French Phrase
Débranche-le pendant 30 secondes.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to unplug a device for thirty seconds, often used as a quick troubleshooting step before turning it back on.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving technical or household instructions, such as during a phone call with tech support, in a DIY video, or when helping a friend reset an electronic gadget.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Débranche-lependant30secondes.
Imperative with object pronoun
In the affirmative imperative, object pronouns are attached to the verb with a hyphen and placed after the verb (e.g., Débranche‑le).
Duration with pendant
Use pendant + time expression to indicate how long something should happen (pendant 30 secondes).
Hyphenation rules
No space before the hyphen, but a space after the whole phrase; the period follows the final word.
🗨In Conversation
Mon ordinateur ne démarre plus, il reste bloqué sur l’écran noir.
My computer won't start; it stays stuck on a black screen.
Débranche-le pendant 30 secondes, puis rebranche-le et rallume-le.
Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.
✕Common Mistakes
le débranche pendant 30 secondes.
In the affirmative imperative, the pronoun must follow the verb and be hyphenated.
pendant 30 seconde.
The noun must be plural when the number is greater than one.
Débranche le pendant 30 secondes.
A space before the pronoun is incorrect; use a hyphen and attach it directly.
↔Alternatives
Déconnecte-le pendant 30 secondes.
Disconnect it for 30 seconds.
Éteins-le pendant 30 secondes.
Turn it off for 30 seconds.
Coupe le courant pendant 30 secondes.
Cut the power for 30 seconds.
Cultural Tip
In French, the affirmative imperative attaches pronouns after the verb with a hyphen (Débranche‑le). The verb "débrancher" is preferred for physical plugs, while "déconnecter" is used for digital connections. Remember that "pendant" expresses a duration; "pour" would imply purpose, not length of time.