Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ceux-là | /sø.la/ | masculine |
| ces | /se/ /se.z‿/ |
plural |
| celles-là | /sɛl.la/ | feminine |
The way you say "those" depends on its grammatical function. Use ces when it is a demonstrative determiner placed directly before a noun. Use ceux-là or celles-là as demonstrative pronouns to replace a noun entirely. In informal conversations, you might also hear ces trucs or ces trucs-là to mean "those things" or "those items".
What does it mean word for word?
In the pronouns ceux-là and celles-là, the suffix -là serves to emphasize distance or to distinguish "those" from "these" (ceux-ci).
Which one should you use?
Use ces when the noun follows immediately, such as in ces livres. In contrast, use the pronouns ceux-là or celles-là when the noun is omitted or replaced. ceux-là is used for masculine plural nouns, while celles-là is used for feminine plural nouns.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
ces is a demonstrative determiner that must be placed directly before a noun. ceux-là is a demonstrative pronoun used to replace a masculine plural noun, while celles-là is a demonstrative pronoun used to replace a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
ceux-là is pronounced /sø.la/.
Did you know?
- When pointing to a group of mixed-gender objects, French defaults to the masculine ceux-là, even if there is only one masculine item and ten feminine items.
- When using ceux-là to refer to people, it can sometimes carry a dismissive or contrasting tone, effectively grouping 'those people' as a separate, often less desirable, category.
- In very formal or literary French, ceux-ci and ceux-là can be used in the same sentence to create a contrast like 'the former' and 'the latter'.
Examples in context
- Retire ces mots !Take those words back!This sentence uses ces.Tatoeba #12289791 by Rovo, translation #12290311 by Miktsoanit
- Ouvre ces portes !Open those doors!Tatoeba #3666223 by sacredceltic, translation #4321102 by monahxo
- Retirez ces mots !Take back those words!Tatoeba #12289792 by Rovo, translation #12290312 by Miktsoanit
- Regarde ces trucs dans la vitrine. Ces trucs-là sont vraiment cool!Look at those things in the shop window. Those things are really cool!
- Regarde ces voitures de luxe. Celles-là sont incroyables!Look at those luxury cars. Those ones are amazing!
- 616 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In a shop, Lucas and Léa are looking at some books.
- LucasJ'aime bien ceux-là.I like those ones.
- LéaCeux-là sont trop chers, Lucas.Those ones are too expensive, Lucas.
- LucasEt ceux-là ?And those ones?
- LéaIls sont parfaits pour toi.They are perfect for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “those” translations and entries ceux-là, ces, celles-là, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
