French grammar: les adjectifs possessifs

What this grammar point covers

Possessive adjectives in French are small words used before a noun to show who owns or is connected to something. They change depending on the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of the noun, not the owner.

When to use it

Use French possessive adjectives when you want to say that something belongs to someone or to show relationships (like 'my book', 'your brother', 'her idea'). Always match the form to the thing owned, not to the person who owns it.

Key forms

• mon, ma, mes
• ton, ta, tes
• son, sa, ses
• notre, nos
• votre, vos
• leur, leurs

Examples

Tips

• The possessive adjective agrees with the noun that follows, not with the owner.
• Use 'mon', 'ton', 'son' before feminine nouns that start with a vowel or silent 'h' (e.g. 'mon amie').
• Do not use an article (le, la, les) with possessive adjectives.

Exceptions and edge cases

• For feminine singular nouns starting with a vowel or silent 'h', use 'mon', 'ton', or 'son' instead of 'ma', 'ta', or 'sa' (e.g. 'mon amie', not 'ma amie').