"leur" meaning in French

"Leur" is a versatile word in French that can function as both a pronoun and a possessive adjective. Understanding its different uses is crucial for effective communication in French. Let's break down the meanings and applications of "leur" in various contexts.

As a Pronoun

When used as a pronoun, "leur" means "to them" or "for them." It's an indirect object pronoun that replaces "à eux" or "à elles" in a sentence.

Examples:

1. Je leur parle. (I speak to them.)
2. Nous leur donnons des cadeaux. (We give them gifts.)
3. Elle leur explique la leçon. (She explains the lesson to them.)
4. Vous leur envoyez un message ? (Are you sending them a message?)
5. Il leur montre le chemin. (He shows them the way.)
6. Nous leur offrons notre aide. (We offer them our help.)
7. Tu leur écris souvent ? (Do you write to them often?)
8. Le professeur leur pose des questions. (The teacher asks them questions.)

As a Possessive Adjective

"Leur" can also function as a possessive adjective, meaning "their" when referring to multiple owners.

Examples:

1. C'est leur maison. (It's their house.)
2. J'aime leur cuisine. (I like their cooking.)
3. Leurs enfants sont adorables. (Their children are adorable.)
4. Nous avons visité leur pays. (We visited their country.)
5. Leur voiture est en panne. (Their car has broken down.)
6. J'admire leur courage. (I admire their courage.)
7. Leurs idées sont intéressantes. (Their ideas are interesting.)
8. Je connais leur histoire. (I know their story.)

Key Points to Remember

Invariability as a Pronoun

As a pronoun, "leur" never changes form, regardless of the gender or number of the noun it replaces.

Agreement as a Possessive Adjective

When used as a possessive adjective, "leur" agrees in number with the possessed noun:

• Singular: leur (leur livre - their book)
• Plural: leurs (leurs livres - their books)

Position in Sentences

• As a pronoun, "leur" typically comes before the verb: Je leur ai dit la vérité. (I told them the truth.)

• As a possessive adjective, it comes before the noun: Leur chien est très gentil. (Their dog is very friendly.)

Common Phrases

1. À leur avis (In their opinion)
2. De leur côté (On their side)
3. Pour leur part (For their part)
4. Leur faire confiance (To trust them)
5. Leur rendre visite (To visit them)
6. Selon leurs désirs (According to their wishes)
7. Contre leur gré (Against their will)
8. À leur place (In their place/shoes)

Understanding the different uses of "leur" is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences in French. Practice using "leur" in various contexts to become more comfortable with this versatile word.