Bonjour! Are you ready to learn how to express “this” or “that” in French? In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the formal and informal ways of saying these words, as well as provide helpful tips and examples. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When addressing someone in a formal setting or showing respect, it’s essential to use formal expressions. Here are some formal ways to say “this” or “that” in French:
Ceci – This
Cela – That
These expressions are versatile and cover both singular and plural forms. Remember that “ceci” refers to something that is closer to the speaker, while “cela” refers to something farther away.
Informal Expressions
In informal situations or when talking with friends, you can use the following expressions to say “this” or “that” in French:
Ce truc – This thing
Ce machin – That thing
These informal expressions are commonly used in daily speech and add a friendly tone to your conversations. They work well for both singular and plural objects.
Additional Regional Variations
Although French is spoken across various regions, the basic expressions for “this” and “that” remain consistent. However, some areas may have regional variations. Here are a few examples:
Canada (Quebec)
In Quebec, you may come across the following regional variations:
C’truc-là – This thing
Ça – That
The expressions used in Quebec have a unique charm and reflect the local culture. Don’t be surprised if you encounter these variations during your travels or conversations with Quebecois!
Belgium
Belgium also has its own regional variations for “this” and “that.” Here are a couple of examples:
Ça là – That
Ceci-ci – This
The Belgian variations might differ slightly from the standard French expressions, but they are easily understandable within the region.
Tips for Using “This” and “That” in French
To help you master the usage of “this” or “that” in French, here are some helpful tips:
- Demonstrative Adjectives: When the word “this” or “that” is followed by a noun, you should use the corresponding demonstrative adjective. For example: “Ce livre” (This book) or “Cette maison” (That house).
- Demonstrative Pronouns: When “this” or “that” replaces a noun, you need to use demonstrative pronouns. For example: “Je préfère celui-ci” (I prefer this one) or “Elle aime celle-là” (She likes that one).
- Pay Attention to Gender and Number: In French, nouns have gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural). The demonstrative adjectives and pronouns must agree with the gender and number of the noun they refer to.
- Placement: In French, the demonstrative adjectives and pronouns usually come before the noun. For instance: “Cette belle fleur” (This beautiful flower) or “Ce grand arbre” (That tall tree).
- Practice and Listen: One of the best ways to improve your understanding and usage of “this” and “that” in French is by practicing and listening to native speakers. Immerse yourself in French media, engage in conversations, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.
Examples
Here are some examples to illustrate the usage of “this” and “that” in different contexts:
- Ce livre est passionnant. -> This book is fascinating.
- Je préfère cette chanson-ci. -> I prefer this song.
- Ça, c’est intéressant! -> That is interesting!
- Je n’aime pas ces chaussures-là. -> I don’t like those shoes.
- J’aimerais essayer ce plat délicieux. -> I would like to try this delicious dish.
Absorb these examples and feel free to use them as templates while you practice speaking and writing in French.
Voilà! You now have a solid understanding of how to say “this” or “that” in French. Remember to adapt your usage based on the formality of the situation and region you are in. With practice and exposure, you’ll become more comfortable, and your French skills will flourish. Bonne chance!
