ils sont
In French, "they are" can be translated as ils sont or elles sont.
The phrase is used to describe the state or identity of a group of people or things.
Which one should you use?
Use ils sont when referring to a group of males or a mixed-gender group. Use elles sont instead if the group consists exclusively of females or feminine-gendered objects.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ils sont is used for both a group of males and a mixed group of males and females.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Ils sont mes amis.They are my friends.This sentence shows how to use ils sont to identify a group of people.Tatoeba #1650862 by sacredceltic, translation #306708 by CK
- Ils sont en ville.They are in town.This sentence shows how to use ils sont to describe a group's location.Tatoeba #13347963 by genes1s, translation #10717750 by vxern
- Ils sont en classe.They are in class.Tatoeba #1119672 by Sibelius, translation #317707 by CK
- Tu as vu mes amis ? C'est des personnes vraiment sympathiques.Have you seen my friends? They are really nice people.
- 303 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a group of people in a park.
- ManonRegarde ces hommes là-bas.Look at those men over there.
- NathanIls sont très grands, non ?They are very tall, aren't they?
- ManonOui, ils sont impressionnants.Yes, they are impressive.
- NathanJe me demande qui ils sont.I wonder who they are.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ils, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
