Bienvenue! Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “they/them” in French. In this guide, we will take you through both formal and informal ways of referring to “they/them” in the French language. We will provide you with tips, examples, and even touch upon regional variations when necessary. Let’s dive right in!
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Formal Ways to Say “They/Them” in French
When it comes to formal situations or when speaking to people you are not familiar with, it is important to use respectful language. Here are some formal ways to say “they/them” in French:
- Elles/eux: This is the most commonly used formal way to say “they/them” in French. It is used when referring to a group of people that includes both males and females. For example: “Elles sont en réunion” (They [females] are in a meeting) or “Ils sont arrivés” (They [males and females] arrived).
- Ceux-ci: This formal expression is used to refer to a specific group of people or things that are nearby. For example: “Ceux-ci sont mes collègues” (These [people] are my colleagues).
- Ces personnes: This phrase is a polite and indirect way to refer to a group of people. For example: “Ces personnes vont organiser l’événement” (These people will organize the event).
Informal Ways to Say “They/Them” in French
When speaking with friends, family members, or in casual situations, you can use these informal ways to say “they/them” in French:
- Ils/elles: This is the standard informal way to say “they/them” in French. It is used when referring to a group of people that includes both males and females. For example: “Ils sont partis en vacances” (They [males and females] went on vacation) or “Elles sont mes amies” (They [females] are my friends).
- Ces gars-là: This informal expression is commonly used to refer to a specific group of people, especially males. It translates to “those guys” in English. For example: “Ces gars-là sont vraiment sympas” (Those guys are really nice).
- Les potes: This informal term is used to refer to a group of friends, regardless of their gender. For example: “Les potes vont manger ensemble ce soir” (The friends are going to eat together tonight).
Examples in Context
To provide you with a better understanding of how to use these expressions, let’s look at some examples in context:
Formal Examples:
Elles sont prêtes pour la présentation. (They [females] are ready for the presentation.)
Ils ont fait de grands progrès dans leur travail. (They [males and females] have made great progress in their work.)
Ceux-ci sont les nouveaux employés de la société. (These [people] are the new employees of the company.)
Ces personnes sont venues assister à la conférence. (These people have come to attend the conference.)
Informal Examples:
Ils sont allés au cinéma hier soir. (They [males and females] went to the cinema last night.)
Elles ont remporté le match de football. (They [females] won the football match.)
Ces gars-là sont vraiment drôles. (Those guys are really funny.)
Je vais retrouver les potes pour prendre un verre ce soir. (I’m meeting up with friends to grab a drink tonight.)
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions around the world, and some variations in vocabulary and expressions exist. Here are a few regional variations for saying “they/them” in French:
- Ceux-là: In some regions, “ceux-là” is used informally to refer to a specific group of people or things that are near. It is somewhat similar to “ceux-ci” mentioned earlier. For example: “Ceux-là sont les nouveaux voisins” (Those [people] are the new neighbors).
- Les gens: In Quebec, Canada, it is common to use “les gens” (the people) as a more general way to refer to a group of individuals without specifying their gender. For example: “Les gens viennent de partout” (People are coming from everywhere).
Remember, these regional variations might not be universally understood, so it’s generally recommended to stick to the more common expressions.
Now that you’re equipped with various ways to say “they/them” in French both formally and informally, you can confidently express yourself while respecting the appropriate language conventions. Keep practicing and immerse yourself in the language to become even more fluent. Bonne chance!
