How Do You Use Ce, Cette, Ces, and Celui-ci?

A common question among French learners is: How do you use ce, cette, ces, and celui-ci? These terms are important in French for indicating or referring to people or things. Let’s break them down!

1. Ce – This/That

Ce is a demonstrative pronoun used for singular masculine nouns. It can be translated as “this” or “that” in English.

  • Example 1:
    • Ce livre est intéressant.
      (This book is interesting.)

    Here, ce refers to a specific book.

  • Example 2:
    • Ce sont mes amis.
      (These are my friends.)

    In this case, ce is used to introduce a group.

2. Cette – This/That

Cette is the feminine form of ce and is used for singular feminine nouns. It also translates to “this” or “that.”

  • Example 1:
    • Cette maison est belle.
      (This house is beautiful.)

    Here, cette refers to a specific house.

  • Example 2:
    • J’aime cette chanson.
      (I love this song.)

    In this case, cette is used to refer to a specific song.

3. Ces – These/Those

Ces is the plural form used for both masculine and feminine nouns. It translates to “these” or “those.”

  • Example 1:
    • Ces livres sont très vieux.
      (These books are very old.)

    Here, ces refers to a specific set of books.

  • Example 2:
    • Ces fleurs sentent bon.
      (Those flowers smell good.)

    In this case, ces is used to describe a group of flowers.

4. Celui-ci – This One (Masculine)

Celui-ci is a demonstrative pronoun meaning “this one” and is used for masculine singular nouns.

  • Example 1:
    • Je préfère celui-ci.
      (I prefer this one.)

    Here, celui-ci refers to a specific item that is being discussed.

  • Example 2:
    • Celui-ci est plus grand que celui-là.
      (This one is bigger than that one.)

    In this case, celui-ci is used to compare two masculine items.

Summary of Usage:

  • Use Ce for masculine singular nouns (this/that).
  • Use Cette for feminine singular nouns (this/that).
  • Use Ces for plural nouns (these/those).
  • Use Celui-ci for masculine singular nouns when specifying “this one.”
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