votre
/vɔtʁ/
votre is the French possessive adjective for "your".
votre is used to refer to something that belongs to you or to a group of people. It is the possessive form used when addressing someone formally or when addressing multiple people.
Which one should you use?
The choice between forms depends on whether the thing being possessed is singular or plural. Use votre when the object is singular. If the object being possessed is plural, use vos. While votre is used for the formal vous or for a group, the informal forms ton or ta are used when addressing a single person as tu.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective is determined by the noun it modifies rather than the person being addressed. Use votre when the possessed object is singular, even if you are talking to many people. Use vos if the objects being possessed are plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/vɔtʁ/
Did you know?
- While votre means 'your', the word le vôtre (with a circumflex accent) is a possessive pronoun meaning 'yours'. The accent is used to distinguish the pronoun from the adjective.
- Using votre instead of ton when speaking to a stranger is not just about politeness but about establishing a social distance called 'vouvoiement'. Breaking this convention too early can be perceived as an aggressive or overly intimate gesture.
- The word 'votre' is a close relative of the English word 'your', as both trace back to the same Latin root 'voster'.
Examples in context
- Votre travail est impeccable.Your work is impeccable.
- Je tenais à vous remercier pour votre coopération.I wanted to thank you for your cooperation.
- Votre voiture est magnifique.Your car is magnificent.
- J'aime beaucoup votre maison.I like your house a lot.
- Où est votre passeport ?Where is your passport?
Example conversation
A hotel receptionist greeting a guest at the front desk.
- ManonBonjour, monsieur. Puis-je voir votre carte ?Hello, sir. May I see your ID card?
- LucasOui, la voici.Yes, here it is.
- ManonMerci. Voici votre clé de chambre.Thank you. Here is your room key.
- LucasMerci beaucoup.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry votre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries votre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
