Identifying Masculine and Feminine French Words: A Quick Guide
Learn to easily identify if a French word is masculine or feminine with helpful tips on endings and articles.
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To tell if a French word is masculine or feminine, notice the word's ending. Masculine nouns often end in -eau (e.g., 'château'), -ment (e.g., 'apartement'). Feminine nouns often end in -tion (e.g., 'nation'), -té (e.g., 'société'). Checking the definite article (‘le’ for masculine, ‘la’ for feminine) also helps.
FAQs & Answers
- What are common endings for masculine nouns in French? Common masculine noun endings include -eau (château) and -ment (apartement).
- How can I tell if a French word is feminine? Feminine nouns often end in -tion (nation) and -té (société), and usually take the article 'la'.
- Do all French nouns have a gender? Yes, every noun in French is either masculine or feminine, which affects articles and adjectives.
- Are there exceptions to these gender rules in French? Yes, while many nouns follow these patterns, there are exceptions, and it's best to memorize them.