗨In Conversation
Sois pas en retard demain à 9 h pour la réunion.
Don’t be late tomorrow at 9 a.m. for the meeting.
Pas de souci, j’arriverai à l’heure.
No problem, I’ll be there on time.
✕Common Mistakes
Suis pas en retard.
‘Suis’ is the present‑indicative form of *être* (I am / you are). The imperative form is *sois*.
Sois pas en retard.
In written French, especially in formal contexts, you should keep the *ne*: *Ne sois pas en retard*.
↔Alternatives
Ne sois pas en retard.
Don’t be late.
Ne sois pas en retard, s’il te plaît.
Please don’t be late.
Arrive à l’heure.
Arrive on time.
Cultural Tip
Punctuality is highly valued in French professional and social life. While the full negative form *ne sois pas en retard* is grammatically correct, native speakers often drop the *ne* in casual speech. However, in formal contexts (e.g., business emails, official notices) you should keep the *ne* to avoid sounding too colloquial.