ton
/tɔ̃/
The English phrase "your (informal)" is translated into French as ton, ta or tes depending on the noun that follows.
These possessive adjectives are used to refer to something belonging to a single person whom you address informally.
Which one should you use?
The form you choose depends on the gender and number of the object being possessed. Use ton for masculine singular nouns, ta for feminine singular nouns and tes for plural nouns of any gender.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice of possessive adjective is determined by the noun it modifies: use ton for masculine singular nouns, ta for feminine singular nouns and tes for plural nouns regardless of their gender.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of ton is /tɔ̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using ta before a feminine noun that begins with a vowel, such as in the phrase ta amie. In these cases, you must use ton instead.
Did you know?
- Using ton instead of the formal votre with a stranger or a superior can come across as rude.
- The word ton comes from the Latin tuus, 'your'.
- In French, the choice of ton, ta or tes depends entirely on the object being owned, not the gender of the person who owns it.
Examples in context
- Où est ton sac ?Where is your bag?
- J'aime beaucoup ton style.I really like your style.
- C'est ton frère, n'est-ce pas ?He is your brother, isn't he?
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are at a cafe.
- ChloéNathan, c'est ton café ?Nathan, is this your coffee?
- NathanOui, merci Chloé.Yes, thank you Chloé.
- ChloéTu as oublié ton sucre.You forgot your sugar.
- NathanAh, tu as raison.Ah, you are right.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ton, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
