A1 French GrammarPersonal Pronouns
Learn the basic French personal pronouns (je, tu, il, elle, nous, vous, ils, elles) and how to use them in simple sentences. Understand the distinction between formal 'vous' and informal 'tu', as well as gender differences in third person plural pronouns.
1Subject Pronouns Overview
French has eight subject pronouns. Unlike English, French distinguishes between informal 'tu' and formal 'vous' for 'you', and between masculine 'ils' and feminine 'elles' for 'they'. Subject pronouns are almost always required in French sentences, unlike some other Romance languages.
French Subject Pronouns
| French | English | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| je | I | first person singular |
| tu | you (informal) | second person singular, friends/family |
| il | he / it (masc.) | third person singular masculine |
| elle | she / it (fem.) | third person singular feminine |
| nous | we | first person plural |
| vous | you (formal/plural) | formal or plural |
| ils | they (masc./mixed) | third person plural masculine |
| elles | they (fem.) | third person plural feminine |
Examples
Je suis français.
I am French.
je = I (becomes j' before vowel)
Tu es mon ami.
You are my friend.
tu = informal you
Nous sommes étudiants.
We are students.
nous = we
Elles sont françaises.
They are French (women).
elles = they (all female)
2Tu vs Vous - Formal and Informal
French distinguishes between 'tu' (informal) and 'vous' (formal). Use 'tu' with friends, family, children, and peers. Use 'vous' with strangers, elders, in professional settings, or to show respect. 'Vous' is also always used for addressing multiple people, regardless of formality.
When to Use Tu or Vous
| Pronoun | When to Use | Example Context |
|---|---|---|
| tu | friends, family | talking to a sibling |
| tu | children | speaking to a child |
| tu | peers, classmates | fellow students |
| vous | strangers | asking directions |
| vous | workplace (formal) | speaking to a boss |
| vous | multiple people | addressing a group |
Examples
Tu viens avec moi?
Are you coming with me?
tu = informal, to a friend
Vous êtes très gentil.
You are very kind.
vous = formal, to a stranger
Vous avez des questions?
Do you have questions?
vous = plural, to a group
Comment tu t'appelles?
What is your name?
tu = informal question
3Third Person Pronouns - Gender
French third person pronouns indicate gender. 'Il' is masculine and 'elle' is feminine for both people and things. For plural, 'ils' is used for all-male or mixed groups, while 'elles' is only for all-female groups. Even one male in a group requires 'ils'.
Third Person Pronoun Usage
| Context | Pronoun | Example |
|---|---|---|
| one man | il | Il est grand. |
| one woman | elle | Elle est grande. |
| masc. thing (le livre) | il | Il est intéressant. |
| fem. thing (la table) | elle | Elle est grande. |
| men or mixed group | ils | Ils sont contents. |
| all women | elles | Elles sont contentes. |
Examples
Il parle français.
He speaks French.
il = he (person)
Elle est belle, la maison.
It is beautiful, the house.
elle = it (feminine noun)
Ils habitent à Paris.
They live in Paris.
ils = they (mixed or male group)
Où sont les filles? Elles sont là-bas.
Where are the girls? They are over there.
elles = they (all female)
4Pronouns in Sentences
Subject pronouns typically come directly before the verb in French. With vowel sounds, 'je' becomes 'j'' (elision). In questions, pronouns can invert with the verb. French almost always requires an explicit subject pronoun, unlike Spanish or Italian.
Pronoun Position
| Structure | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| pronoun + verb | Je mange | I eat |
| elision (j') | J'aime | I like/love |
| negative | Je ne sais pas | I don't know |
| question (inversion) | Parlez-vous? | Do you speak? |
Examples
J'habite en France.
I live in France.
j' = je before vowel (elision)
Il ne comprend pas.
He doesn't understand.
pronoun before ne...pas
Êtes-vous français?
Are you French?
inversion in formal question
Nous aimons la musique.
We like music.
subject pronoun required