Spanish Phrase
No dañes la propiedad.
Meaning
A direct instruction telling someone not to cause any damage to the property. It is often seen on signs, in rental agreements, or as a verbal warning. The tone is firm but polite, using the negative command form.
When to use
Use this phrase on signs in public places, in rental contracts, or when you need to warn a visitor, tenant, or employee not to damage any belongings or premises.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nodañeslapropiedad
Negación con 'No'
En español, la palabra 'no' se coloca antes del verbo para negar la acción.
Mandato negativo (imperativo)
Los mandatos negativos usan la forma del presente de subjuntivo: 'dañes' es la segunda persona del singular del verbo 'dañar'.
Artículo definido 'la'
Se usa 'la' para referirse a un sustantivo femenino singular, en este caso 'propiedad'.
Sustantivo 'propiedad'
Significa 'property' o 'belongings' y es femenino, por eso lleva el artículo 'la'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Puedo mover los muebles?
Can I move the furniture?
No dañes la propiedad.
Do not damage the property.
✕Common Mistakes
No dañar la propiedad.
Using the infinitive after 'no' does not form a command; it sounds like a statement rather than an instruction.
No daña la propiedad.
This is a positive command (imperative) and would mean 'damage the property', the opposite of what you intend.
No dañes la inmueble.
If you refer to a specific property that is masculine, you must change the article and noun accordingly (e.g., 'el inmueble').
↔Alternatives
No dañe la propiedad.
Do not damage the property. (formal, using 'usted')
No cause daño a la propiedad.
Do not cause damage to the property.
Prohíbase dañar la propiedad.
Damaging the property is prohibited.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, signs that prohibit damage often use the formal 'usted' form (e.g., 'No dañe la propiedad') to sound more authoritative. However, the informal negative command 'No dañes' is common in casual settings, such as a homeowner speaking to a friend or a roommate.