French Phrase
Garde les sièges propres pour les autres.
Meaning
This sentence is a polite reminder to keep the seats clean so that the next person can sit comfortably. It emphasizes consideration for fellow passengers or users of a shared space.
When to use
Use it on public transport, in cinemas, theaters, lecture halls, or any place with shared seating when you notice someone about to leave a mess or when you want to remind others to be tidy.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Gardelessiègesproprespourlesautres.
Imperative (tu) of garder
‘Garde’ is the informal singular imperative of the verb ‘garder’ (to keep). For a formal or plural address, use ‘Gardez’.
Definite article agreement
‘les’ is the plural definite article that matches the plural noun ‘sièges’.
Adjective agreement
‘propres’ is the plural form of the adjective ‘propre’, agreeing in number (and gender) with ‘sièges’.
Prepositional phrase ‘pour les autres’
‘pour’ introduces the beneficiary of the action; ‘les autres’ means ‘the others’ or ‘other people’.
🗨In Conversation
Garde les sièges propres pour les autres, s'il te plaît.
Keep the seats clean for others, please.
Oui, bien sûr. Merci de le rappeler.
Yes, of course. Thanks for reminding me.
✕Common Mistakes
Garde les sièges propre pour les autres.
The adjective must agree in number with the noun; use ‘propres’ for plural ‘sièges’.
Gardes les sièges propres pour les autres.
In the imperative, do not add the ‘s’ ending; ‘Gardes’ is a conjugated form, not an imperative.
Garde le sièges propres pour les autres.
‘Le’ is singular; the noun ‘sièges’ is plural, so the article must be ‘les’.
↔Alternatives
Laisse les sièges propres pour les autres.
Leave the seats clean for others.
Ne salissez pas les sièges.
Don't dirty the seats.
Merci de garder les sièges propres.
Thank you for keeping the seats clean.
Cultural Tip
In French-speaking countries, public etiquette places a strong emphasis on respect for shared spaces. Adding ‘s'il vous plaît’ (formal) or ‘s'il te plaît’ (informal) softens the command and makes it sound more courteous. In some regions, you might also see signs that say ‘Merci de laisser les sièges propres’ in trains and buses.