French grammar: verbe être

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

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'.