ce
/sə/masculine
The English word 'that' is translated into French as ce. Wiktionary also lists cet.
Meaning: what is being indicated (det)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ce | /sə/ /sø/ (Paris) |
masculine |
| cet | /sɛ.t‿/ /se.t‿/ |
masculine |
In French, the demonstrative forms ce and cet can mean both 'this' and 'that' depending on the context. While ce and cet are masculine, the feminine form is cette and the plural form for both masculine and feminine nouns is ces. If you are looking for a pronoun meaning 'that thing', you might use ça or cela. Additionally, if you want to connect a clause to indicate purpose, you would use pour que.
Which one should you use?
The forms ce and cet are both masculine and can both mean 'this' or 'that'. Use cet instead of ce when the following masculine noun begins with a vowel or a silent 'h'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, ça is used informally as a pronoun or a neuter demonstrative.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/sə/
Did you know?
- The French word ce has roots in the Vulgar Latin expression *ecce ille, which combines 'behold' and 'that one'.
- In spoken French, cela is almost always shortened to ça. Using the full form cela in a casual conversation can make a speaker sound unnaturally formal or stiff.
- The word ça is often used in Quebec French as a neuter demonstrative, whereas in France it might feel more strictly informal.
Examples in context
- Où va ce bus ?Where does that bus go?This sentence shows how to use ce to specify a bus.Tatoeba #3245367 by sacredceltic, translation #2270179 by _undertoad
- Ce sera tout ?Will that be all?This sentence shows how to use ce to ask if that will be everything.Tatoeba #3256368 by Micsmithel, translation #3256369 by CM
- Est-ce le cas ?Is that so?This sentence shows how to use ce to ask if that is the case.Tatoeba #1121156 by sacredceltic, translation #1120776 by cntrational
- Je sais que tu es occupé.I know that you are busy.
- Le livre que j'ai pris est celui de mon frère .The book that I took is my brother's.
- Ce livre est intéressant.That book is interesting.
- Cette chanson est géniale.That song is awesome.
- Ça m'énerve!That annoys me!
- 7643 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are looking at a new piece of furniture in a store.
- LéaCe canapé est très confortable.This sofa is very comfortable.
- NathanTu aimes ce modèle ?Do you like this model?
- LéaOui, ce style est magnifique.Yes, this style is magnificent.
- NathanIl est un peu cher.It is a little expensive.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “that” translations and entries ce, cet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ce, cet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
