If you’re learning French, you may come across the word “eux” quite often. “Eux” is a pronoun that means “them” in English. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “eux” in French, including both formal and informal variations. We will also provide tips, examples, and address any regional variations that may exist. So, let’s dive in and expand our French vocabulary together!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Eux”
In formal contexts, it is essential to use appropriate language. Here are some formal ways to say “eux” in French:
- Leur – Used when “eux” functions as an indirect object: Je leur ai parlé. (I spoke to them.)
- Les – Used when “eux” functions as a direct object: Je les ai vus. (I saw them.)
Informal Ways to Say “Eux”
Informal French allows for greater flexibility and offers alternative ways to say “eux.” Here are some informal variations:
- Elles – Used when referring to a group of females only: Elles sont géniales, je les adore. (They are awesome, I adore them.)
- Ils – Used when referring to a group of males or mixed gender group: Ils sont mes amis, je les aime beaucoup. (They are my friends, I really like them.)
- Les gars – A colloquial way often used in informal conversations to refer to a group of friends: Les gars, je les ai invités chez moi. (Guys, I invited them to my place.)
- Les meufs – Another colloquial expression used in informal French, specifically referring to a group of female friends: Les meufs, je les ai vues à la fête. (The girls, I saw them at the party.)
Tips for Using “Eux” in French
To help you better understand and use “eux” in French, here are some useful tips:
- Pay attention to the gender and number of the noun being referred to when choosing the appropriate form of “eux.”
- If “eux” is functioning as an indirect object, use “leur” when referring to a group of people, regardless of their gender.
- When “eux” is a direct object, use “les” for a group of males or mixed-gender group, and “elles” for a group of females only.
- Colloquial expressions like “les gars” or “les meufs” are commonly used in informal contexts among friends or peers.
- Listen to native French speakers and pay attention to how they use “eux” in different situations.
Examples of Using “Eux” in Sentences
Let’s take a look at some examples that demonstrate the use of “eux” in different contexts:
Example 1: J’ai parlé à eux hier soir. (I spoke to them last night.)
Example 2: Nous les avons invités à notre fête. (We invited them to our party.)
Example 3: Elles m’ont prêté leur livre préféré. (They lent me their favorite book.)
Example 4: Ils sont très sympathiques, je les adore. (They are very nice, I adore them.)
Example 5: Les meufs sont en train de préparer le dîner. (The girls are preparing dinner.)
Regional Variations
While French is predominantly spoken in France, there are several regional variations that exist. However, when it comes to “eux,” the variations are minimal. The formal and informal distinctions mentioned earlier apply to all French-speaking regions, including Quebec, Belgium, and Switzerland.
Overall, the variations in how to say “eux” are grammatical and context-based rather than regionally influenced. It’s important to focus on mastering the appropriate usage of “eux” in different situations rather than regional variations.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned how to say “eux” in French. Remember to use “leur” or “les” in formal contexts and feel free to use “elles,” “ils,” “les gars,” or “les meufs” in more informal situations, depending on the gender and composition of the group being referred to. Pay attention to the tips and examples provided, and don’t hesitate to practice speaking French with different native speakers to further enhance your language skills.
