French Grammar Lesson: The pronouns “y” and “en”
The French pronouns “y” and “en” are tricky for most English speakers!
“Y” has no direct translation into English. Depending on the context, it may mean:
Here
There
Them
On it, in it
About it
“En” is often translated as “some,” or “any,” but there are times in English when we simply don’t use a pronoun at all.
Here are some helpful examples and explanations for both of these pronouns …
Examples of “y”
Va-t-il à l’école ? Oui, il y va. Does he go to school? Yes, he does (go there).
Je vais y réfléchir. I will think about it.
Répondez aux questions. / Répondez-y. Answer the questions. / Answer them.
Est-elle dans la boîte ? Oui, elle y est. Is it in the box? Yes, it is (in it).
Ils sont sur la table. Ils y sont. They are on the table. They are on it.
Quick tips on “y”
“Y” always refers to places / location, or things (including abstract nouns)
It usually replaces à + noun, but may also replay other prepositions like dans, sur, or chez…
“Y” is placed before the verb in a sentence. When the passé composé is used, “y” goes before the conjugated auxiliary verb. Example: J’y suis allé hier. I went there yesterday.
Examples of “en”
J’ai du café. Il en a aussi. I have coffee. He has some too.
T’en veux ? Do you want some?
Avez-vous des livres ? Non, j’en ai pas. Do you have any books? No, I don’t (have any).
Combien de stylos a-t-il ? Il en a deux. How many pens does he have? He has two (of them).
Cherchez des fleurs. Cherchez-en. Go get some flowers. Go get some.
Quick tips on “en”
“En” replaces de + noun, and generally refers to things.
“En” must always be used in French, even though we may not always express it in English. (See above: have any, of them…)
“En” is placed before the verb in a sentence. When the passé composé is used, “en” goes before the conjugated auxiliary verb. Example: J’en ai mangé. I ate some (of it).
Your turn!
Give it a try… rewrite these sentences, replacing the italicized word with “y” or “en.”
Je donne de l’argent à mon frère.
Elle va chez Sarah.
Le cahier est sur la table.
Il n’a pas de plantes chez lui.
Il fait beau à Vancouver.
Elles parlent de leur travail.
How did you do?
Send me your answers at FrenchAvecCecile@gmail.com ! I’ll let you know if everything is correct… and if not, how to fix it :)