Language/French/Grammar/How-to-Use-be
Hi French learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn how to use the verb "être" (to be) in French. We will look at the conjugation of the verb, its usage in sentences, and some examples.
Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Conjugation group 3 — verbs with infinitives which end in —re & y and en in French where the English translation has no preposition.
Conjugation[edit | edit source]
The verb "être" is an irregular verb, which means that it does not follow the same conjugation pattern as regular verbs. Here is the conjugation of the verb "être" in the present tense:
| Person | Pronunciation | French | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Je | /ɛtʁ/ | suis | I am |
| Tu | /ɛtʁ/ | es | You are |
| Il/Elle/On | /ɛtʁ/ | est | He/She/One is |
| Nous | /ɛtʁ/ | sommes | We are |
| Vous | /ɛtʁ/ | êtes | You are |
| Ils/Elles | /ɛtʁ/ | sont | They are |
Usage[edit | edit source]
The verb "être" is used to express a state of being or existence. It is also used to describe physical characteristics, such as age, nationality, and occupation. Here are some examples:
- Person 1: Quel âge as-tu? (/kɛl aʒ a ty/) (What is your age?)
- Person 2: J'ai vingt ans. (/ʒe vẽ tɑ̃/) (I am twenty years old.)
- Person 1: Quelle est ta nationalité? (/kɛl ɛ ta nasjɔnalite/) (What is your nationality?)
- Person 2: Je suis française. (/ʒə sɥi fʁɑ̃sɛz/) (I am French.)
- Person 1: Quelle est ta profession? (/kɛl ɛ ta pʁɔfesjɔ̃/) (What is your profession?)
- Person 2: Je suis professeur. (/ʒə sɥi pʁɔfesœʁ/) (I am a teacher.)
Examples[edit | edit source]
Here are some examples of sentences using the verb "être":
- Je suis fatigué. (/ʒə sɥi fatiɡe/) (I am tired.)
- Tu es très intelligent. (/ty ɛ tʁεz ɛ̃teʁlijɑ̃/) (You are very intelligent.)
- Il est grand. (/il ɛ ɡʁɑ̃/) (He is tall.)
- Nous sommes heureux. (/nu sɔm œʁø/) (We are happy.)
- Vous êtes ici. (/vu zɛti si/) (You are here.)
- Ils sont en retard. (/il sɔ̃ ɑ̃ ʁətaʁ/) (They are late.)
Quiz[edit | edit source]
Test your knowledge of the verb "être" with this quiz:
1. How do you say "I am French" in French?
A. Je suis français.
B. Je suis française.
2. How do you say "You are here" in French?
A. Tu es ici.
B. Vous êtes ici.
C. Il est ici.
3. How do you say "We are happy" in French?
A. Nous sommes heureux.
B. Nous sommes heureuses.
C. Nous sommes ensembles.
Answers: 1. A&B, 2. A&B, 3. A&B
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Measurements and comparisons Numbers with length, height, depth etc
- Give your Opinion
- Use of jamais
- Combinations of adjectives
- Fused forms of the definite article
- Well Better Worse
- Beau VS Bel
- Easy future
- Adjectives used as adverbs without addition of —ment
- Position of direct and indirect object pronouns
Sources[edit | edit source]
- French Grammar and Usage, 3rd Edition (English and ... - Amazon.com
- A Beginner's Guide to Basic French Grammar
- How to Use the Pronoun EN in French - Free Lesson w/ Audio