French Phrase
Fais attention là‑dehors.
Meaning
Literally “Take care out there”, this sentence warns someone to be cautious while they are outside. It can refer to weather, traffic, or any potentially risky situation beyond the door.
When to use
Use it in informal spoken French when you’re speaking to a friend, a child, or a colleague who is about to go outside. It’s a friendly, caring warning rather than a formal instruction.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Faisattentionlà‑dehors
Imperative of *faire*
Use *fais* for the 2nd‑person singular informal imperative of *faire* (to do/make). It is the command form used with friends, family, or peers.
*attention* as a noun
*Attention* here is a noun meaning “care” or “caution”. In the imperative construction *fais attention*, it translates to “be careful”.
*là‑dehors*
An adverbial phrase meaning “outside, out there”. The hyphen is standard in written French, though speakers often say it as two separate words.
🗨In Conversation
Je sors sans mon manteau, il fait très froid ce soir.
I’m going out without my coat, it’s really cold tonight.
Fais attention là‑dehors.
Be careful out there.
✕Common Mistakes
Faire attention là‑dehors.
The infinitive *faire* cannot be used in a direct command; you need the imperative *fais*.
Fais attention dehors.
While understandable, the idiomatic expression uses the hyphenated *là‑dehors* for a natural sound.
Sois attention.
*Attention* is a noun, not a verb; you cannot pair it with *être*.
↔Alternatives
Sois prudent(e) dehors.
Be prudent outside.
Fais gaffe dehors.
Watch out outside.
Prends garde dehors.
Take care outside.
Cultural Tip
In everyday French, *fais attention* is the go‑to phrase for safety warnings. Adding *là‑dehors* adds a spatial nuance, emphasizing that the risk is outside the building. The register stays informal; in a formal setting you’d say *Veuillez faire attention à l’extérieur*.