Language/French/Grammar/Masculine-and-feminine-forms-of-adjectives

Masculine and Feminine Forms of Adjectives in French Grammar

Adjectives in French must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. This means that if the noun is masculine singular, the adjective must be masculine singular, and if the noun is feminine singular, the adjective must be feminine singular. In this lesson, we will explore how to form the masculine and feminine forms of adjectives in French.

Masculine Forms of Adjectives

Most adjectives in French have a basic form that is masculine singular. To form the masculine plural, an -s is added to the end of the adjective. For example:

• Grand (masculine singular) -> Grands (masculine plural)
• Beau (masculine singular) -> Beaux (masculine plural)

Feminine Forms of Adjectives

To form the feminine singular form of adjectives, an -e is usually added to the end of the masculine singular form. For example:

• Grand (masculine singular) -> Grande (feminine singular)
• Beau (masculine singular) -> Belle (feminine singular)

However, some adjectives have a different form for the feminine singular, and these must be memorized. For example:

• Blanc (masculine singular) -> Blanche (feminine singular)
• Nouveau (masculine singular) -> Nouvelle (feminine singular)

Masculine and Feminine Forms of Adjectives Ending in -e

Adjectives that end in -e in the masculine singular form do not change in the feminine singular form. For example:

• Énorme (masculine singular) -> Énorme (feminine singular)
• Rare (masculine singular) -> Rare (feminine singular)

Masculine and Feminine Forms of Adjectives Ending in a Consonant

Adjectives that end in a consonant in the masculine singular form add an -e to form the feminine singular form. For example:

• Petit (masculine singular) -> Petite (feminine singular)
• Blanc (masculine singular) -> Blanche (feminine singular)

Conclusion

Forming the masculine and feminine forms of adjectives in French is an essential part of mastering French grammar. By understanding the rules for forming these forms, you can improve your French language skills and communicate more effectively with native speakers.