Spanish Phrase
No dejes la comida sin supervisar.
Meaning
Literally, 'Do not leave the food without supervising it.' It is a warning not to abandon food, especially when it could burn, spoil, or be taken by pets or children.
When to use
Use this phrase in a kitchen or dining setting when you want to remind someone (usually a friend, family member, or child) to keep an eye on food that is cooking, cooling, or left out.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nodejeslacomidasinsupervisar
Negative Imperative (tú)
To give a negative command to 'tú', use 'no' + present subjunctive of the verb. Here, 'dejar' → 'dejes'.
Sin + infinitive
The construction 'sin' + infinitive expresses 'without doing something'. 'sin supervisar' = 'without supervising'.
Article agreement
'la comida' uses the feminine singular article 'la' because 'comida' is a feminine noun.
🗨In Conversation
No dejes la comida sin supervisar.
Don't leave the food unattended.
¿Por qué? ¿Se va a quemar?
Why? Is it going to burn?
✕Common Mistakes
No dejar la comida sin supervisar.
The verb must be conjugated to the subjunctive for a negative command; plain infinitive is incorrect.
No dejes la comida sin supervisión.
After 'sin' you need an infinitive, not a noun.
No dejes la comida sin supervisarlo.
The gerund already covers the action; adding a direct object pronoun creates a grammar clash.
↔Alternatives
No dejes la comida sin vigilar.
Don't leave the food without watching it.
No abandones la comida sin mirarla.
Don't abandon the food without looking at it.
Mantén la comida bajo vigilancia.
Keep the food under supervision.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking households, leaving food unattended is seen as careless, especially when cooking for children or guests. 'Supervisar' sounds a bit formal; native speakers often prefer 'vigilar' or simply 'mirar' in everyday conversation. Also, remember that the negative imperative is rarely used with 'vosotros' in Latin America; stick to the 'tú' form shown here.