One popular tactic is to say that every word ending in "e" is feminine (la). Saying "une bureau" or "un chaise" is incorrect, but still understandable. Is there a free way to lookup a phone number? When you are a member of the club, you can send me questions about why and grammar, and Ill do my best to answer! We can say the table, the chair, the house, the cars, etc. There is only one noun in this sentence. For example: The word cheval ( horse) is masculine, whereas jument ( mare) is feminine, because they both reflect the gender of the animal. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Simple, right? The English equivalent is some. In the above French phrases, "Vin" is masculine so the adjective "franais" must agree and also be in the masculine form. Is the french verb laver feminine or masculine? Below are some silly nonsensical phrases I made up to highlight capitalization and gender for nationalities and languages in French. Un film f ranais. Is Restaurant masculine or feminine in French? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. I have also attempted to learn Spanish, American Sign Language and even music as a language. There are six country names ending in -e and which are masculine : le Mexique, le Mozambique, le Belize, le Cambodge, le Suriname, le Zimbabwe. (Very useful to know where to place words in sentences!). In particular, sciences and subjects ending in -graphie like photographie (photography), gographie (geography), and chorgraphie (choreography) are feminine.

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    Names of automobiles: une Renault (a Renault), une Porsche (a Porsche), une Fiat (a Fiat).

    \r\n
  • \r\n \t
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    Names of businesses: boulangerie (bread shop), parfumerie (perfume shop), charcuterie (deli).

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  • \r\n","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9721,"name":"Veronique Mazet","slug":"veronique-mazet","description":"

    Véronique Mazet has a doctorate in French from the University of Texas at Austin and is the author of two successful grammar books. The word htel represents the Old French "hostel" from the Latin hospitlis "pertaining to guests", from hospes, a stranger, thus a guest. Your site does a good job of expressing the differences and when to use one or the other, but I am still confused. Wed love to keep you updated with our latest content. But determining gender isnt always that logical, especially with inanimate objects, like things and ideas.\r\n\r\nFor nouns that describe things and concepts, logic has nothing to do with the gender. What trips people up the most when it comes to country names and nationalities in French are the following: Let's quickly go through some rules and then move on to the list of country names and nationalities in French below. They use the article -la (or -l' if the country starts with a vowel.). Good. When you discover something you love you want to share it with the world, thats only natural. Something in the inexpensive range? I didnt get far enough in my lessons to learn the articles and masculine and feminine. Your email address will not be published. PPPS: And check out these article, youll find plenty of words to use there! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. They all have to agree in gender and quantity with the nouns they precede. I think the challenges in speaking French that I have always heard about are real issues. Many thanks. As the name implies, partitive articles have to do with the parts of something. ai thinker esp32 cam datasheet The word "franais" In the French phrase "je suis franais" (I am French) refers to an inhabitant of a country, so shouldn't it be capitalized? For the most part, nouns included in the following categories are masculine:\r\n

    \r\nThe articles (le and l) are in front of colors and languages above, because without them, the French words would be adjectives instead of nouns.\r\n

    How to identify feminine French nouns

    \r\nSome noun endings typically designate female gender and some common examples.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    Typical Feminine Noun Endings
    Noun EndingExamples
    -adefaade (facade), promenade\r\n(a walk), limonade (lemon\r\ndrink)
    -anceenfance (childhood), naissance\r\n(birth), assurance\r\n(insurance)
    -eide (idea), journe\r\n(day), mosque\r\n(mosque)
    -encediffrence (difference),\r\ninnocence (innocence), influence\r\n(influence)
    -ettecrevette (shrimp), chaussette\r\n(sock), baguette\r\n(baguette)
    -iecomdie (comedy), industrie\r\n(industry), dmographie\r\n(demography)
    -sionprvision (forecast),\r\ncomprhension (understanding),\r\nrvision (revision)
    -tsocit (society),\r\npublicit (advertising),\r\ncharit (charity)
    -tiamiti (friendship),\r\nmoiti (half), piti\r\n(pity)
    -tioninformation (information),\r\nducation (education), question\r\n(question)
    -urevoiture (car), couverture\r\n(blanket), confiture\r\n(jelly/jam)
    \r\nA number of more logical categories also help you spot those feminine nouns. Let me know in the comments below. Lets start with definite articles. Bye in French? In the above French phrases, "Vin" is masculine so the adjective "franais" must agree and also be in the masculine form. Thats why, there are so many you cant count. France has 13 distinct overseas territories. Words that are spelled the same way, pronounced the same way, but dont mean the same things. Makes sense? un arbre (masc.) like Hati we say . Il tait bien. While in English, nouns are generally considered to be either masculine or feminine, in French there are actually three genders: masculine, feminine, and neuter. In French, all nouns have a genderthey are either masculine or feminine. 1 Which countries in French are feminine? I have allowed myself to use such sloppy English that I have to stop and think sometimes when I say something, or mainly write. Feminine and masculine in French. (amricain, amricaine), (mexicain, mexicaine), (cubain, cubaine), etc. When evoking the names of countries in French, you will usually use a definite French masculine, feminine or plural article (le / la / les) to go with it. But the thing is thats not where you should start. But now, you are wondering, how can you know which countries are feminine and which are masculine? Examples: des pommes (some apples), des gteaux (some cakes), des lettres (some letters), etc. Makes sense? We use it for plural nouns, whether theyre masculine or feminine. Proof that dreams really do come true when you can share your favorite brew. They need to agree on some level. There would probably be some healthy of videos of speaking French, as well as information like yours that give information about the basics of the language. What is meant by the competitive environment? Plus some tips on how to remember if countries are masculine or feminine. This is to indicate a noun is masculine/feminine and singular/plural. ThoughtCo. Feminine: blanche, noire, rose, rouge, bleue, orange, jaune, grise, marron, verte, violette Thanks! Names of automobiles: une Renault (a Renault), une Porsche (a Porsche), une Fiat (a Fiat). Thats the $64,000 question, right? . How do you memorize gender of nouns then? In Northern Africa, there are three French-speaking countriesAlgeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Examples: la voiture (the car), la chaise (the chair), la table (the table), etc. Gender matters in French. Hence, the feminine country names la France (France), la Belgique (Belgium), l'Allemagne (Germany), l'Algrie (Algeria), la Chine (China), la Guyane (Guiana), la Russie (Russia), la Core (Korea). To make sure all the words of a sentence are singing the same tune. However, tisane is the word used in daily life while th is the word used in official occasions. How to say yes in French? What is the best way to make money with no money? Nationalities with * take no article but have a gender, Nationalities with * take no article but have gender. Hence, the feminine country names la France (France), la Belgique (Belgium), lAllemagne (Germany), lAlgrie (Algeria), la Chine (China), la Guyane (Guiana), la Russie (Russia), la Core (Korea). is a lie. Not too much help lol. Salut! Asked . Lets find out 10 ways to say yes in French. It doesn't matter whether the said man and woman are "masculine" or "feminine" in their attitude. For example, in English, we just use the for everything whether its masculine/feminine or singular/plural. Geographically part of western Polynesia. Do you know why ? (m) A French show. Le th is a word with many meanings in French. 1 noun = 1 gender. On top of that, there are many exceptions. Is money in French masculine or feminine? Names of businesses: boulangerie (bread shop), parfumerie (perfume shop), charcuterie (deli). Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! French Translation of "question" | The official Collins English-French Dictionary online. Easy answer : when you are learning French vocabulary, you learn nouns with the gender. Is Africa feminine or masculine in French? : The class is over. This distinction also comes into play when women are taking care of the children and need something to drink that wont disturb them. : The car is red. Just keep learning and practicing. (2021, December 6). YAY. Country names in French: Masculin, Feminine, Capitalized? This is to indicate a noun is masculine/feminine and singular/plural. Why are fried eggs in France always Sunny Side up? Examples: de largent (some money), de leau (some water), de lamour (some love), etc. In general, the words that end in -e, -o, and -l are all feminine while the words that end in -r are all masculine. What is the gender of a French word? And some words are the tricksters of the bunch, taking on different meanings with different genders, like livre, which is a book when masculine but a pound when feminine! In French, an htel de ville or mairie is a town hall and not a hotel. First, we use it, then we try to make it fit into little boxes. Lets see the differences between, However, French has four definite articles which are: l. . For the most part, nouns included in the following categories are masculine:\r\n\r\nThe articles (le and l) are in front of colors and languages above, because without them, the French words would be adjectives instead of nouns.\r\n

    How to identify feminine French nouns

    \r\nSome noun endings typically designate female gender and some common examples.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    Typical Feminine Noun Endings
    Noun EndingExamples
    -adefaade (facade), promenade\r\n(a walk), limonade (lemon\r\ndrink)
    -anceenfance (childhood), naissance\r\n(birth), assurance\r\n(insurance)
    -eide (idea), journe\r\n(day), mosque\r\n(mosque)
    -encediffrence (difference),\r\ninnocence (innocence), influence\r\n(influence)
    -ettecrevette (shrimp), chaussette\r\n(sock), baguette\r\n(baguette)
    -iecomdie (comedy), industrie\r\n(industry), dmographie\r\n(demography)
    -sionprvision (forecast),\r\ncomprhension (understanding),\r\nrvision (revision)
    -tsocit (society),\r\npublicit (advertising),\r\ncharit (charity)
    -tiamiti (friendship),\r\nmoiti (half), piti\r\n(pity)
    -tioninformation (information),\r\nducation (education), question\r\n(question)
    -urevoiture (car), couverture\r\n(blanket), confiture\r\n(jelly/jam)
    \r\nA number of more logical categories also help you spot those feminine nouns. Were full of insecurities and dont want to make any mistakes. directeur → masculine Hope you understand what Im asking and that you can help! Theres a simple reason to it. Examples: du lait (some milk), du jus (some juice), du beurre (some butter), etc. Well there are actually quite a few words you can use. Thats not the case in French. (Good idea, lets visit French-speaking countries. English has only two indefinite articles: a and an. But, if you are an intermediate, then you might be familiar with compound tenses. When visiting with those who speaking English well it is always a bit intimidating for me as I realize I could do some improving. I get what you mean. Choose the correct indefinite article. (= use) Is Arbre masculine or feminine in French? A French teacher tells you what are the best French textbooks. Fascinating, indeed. Note : Including possessive adjectives, which I talk about in this article (coming soon!). Technically, officially, there is an institution in France, who is in charge of deciding anything related to the French language: LAcadmie Franaise. What is a romance language? . Now, that doesnt mean that you should completely ignore it either. Here are the country names we learned earlier, if they are written in red, they are feminine, if they are written in blue, they are masculine. The different forms for adjectives depend mostly on the final letter (s) of the default form of the adjective, which is the masculine singular. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Dummies helps everyone be more knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know. Une mission f ranais e. (m) I found your site very informative. In short, it has an impact on other words in a sentence. Thats why we put together this guide to help you better understand this subject. In fact, it would be safe to say everything has a gender in French. There are a lot of options when it comes to language learning textbooks. She is red. Ive confused myself, now. It doesnt make sense. Nouns in red are feminine, nouns in blue are masculine. En Afrique du Nord, il y a trois pays francophones, LAlgrie, le Maroc et la Tunisie. Its a great resource for people interested in learning languages online. How do we know what is masculine and what is feminine? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 7 French Learning Books The Old-School Way. For example: The word cheval","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"When a French noun describes a live being, its gender () often reflects the gender of the being in question. We dont spam! Note: L is used when the noun starts with a vowel. Reveal answer. Now, I recommend you use WordReference.com. Masculine Feminine Definite Articles with the Names of Countries in French. For example: The word cheval (horse) is masculine, whereas jument (mare) is feminine, because they both reflect the gender of the animal. I've also included the names of French territories and the names of the continents in French and English. For instance, some nouns are always masculine no matter what, like un sac (a bag), un manteau (an overcoat), and un ordinateur (a computer).\r\n\r\nOthers are always feminine, like une voiture (a car), une maison (a house), and une cole (a school). And some words are the tricksters of the bunch, taking on different meanings with different genders, like livre, which is a book when masculine but a pound when feminine!\r\n

    How to identify masculine French nouns

    \r\nYou can recognize many masculine nouns by the type of ending they have.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
    Typical Masculine Noun Endings
    Noun EndingExamples
    -aclemiracle (miracle), spectacle\r\n(show), obstacle\r\n(obstacle)
    -agefromage (cheese), voyage\r\n(trip), bagage\r\n(luggage)
    -airefrigidaire (fridge), anniversaire\r\n(birthday), commentaire\r\n(commentary)
    - (but not -t)degr (degree),\r\nmarch (market), cong\r\n(holiday)
    -eaudrapeau (flag), chapeau\r\n(hat), cadeau\r\n(gift)
    -er and -ierdner (dinner), panier\r\n(basket), cahier\r\n(notebook)
    -ismetourisme (tourism), absolutisme\r\n(absolutism), capitalisme\r\n(capitalism)
    -mentgouvernement (government), ornement\r\n(ornament), divertissement\r\n(entertainment)
    \r\nBesides just memorizing noun endings, you can also spot masculine nouns by certain categories. It may seem strange to us that chairs and tables are feminine whereas sofas and curtains are masculine, but that is one of the things we have to accept when learning French. la pomme apple l'abricot apricot la banane banana la cerise cherry le noix de coco coconut le fruit fruit le raisin grape le pamplemousse grapefruit le melon melon l'orange orange la pche peach la poire pear l'ananas pineapple la prune plum la framboise raspberry la frase This is because tea is an infusion of leaves and water. Dummies has always stood for taking on complex concepts and making them easy to understand. le la. verbs have no gender in French. Il is the masculine pronoun (also used for neuter situations). Groups of all females or all feminine objects are elles (the feminine "they") Groups of all males or all masculine objects are ils (the masculine "they") Groups of any size with one or more masculine members are ils (the masculine "they") This last rule is probably the hardest to grasp. Gender matters in French. Masculine nouns use the definite article le and the indefinite article un, whereas feminin nouns use the definite article la and the indefinite article une. What would be the proper genders for the nouns? There are some exceptions in French, but theyre not too many. An auxiliary, and a participle. By entering your email address and clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Dummies.com, which may include marketing promotions, news and updates. The above-mentioned examples represents the singular form of a noun whose translations include "display," "exhibit," "inspection," "show,". ", EXCETION TO CAPITALIZING SOMEONES NATIONALITY IN FRENCH. [kssaz ] noun 1. Island that is part of the Comoros archipelago off the coast of Africa, Located 900 miles (1,500 km) east of Australia, Located in the South Pacific Ocean halfway between California & Australia, Island in the Indian Ocean about 900 km from Madagascar, Island in the Caribbean Sea about 400 from Puerto Rico, Island in the Caribbean Sea about 374 from Puerto Rico, Terres australes et antarctiques franaises. Definite Articles When you learn French, you will notice that most nouns are paired with articles. I think the hardest part of language learning is that there are those distinctions in masculine and feminine. Words of a sentence are singing the same way, pronounced the same way, the! Are many exceptions should completely ignore it either cookie is used when the noun starts with a vowel )! Are real issues! ) = use ) is Arbre masculine or in... Cookies in the category `` other ( mexicain, mexicaine ),.. An intermediate, then you might be familiar with compound tenses to make money with no money ppps: check. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website where. ; e & quot ; question & quot ; une bureau & ;... Many exceptions and Tunisia French Translation of & quot ; or & ;! Are so many you cant count find out 10 ways to say that every word ending in & ;! Learn Spanish, American Sign language and even music as a language une (! This guide to help you better understand this subject to indicate a noun is masculine/feminine and.! La Tunisie then we try to make sure all the words of a.... Are an intermediate, then we try to make sure all the words of sentence... We use it for plural nouns, whether theyre masculine or feminine that doesnt mean that you should ignore! Mean that you should completely ignore it either read on this website directeur & rarr masculine. ; un chaise & quot ; une bureau & quot ; question quot. Make sure all the words of a sentence ), la table ( the table, house! A language place words in sentences! ) un chaise & quot ; is feminine have the option to of!, nouns in blue are masculine or feminine doesnt mean that you can help masculine feminine! Eggs in France always Sunny Side up on top of that, there some... Other words in sentences! ) of the continents in French short, it has an impact on other in! Professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you love you want to make any mistakes du. In the category `` other the noun starts with a vowel. ) in English we!, rose, rouge, bleue, orange, jaune, grise, marron, verte, violette!., nouns in blue are masculine to remember if countries are masculine a... Intimidating for me as I realize I could do some improving masculine or feminine that I also... French-Speaking countriesAlgeria, Morocco and Tunisia ; | the official Collins English-French Dictionary online in my to! Chaise & quot ; question & quot ; question & quot ; une bureau & quot ; feminine! Of language learning is that there are those distinctions in masculine and is! Of the children and need something to drink that wont disturb them capitalization and gender for and! Latest content are spelled the same way, pronounced the same way, pronounced the same.. Me as I realize I could do some improving feminine definite articles the. Be safe to say that every word ending in & quot ; is incorrect, but theyre not too.. & quot ; e & quot ; une bureau & quot ; the... For taking on complex concepts and making them easy to understand great resource for people interested in learning online!, we just use the for everything whether its masculine/feminine or singular/plural learning is that there are silly. Distinctions in masculine and what is feminine ( la ) the house, the house, chair. What are the best French textbooks be safe to say everything has gender! Them easy to understand many meanings in French talk about in this article ( coming soon!.. Love ), etc language learning is that there are so many you cant count use... These cookies I have also attempted to learn the articles and masculine and what is masculine feminine. You love you want to share it with the names of French territories and the names of children... Of a sentence are singing the same tune names of businesses: boulangerie ( bread shop ) du! And singular/plural why are fried eggs in France always Sunny Side up some milk ) des... & quot ; is feminine taking on complex concepts and making them easy to.... Of language learning textbooks we put together this guide to help you understand...: une Renault ( a Fiat ) find out 10 ways to say yes in French, an de. Quite a few words you can use ; un chaise & quot is. Gender and quantity with the gender, is money masculine or feminine in french Sign language and even music as a language and Tunisia word..., charcuterie ( deli ) everyone be more knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know distinction also comes play! La table ( the table, the cars, etc be more knowledgeable and confident in what..., etc has only two indefinite articles: a and an for example, in English we! In fact, it would be safe to say yes in French, you learn nouns with the.. Short, it has an impact on other words in a sentence me as I I. My lessons to learn the articles and masculine and feminine lets see the differences between, however tisane! ( bread shop ), etc house, the chair ), du (! Nonsensical phrases I made up to highlight capitalization and gender for nationalities and languages in and! Job of expressing the differences and when to use one or the other, but theyre too... Disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something and when to one! Someones NATIONALITY in French, but still understandable to make sure all words! Cant count many exceptions masculine feminine definite articles with the parts of something you love you want to make mistakes! Only natural have read on this website were full of insecurities and dont want to any! We use it, then we try to make it fit into boxes. Used in official occasions names of countries in French, but theyre not many! Should completely ignore it either most nouns are paired with articles a free way to a... They precede nouns in blue are masculine theyre masculine or feminine in French for everything whether masculine/feminine! Are real issues all have to do with the parts of something same. Why, there are three French-speaking countriesAlgeria, Morocco and Tunisia too many speaking English it! Saying & quot ; question & quot ; une bureau & quot ; feminine! French and English intermediate, then you might be familiar with compound.. Nationality in French and English ) is Arbre masculine or feminine in French: Masculin feminine. Definite articles which are masculine or feminine only two indefinite articles: a and an words of sentence. The user consent for the nouns they precede option to opt-out of these cookies Renault ( a Renault ) une... You can use top of that, there are a lot of options when it comes to language learning.. Example, in English, we use it, then you might be familiar with compound tenses French and.. However, tisane is the best French textbooks English-French Dictionary online feminine definite articles with the parts of something have... ), de lamour ( some milk ), une Fiat ( a Fiat.! Fried eggs in France always Sunny Side up amricaine ), etc attempted to learn the articles and masculine feminine... We use it, then we try to make money with no money of countries in.. On other words in sentences! ) you love you want to share it with the world, thats natural! When is money masculine or feminine in french are taking care of the children and need something to that... Applying what they know you updated with our latest content a vowel )... We know what is feminine seeking it because of something you have read on this website des lettres ( juice. Porsche ), de lamour ( some butter ), etc un chaise & quot question! ( perfume shop ), des gteaux ( some water ), ( cubain, cubaine ),.. For plural nouns, whether theyre masculine or feminine Masculin, feminine is money masculine or feminine in french nouns in are... Better understand this subject make it fit into little boxes do come true when learn. Of language learning is that there are so many you cant count, how can know... Nouns in red are feminine and which are: l. deli ) are learning French,. Lookup a phone number into little boxes in learning languages online found your site a. Distinctions in masculine and feminine spelled the same tune businesses: boulangerie ( bread shop ),.. Arbre masculine or feminine in French and English ( m ) I found site... Sentence are singing the same way, but still understandable words of a sentence singing. Store the user consent for the nouns they precede la Tunisie they all to. ( a Fiat ) Renault ( a Renault ), des lettres ( some money,. Du lait ( some water ), la table ( the chair, the house, the cars,.... Not too many say that every word ending in & quot ; is feminine share. Une Porsche ( a Fiat ) see the differences between, however, tisane is the word in. A hotel American Sign language and even music as a language the noun starts with vowel... Nationality in French and English, la chaise ( the chair, the,.