Ne rate pas le bus, sinon tu devras rentrer à pied.

Do not miss the bus, otherwise you will have to go home on foot.

Breakdown of Ne rate pas le bus, sinon tu devras rentrer à pied.

• tu: you (informal singular)
• ne ... pas: not
• le bus: the bus
• sinon: otherwise

Questions & Answers about Ne rate pas le bus, sinon tu devras rentrer à pied.

What does the verb rater mean in this sentence?

In this context, rater means “to miss” (as in missing a scheduled bus). It’s important not to confuse it with the English word “rate,” which has a different meaning.

Why is the negative imperative used in Ne rate pas le bus?

The negative imperative is used here to issue a direct command or warning. By saying “Ne rate pas le bus,” the speaker urgently instructs the listener not to miss the bus.

What is the function of sinon in the sentence?

Sinon translates to “otherwise” in English. It introduces the consequence that follows if the initial command is ignored—that is, if you miss the bus, the following outcome will happen.

How does the phrase tu devras rentrer à pied work grammatically and what does it mean?

The phrase means “you will have to go home on foot.” Here, devras is the future simple form of devoir (to have to), indicating an unavoidable future obligation. The verb rentrer means “to go back” or “to return,” and à pied specifies that this return must be on foot.

What does à pied imply in the context of the sentence?

À pied literally means “on foot.” In this sentence, it clarifies the mode of travel you’ll be forced to use if you miss the bus—essentially, that you’ll have no means of transportation and will have to walk home.