Subject pronouns in French replace the subject of a verb, indicating who is performing the action. They are used before conjugated verbs and help avoid repeating names.
Here are the French subject pronouns, their meanings, and English equivalents:
| French Pronoun | Meaning | English Pronouns | Example (French) | Example (English) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| je | I | I | Je parle. | I speak. |
| tu | you (singular, informal) | you | Tu manges. | You eat. |
| il | he / it (masc.) | he / it | Il court. | He runs. |
| elle | she / it (fem.) | she / it | Elle danse. | She dances. |
| on | one / we / people | one / we / people | On parle français. | One speaks French. / We speak French. |
| nous | we | we | Nous étudions. | We study. |
| vous | you (singular formal or plural) | you | Vous arrivez. | You arrive. |
| ils | they (masc. or mixed) | they | Ils jouent. | They play. |
| elles | they (fem.) | they | Elles lisent. | They read. |
Note:
- On is versatile and often used in spoken French to mean "we."
- Vous can be polite singular or plural.
- Use the appropriate pronoun based on number, gender, formality, and context.
You (formal or plural) arrive early.
Vous arrivez tôt.
"Vous" is used for formal singular "you" or for addressing multiple people.
Flashcards (1 of 9)
- Meaning: I
- English Pronouns: I
- Example (English): I speak.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
