Ce, Cet, Cette, Ces: French This, That, These and Those
Ce, cet, cette, ces all mean this/that/these/those in French - differentiated by gender, number, and vowel sound. Includes the -ci/-là distinction.
French demonstrative adjectives are ce (masculine), cet (masculine before a vowel sound), cette (feminine), and ces (plural) - all meaning “this/that/these/those.” French doesn’t distinguish this from that by default; add -ci (this) or -là (that) to the noun when the contrast matters.
Quick answer
French demonstrative adjectives are ce (masculine), cet (masculine before a vowel sound), cette (feminine), and ces (plural) - all meaning “this/that/these/those.” French doesn’t distinguish this from that by default; add -ci (this) or -là (that) to the noun when the contrast matters.
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The 4 forms
| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ce | masc. singular | ce livre |
| cet | masc. singular, before vowel sound | cet ami |
| cette | fem. singular | cette femme |
| ces | plural (both genders) | ces livres |
The cet euphony rule
Cet ami, cet homme - the same euphony pattern seen elsewhere in French: see the mon amie euphony rule and beau, belle and bel for the same vowel-avoidance mechanism.
Distinguishing this from that: -ci and -là
French doesn’t split this/that by default - ce livre covers both. Add -ci for “this” and -là for “that” when contrast matters: ce livre-ci (this book) vs ce livre-là (that book).
Common mistakes
Forgetting cette for feminine nouns; using ce before a vowel-starting masculine noun instead of cet. For the wider grammar system, see French grammar.
This, that, and everything between
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Questions about this note
What's the difference between ce and cet?
Same word, different form - cet is used before a masculine noun starting with a vowel sound.
How do you say "this woman" in French?
Cette femme.
Does French distinguish "this" from "that"?
Not by default - ce livre means both; add -ci or -là for contrast: ce livre-ci vs ce livre-là.
What's the plural demonstrative?
Ces, for both masculine and feminine plural nouns.
Why is it cet homme and not ce homme?
Euphony - the same vowel-avoidance pattern seen in mon amie and bel homme.