C'est mon livre.
English: This is my book.
- Language
- French
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Adjectifs
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Possessive adjectives in French are words used before a noun to show who owns or is connected to something. They change depending on the gender and number of the noun that follows.
When to use it
Use French possessive adjectives to say who something belongs to, or to show relationships. They always come before the noun, and must match the noun in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).
Key forms
- mon, ma, mes (my)
- ton, ta, tes (your, informal)
- son, sa, ses (his/her/its)
- notre, nos (our)
- votre, vos (your, formal or plural)
- leur, leurs (their)
Examples
Voici sa maison.
English: Here is his/her house.
Nos amis arrivent.
English: Our friends are coming.
Leur voiture est rouge.
English: Their car is red.
Tes idées sont intéressantes.
English: Your ideas are interesting.
Tips
- The possessive adjective agrees with the noun it describes, not with the owner.
- Use 'mon', 'ton', 'son' before feminine nouns that start with a vowel or mute h (e.g., 'mon amie').
- Don't use an article (le, la, les) with a possessive adjective.
Exceptions and edge cases
- For feminine singular nouns starting with a vowel or mute h, use 'mon', 'ton', or 'son' instead of 'ma', 'ta', or 'sa' to make pronunciation easier.