French Possessive Adjectives
French possessive adjectives are essential for expressing ownership or belonging. They're similar to English words like "my," "your," and "their," but with some key differences in usage and form. Let's explore how to use them correctly.
Forms of French Possessive Adjectives
French possessive adjectives change based on:
- The gender and number of the noun they modify
- The person and number of the possessor
Here's a quick reference table:
| Possessor | Masculine | Feminine | Plural | |-----------|-----------|----------|--------| | My | Mon | Ma | Mes | | Your (singular) | Ton | Ta | Tes | | His/Her/Its | Son | Sa | Ses | | Our | Notre | Notre | Nos | | Your (plural) | Votre | Votre | Vos | | Their | Leur | Leur | Leurs |
Usage Rules
Gender and Number Agreement
The possessive adjective must agree with the noun it modifies, not the possessor:
- Mon livre (my book) - masculine singular
- Ma maison (my house) - feminine singular
- Mes amis (my friends) - plural (both masculine and feminine)
Exception: Feminine Nouns Starting with Vowels
Use "mon," "ton," and "son" before feminine nouns starting with a vowel or silent h:
- Mon amie (my friend, feminine)
- Son histoire (his/her story)
This is for easier pronunciation.
Common Examples
- J'ai perdu mes clés. (I lost my keys.)
- C'est votre voiture ? (Is this your car?)
- Leurs enfants sont à l'école. (Their children are at school.)
Practice Tips
- Start by identifying the noun's gender and number.
- Then, consider who the possessor is.
- Choose the correct form from the table above.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Try using possessive adjectives in your daily French conversations or writing exercises to reinforce your understanding.