Spanish Phrase
No muestres artículos caros.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone not to display or show expensive items. It can be used in a shop, at a house, or when advising a friend about budgeting.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to politely (though firmly) ask a salesperson, a colleague, or a friend to keep pricey products out of sight, especially in contexts of budgeting, modesty, or when you’re trying to avoid flaunting wealth.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nomuestresartículoscaros
Negative Imperative (tú)
For a negative command with 'tú', place 'no' before the verb and use the present subjunctive form (muestres).
Verb Conjugation
"muestres" is the present subjunctive of mostrar for the second‑person singular.
Adjective Agreement
Adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun: artículos (masc. plural) → caros.
Word Order
In negative commands, 'no' precedes the verb; the object follows the verb.
🗨In Conversation
¿Puedes sacar los relojes de oro de la vitrina?
Can you take the gold watches out of the display case?
No muestres artículos caros; los clientes prefieren ver opciones más accesibles.
Don't show expensive items; customers prefer to see more affordable options.
✕Common Mistakes
No muestra artículos caros.
Using the affirmative form loses the negative command; you need the subjunctive for a negative command.
No muestres artículo caro.
The noun is plural, so the adjective must also be plural.
No muestre artículos caros.
This is the formal (usted) negative command; use "muestres" for informal tú unless you intend a formal tone.
↔Alternatives
No exhibas artículos costosos.
Don't exhibit costly items.
No muestres cosas caras.
Don't show pricey things.
No muestres objetos de alto precio.
Don't show high‑price objects.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, direct commands can sound harsh. Adding "por favor" or using a softer form like "¿Podrías no mostrar…?" can make the request more courteous. Also, "caro" is everyday language, while "costoso" sounds a bit more formal.