In the French language, demonstrative pronouns are used to point out or refer to specific things, people, or ideas. They can be used to indicate proximity, distance, or to differentiate between things. There are four French demonstrative pronouns: celui, celle, ceux, and celles. In this article, we will discuss each of these pronouns in detail, including their usage, examples, and differences.
Celui (masculine singular) – this/that one
The demonstrative pronoun “celui” is used to refer to a masculine singular noun that is either near or far in distance. It is often used to indicate a specific object, person, or idea. In English, it can be translated as “this one” or “that one.” Here are some examples:
J’aime cette voiture. – I like this car.
Celui-là est plus grand. – That one is bigger.
Tu veux celui-ci ou celui-là ? – Do you want this one or that one?
In the first example, “cette voiture” means “this car.” The speaker is referring to a specific car that is close to them. In the second example, “celui-là” means “that one.” The speaker is referring to a specific object that is far away from them. In the third example, “celui-ci” and “celui-là” mean “this one” and “that one” respectively. The speaker is giving a choice between two options.
Celle (feminine singular) – this/that one
The demonstrative pronoun “celle” is used to refer to a feminine singular noun that is either near or far in distance. It can also be used to indicate a specific object, person, or idea. In English, it can be translated as “this one” or “that one.” Here are some examples:
J’aime cette robe. – I like this dress.
Celle-ci est plus chère. – This one is more expensive.
Tu veux celle-ci ou celle-là ? – Do you want this one or that one?
In the first example, “cette robe” means “this dress.” The speaker is referring to a specific dress that is close to them. In the second example, “celle-ci” means “this one.” The speaker is referring to a specific object that is near them. In the third example, “celle-ci” and “celle-là” mean “this one” and “that one” respectively. The speaker is giving a choice between two options.
Ceux (masculine plural) – these/those ones
The demonstrative pronoun “ceux” is used to refer to a masculine plural noun that is either near or far in distance. It is often used to indicate a specific group of objects, people, or ideas. In English, it can be translated as “these ones” or “those ones.” Here are some examples:
J’aime ces chaussures. – I like these shoes.
Ceux-là sont moins chers. – Those ones are less expensive.
Tu veux ceux-ci ou ceux-là ? – Do you want these ones or those ones?
In the first example, “ces chaussures” means “these shoes.” The speaker is referring to a specific group of shoes that are close to them. In the second example, “ceux-là” means “those ones.” The speaker is referring to a specific group of objects that are far away from them. In the third example, “ceux-ci” and “ceux-là” mean “these ones” and “those ones
respectively. The speaker is giving a choice between two groups of objects.
Celles (feminine plural) – these/those ones
The demonstrative pronoun “celles” is used to refer to a feminine plural noun that is either near or far in distance. It can also be used to indicate a specific group of objects, people, or ideas. In English, it can be translated as “these ones” or “those ones.” Here are some examples:
J’aime ces robes. – I like these dresses.
Celles-ci sont plus grandes. – These ones are bigger.
Tu veux celles-ci ou celles-là ? – Do you want these ones or those ones?
In the first example, “ces robes” means “these dresses.” The speaker is referring to a specific group of dresses that are close to them. In the second example, “celles-ci” means “these ones.” The speaker is referring to a specific group of objects that are near them. In the third example, “celles-ci” and “celles-là” mean “these ones” and “those ones” respectively. The speaker is giving a choice between two groups of objects.
Difference between the Demonstrative Pronouns
The demonstrative pronouns differ based on gender, number, and proximity. “Celui” and “celle” are used to refer to a specific object, person, or idea that is either near or far in distance and singular in gender. “Ceux” and “celles” are used to refer to a specific group of objects, people, or ideas that are either near or far in distance and plural in gender. Here is a summary of the differences:
Celui – Masculine singular
Celle – Feminine singular
Ceux – Masculine plural
Celles – Feminine plural
It is important to note that the demonstrative pronouns agree in gender and number with the noun they replace. For example, if the noun being replaced is masculine singular, “celui” is used. If the noun being replaced is feminine plural, “celles” is used.
Conclusion
Demonstrative pronouns are an essential part of the French language. They are used to refer to specific things, people, or ideas and to indicate proximity or distance. In this article, we have discussed the four French demonstrative pronouns: “celui,” “celle,” “ceux,” and “celles.” We have explained their usage and provided examples to illustrate how they are used in sentences. It is important to understand the differences between these pronouns to use them correctly in French conversations. With practice, anyone can learn to use these pronouns correctly and improve their French language skills.
Originally posted 2023-07-17 16:44:07.