Je suis étudiant.
English: I am a student.
- Language
- French
- Level
- A1
- Unit
- Verbes : présent
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
The verb 'être' means 'to be' in French. It is a very important verb and is used a lot in everyday French.
When to use it
Use 'être' to talk about who or what someone or something is, to describe people or things, to give your nationality or profession, and to talk about locations or feelings.
Key forms
- je suis
- tu es
- il/elle/on est
- nous sommes
- vous êtes
- ils/elles sont
Examples
Tu es gentil.
English: You are kind.
Il est à la maison.
English: He is at home.
Nous sommes contents.
English: We are happy.
Vous êtes professeur.
English: You are a teacher.
Tips
- Remember that 'être' is irregular; its forms do not follow regular patterns.
- Pay attention to the subject pronouns. For example, 'il' (he), 'elle' (she), and 'on' (one/we) all use 'est'.
- Do not confuse 'être' with 'avoir' (to have).
Exceptions and edge cases
- The forms of 'être' are irregular and must be memorized.
- In spoken French, 'tu es' can sound like 't'es'.