nettoie après toi
The English phrase 'clean up after yourself' is translated into French as nettoie après toi.
This phrase is used to tell someone to remove the mess or dirt they have created in a specific location. While nettoie après toi focuses on cleaning surfaces or removing dirt, you may also use forms of the verb ranger if the goal is specifically to tidy up objects and items rather than cleaning stains.
Which one should you use?
The expression nettoie après toi is a general instruction to clean. If you want to specifically tell someone to tidy up their belongings or objects, you can use range tout derrière toi (tidy everything up behind you).
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form nettoie après toi uses the informal 'tu' form of the verb, making it suitable for use with people you know well or with children.
Did you know?
- To describe a cluttered room, a French speaker might say range ton bazar. The word bazar is used as a slang term for a mess or a heap of scattered objects.
- The verb nettoyer can be used metaphorically to describe 'cleansing' a political system of corruption. This extends the literal act of cleaning a mess into the realm of social purging.
- In a professional or formal setting, using the form nettoie après toi with a superior is considered a serious social transgression rather than a simple grammatical mistake.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are sharing the kitchen.
- GabrielChloé, nettoie après toi dans la cuisine.Chloé, clean up after yourself in the kitchen.
- ChloéDésolée, j'ai oublié de faire ça.Sorry, I forgot to do that.
- GabrielC'est vraiment très sale ici.It is really very dirty in here.
- ChloéJe m'en occupe tout de suite.I'll take care of it right now.
