French Phrase
Ne mets pas les pieds sur les sièges.
Meaning
Literally, 'Do not put your feet on the seats.' It is a polite but firm request to keep the seats clean and free for other users.
When to use
Use this sentence in public transport, cafés, restaurants, or any shared space where putting feet on seats would be considered rude or unhygienic.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nemetspaslespiedssurlessièges
Negation (ne…pas)
In French, a negative command uses 'ne' before the verb and 'pas' after it.
Imperative of 'mettre'
For the second‑person singular, drop the final -s of the present tense (mets → mets).
Definite article agreement
Both 'pieds' and 'sièges' are plural, so the article 'les' is used for each.
Preposition 'sur'
'Sur' means 'on' and is used to indicate the surface where something is placed.
🗨In Conversation
Ne mets pas les pieds sur les sièges, s'il te plaît.
Don't put your feet on the seats, please.
D'accord, je les enlèverai tout de suite.
Okay, I'll take them off right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Ne mettre pas les pieds sur les sièges.
In an imperative you need the conjugated form 'mets', not the infinitive.
Mets les pieds pas sur les sièges.
The negation must surround the verb: 'Ne mets pas…'.
Ne mets pas les pieds sur le siège.
Both 'pieds' and 'sièges' are plural, so the article must be 'les'.
Ne mets pas les pieds sur les siège.
Plural noun requires plural article.
↔Alternatives
Ne pose pas tes pieds sur les sièges.
Don't place your feet on the seats.
Merci de ne pas mettre les pieds sur les sièges.
Please do not put your feet on the seats.
Évite de mettre tes pieds sur les sièges.
Avoid putting your feet on the seats.
Cultural Tip
In France, especially on trains, buses, and in cafés, putting feet on seats is seen as disrespectful and unsanitary. The phrase is often used by staff or fellow passengers to maintain a courteous atmosphere. In some regions, you might hear a softer version like 'S'il vous plaît, ne mettez pas les pieds sur les sièges.'