Language/French/Grammar/Subject-pronouns
Subject pronouns are an essential part of French grammar and are used to replace the subject of a sentence. In this lesson, we will explore the subject pronouns in French and how they are used in sentences.
Je[edit | edit source]
The subject pronoun "je" is used to refer to the first person singular, or "I" in English. For example:
- Je mange une pomme. (I am eating an apple.)
- Je suis fatigué. (I am tired.)
Tu[edit | edit source]
The subject pronoun "tu" is used to refer to the second person singular, or "you" in English. This form is used when speaking to someone who is familiar, such as a friend or family member. For example:
- Tu vas au cinéma ce soir? (Are you going to the movies tonight?)
- Tu parles français? (Do you speak French?)
Il/Elle/On[edit | edit source]
The subject pronouns "il," "elle," and "on" are used to refer to the third person singular. "Il" is used for masculine nouns, "elle" for feminine nouns, and "on" is often used as a more informal or general pronoun. For example:
- Il est grand. (He is tall.)
- Elle a faim. (She is hungry.)
- On va au parc. (We are going to the park.)
Nous[edit | edit source]
The subject pronoun "nous" is used to refer to the first person plural, or "we" in English. For example:
- Nous allons au restaurant. (We are going to the restaurant.)
- Nous sommes amis. (We are friends.)
Vous[edit | edit source]
The subject pronoun "vous" is used to refer to the second person plural, or "you" in English. This form is used when speaking to more than one person or when speaking to someone formally. For example:
- Vous habitez où? (Where do you all live?)
- Vous parlez anglais? (Do you all speak English?)
Ils/Elles[edit | edit source]
The subject pronouns "ils" and "elles" are used to refer to the third person plural. "Ils" is used for masculine nouns, while "elles" is used for feminine nouns. For example:
- Ils sont américains. (They are American.)
- Elles sont fatiguées. (They are tired.)
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Subject pronouns are an important part of French grammar and are used to replace the subject of a sentence. By understanding the six subject pronouns in French - je, tu, il/elle/on, nous, vous, and ils/elles - you can improve your French language skills and communicate more effectively with native speakers.
Videos[edit | edit source]
French Subject Pronouns explanation - YouTube[edit | edit source]
French Subject Pronouns (French Essentials Lesson 9) - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Subject verb agreement — Agreement with more than one subject
- Verbs with intransitive and transitive uses
- y and en in French where the English translation has no preposition
- Adjectives preceded by de
- Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
- Quantifiers — tout and chaque
- Polite Form
- Some differences in the use of cardinal and ordinal numbers in French and English
- Categories of Nouns in French
- Adverbs