French Phrase
Garde le transport propre.
Meaning
A direct command meaning ‘Keep the transport clean.’ It can refer to any means of transport – a bus, train, tram, or even a company vehicle – and is often used on signs or in announcements to remind passengers to maintain cleanliness.
When to use
Use this phrase on public‑transport vehicles, in stations, or in any setting where you want to ask people to keep the interior tidy. It works well on posters, audio announcements, or when a staff member politely reminds passengers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Gardeletransportpropre.
Imperative (2nd pers. sing.)
‘Garde’ is the imperative form of the verb *garder* used to give a direct command to ‘you’ (informal).
Definite article ‘le’
‘le’ is the masculine singular definite article that agrees with the noun *transport*.
Noun gender
*transport* is masculine, so the article and any adjectives must match its gender.
Adjective after noun
With *propre*, placing the adjective after the noun (*transport propre*) adds a slightly stronger, more emphatic tone.
🗨In Conversation
Le bus est vraiment sale aujourd'hui.
The bus is really dirty today.
Garde le transport propre, s'il te plaît.
Please keep the transport clean.
✕Common Mistakes
Garde les transport propre.
‘Transport’ is singular and masculine; the correct article is *le*, not *les*.
Garde le transport proprement.
‘Proprement’ is an adverb meaning ‘properly’; the adjective *propre* is needed here.
Garde le transport propree.
The adjective must agree with the masculine noun *transport*; the feminine ending *-e* is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Maintiens le transport propre.
Maintain the transport clean.
Veille à ce que le transport reste propre.
Make sure the transport stays clean.
Gardez le transport propre.
Keep the transport clean. (formal/plural)
Cultural Tip
In French‑speaking countries, cleanliness on public transport is a matter of civic pride. Signage often uses the imperative mood to give short, clear instructions. Remember that *propre* can also mean ‘proper’ or ‘decent’, so the phrase can carry a subtle moral nuance: not only should the vehicle be physically clean, but passengers should also behave responsibly.