How to Use "Lui" vs "Leur" in French

Understanding the difference between "lui" and "leur" is crucial for mastering French indirect object pronouns. These two pronouns often confuse learners, but with a few simple rules, you'll be using them correctly in no time.

Basic Distinction

• Lui: Used for singular indirect objects (him/her)
• Leur: Used for plural indirect objects (them)

Usage Examples

Singular (Lui)

• Je lui parle. (I'm talking to him/her.)
• Je lui donne le livre. (I'm giving him/her the book.)

Plural (Leur)

• Je leur parle. (I'm talking to them.)
• Je leur donne les livres. (I'm giving them the books.)

Key Points to Remember

1. Gender Neutral: "Lui" is used for both masculine and feminine singular indirect objects.
2. Number Matters: The choice between "lui" and "leur" depends on the number of people receiving the action, not the gender.
3. Position: These pronouns usually come before the verb in simple tenses.

Common Mistakes

• Don't confuse "lui" (indirect object) with "le/la" (direct object).
• Avoid using "leurs" (possessive adjective) instead of "leur" (indirect object pronoun).

By practicing with simple sentences, you'll quickly get the hang of using "lui" and "leur" correctly in your French conversations.