French Phrase
Ne laisse pas tes sacs dans l'allée.
Meaning
This sentence is a polite but firm request not to put your bags in the aisle. It uses the negative imperative to tell someone directly what not to do.
When to use
Use this phrase in places where leaving bags in the passage could block traffic or cause inconvenience—e.g., supermarkets, museums, school corridors, or public transport stations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nelaissepastessacsdansl'allée.
Ne … pas (negative imperative)
To make a command negative in French, wrap the verb with "ne" before it and "pas" after it.
Laisse (imperative of laisser)
"Laisse" is the second‑person singular informal imperative of the verb "laisser" (to leave, to let).
Tes (possessive adjective)
"Tes" is the informal second‑person singular possessive adjective, used before plural nouns.
Dans (preposition)
"Dans" means "in" or "inside" and introduces a location.
L'allée (elision)
When a feminine noun beginning with a vowel follows "le" or "la", it contracts to "l'" (e.g., "l'allée").
🗨In Conversation
Ne laisse pas tes sacs dans l'allée, s'il te plaît.
Don't leave your bags in the aisle, please.
D'accord, je les mets sur la table à côté.
Okay, I'll put them on the table next to it.
✕Common Mistakes
Laisse pas tes sacs dans l'allée.
In written French the negative particle "ne" must be included; spoken French often drops it, but learners should keep it for correctness.
Ne laisse pas les sacs dans l'allée.
"Les" means "the"; here you need the possessive "tes" to refer to the listener's bags.
Ne laisse pas tes sacs dans le allée.
Because "allée" starts with a vowel, it contracts to "l'allée"; using "le allée" is grammatically wrong.
↔Alternatives
Ne mets pas tes sacs dans le couloir.
Don't put your bags in the hallway.
Merci de ne pas déposer tes sacs ici.
Please don't leave your bags here.
Garde tes sacs hors de l'allée.
Keep your bags out of the aisle.
Cultural Tip
In French-speaking countries, keeping aisles clear is considered good etiquette, especially in crowded places like supermarkets or museums. Blocking the passage can be seen as rude and may even attract a reminder from staff. Using a polite negative imperative (Ne ... pas) shows respect while still being clear.