French Phrase
Cache‑les.
Meaning
A short, informal command meaning ‘Hide them!’ It can refer to physical objects, secrets, or anything the speaker wants to keep out of sight.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re speaking to a friend, a child, or anyone you address with the familiar ‘tu’ and you want them to hide something quickly – for example in a game, while packing, or when protecting a surprise.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cache-les
Imperative of cacher
‘Cache’ is the second‑person singular (tu) imperative of the verb ‘cacher’ (to hide).
Pronoun placement
In the affirmative imperative, direct‑object pronouns are attached to the verb with a hyphen (e.g., ‘Cache‑les’).
Pronoun ‘les’
‘les’ is the masculine/feminine plural direct‑object pronoun meaning ‘them’.
🗨In Conversation
Cache‑les avant que les invités arrivent.
Hide them before the guests arrive.
D’accord, je les mets dans le placard.
Okay, I’ll put them in the closet.
✕Common Mistakes
Cache les.
In the affirmative imperative the pronoun must be attached with a hyphen.
Les cache.
‘Les’ cannot precede the verb in the affirmative imperative; it must follow the verb.
Cachez les.
If you’re speaking informally to one person, use ‘Cache‑les’; ‘Cachez‑les’ is for formal/plural address.
↔Alternatives
Cachez‑les.
Hide them! (formal or plural)
Cache‑les bien.
Hide them well.
Mets‑les de côté.
Put them aside.
Cultural Tip
In French the affirmative imperative attaches object pronouns directly to the verb with a hyphen, and the pronoun follows the verb (e.g., ‘Donne‑le‑moi’). ‘Cache‑les’ is therefore the correct informal singular form; using a space (‘Cache les’) is considered a mistake. For a polite or plural command you would say ‘Cachez‑les’. Also, French speakers often prefer ‘cacher’ for tangible items, while abstract secrets are more commonly expressed with ‘cacher’ + ‘cela’ or ‘garder secret’.