"en" and "y" in French

The French pronouns "en" and "y" often confuse English speakers because they don't have direct equivalents in English. Let's explore their uses and see some examples.

Using "en"

"En" generally replaces a phrase beginning with "de" or refers to a previously mentioned quantity.

Replacing "de" phrases

"En" can replace a noun phrase introduced by "de":

• J'ai besoin de livres. → J'en ai besoin. (I need books. → I need them.)

Referring to quantities

"En" can also refer to a previously mentioned quantity:

• Combien de pommes as-tu ? J'en ai trois. (How many apples do you have? I have three (of them).)

Using "y"

"Y" typically replaces a phrase beginning with "à" or refers to a place.

Replacing "à" phrases

"Y" can replace a noun phrase introduced by "à":

• Je pense à mes vacances. → J'y pense. (I'm thinking about my vacation. → I'm thinking about it.)

Referring to places

"Y" can also refer to a previously mentioned place:

• Tu vas au cinéma ? Oui, j'y vais. (Are you going to the cinema? Yes, I'm going there.)

Position in sentences

Both "en" and "y" are placed before the verb in simple tenses and before the auxiliary in compound tenses:

• J'y vais. (I'm going there.)
• J'en ai acheté. (I bought some.)

By mastering these pronouns, you'll make your French sound more natural and avoid unnecessary repetition in your sentences.