Demonstrative Adjectives: How do we use demonstrative adjectives to indicate specific nouns?

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Demonstrative Adjectives in French

Demonstrative adjectives, such as “ce,” “cet,” “cette,” and “ces,” are essential in French to indicate specific nouns in relation to their proximity to the speaker. They help clarify whether the noun is near or far and whether it’s singular or plural.

Examples:

• “Ce livre” (This book) – से लिव्र – (Se leevr)
  – Used for masculine singular nouns not starting with a vowel or a mute “h.”
  
  
• “Cet arbre” (This tree) – से तर्ब – (Se tarb)
  – Used for masculine singular nouns starting with a vowel sound.
  
  
• “Cette maison” (This house) – से मेज़ॉं – (Se mezone)
  – Used for feminine singular nouns.
  
  
• “Ces livres” (These books) – से लिव्र – (Se leevr)
  – Used for plural nouns, both masculine and feminine.
  
  
  

Conditions and Exceptions:

• “Ce” is used for masculine singular nouns, while “cette” is used for feminine singular nouns.
  
  
• “Cet” is used before masculine singular nouns starting with a vowel sound to avoid a clash of vowel sounds.
  
  
• “Ces” is used for plural nouns, regardless of gender.
  
  
  

Importance:

Understanding demonstrative adjectives is crucial for clear and precise communication in French. They specify which object or objects are being referred to, enhancing comprehension in conversations and written texts.

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Identifying in a Sentence:

In the sentence, “Je vais acheter cette voiture” (I am going to buy this car), “cette” indicates the specific car the speaker is referring to.


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