How to Say “They” in French: Formal and Informal Ways

Greetings! If you’ve been learning French, you might be familiar with the fact that the French language has different forms for addressing people depending on the situation. When it comes to translating “they” into French, you’ll need to consider whether you’re referring to someone formally or informally. In this guide, we’ll explore both options, providing you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations. Let’s dive in!

Formal Way to Say “They” in French

When addressing someone formally in French, such as during formal conversations, business situations, or with people you don’t know well, you’ll use the French pronoun “ils” to mean “they.” Here’s an example:

Les étudiants sont arrivés. Ils ont apporté leurs livres.

(The students have arrived. They brought their books.)

In the above example, “ils” is used because it refers to a group of people, which includes males and both males and females together. It’s important to remember that in French, the masculine form (ils) is used when referring to any group that includes at least one male.

Informal Ways to Say “They” in French

Switching to informal situations, such as conversations with friends, family members, or when addressing young children, you’ll use a different French pronoun based on the gender of the group you’re referring to.

Informal Masculine Group

If you’re addressing a group of males or a mixed group of males and females using familiar language, you’ll use the pronoun “ils” similarly to the formal way:

Mes amis sont venus. Ils sont très amusants.

(My friends came. They are very funny.)

Remember, even if the group consists of one male and several females, “ils” should still be used.

Informal Feminine Group

Now, let’s say you’re referring to a group of only females informally. In this case, you’ll need to use the pronoun “elles.” Here’s an example:

Mes sœurs sont allées au cinéma. Elles ont regardé un film.

(My sisters went to the cinema. They watched a movie.)

When using “elles,” it typically refers to a group of exclusively females.

Regional Variations

The French language varies slightly depending on the region, resulting in different pronunciations or even alternate vocabulary. While the formal and informal ways to say “they” remain consistent, I’d like to highlight a regional variation regarding the informal feminine group pronoun.

Québec French

In Canadian French, specifically in the province of Québec, it’s common for speakers to use the word “y’ont” instead of “elles” to say “they” informally. While not used in standard French, it’s worth mentioning as a regional variation. Here’s an example:

Mes cousines sont parties. Y’ont passé une bonne soirée.

(My cousins left. They had a good evening.)

Keep in mind that the Quebecois variation should only be used within the region when speaking informally.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “they” in French. Remember to use “ils” for formal situations or when referring to any group that includes at least one male. For informal situations, use “ils” for masculine or mixed groups, and “elles” for feminine groups. Keep in mind the Quebecois variation “y’ont” if you find yourself in the beautiful province of Québec. Practice these pronouns regularly, and your French skills will continue to grow!

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