The most "bang for buck" language course
4.7 star rating from 4800+ reviews
One payment for 24/7 lifetime access
60-day money back guarantee
Or until 1000 56 courses sold.
Save 60% Now

French Pronoun confusion

Kirsten-D7

Kirsten-D7

Hello. I am new to this and therefore this may be a very silly question. In the two phrases below, why does the one example not use the pronoun "le" before "français" and the other does? - Je parle français. - J'adore apprendre le français.
Diana-S1

Diana-S1

In which lesson did you find the examples? The word français can have two meanings: -- the language (français is a noun) -- the people, culture or whatever (français is used as an adjective; the noun is unspoken because it's understood from context). We use the word English in the same way. One possible explanation to your question might be: -- Je parle français (the French language). -- J'adore apprendre le français (adjective describing the French culture or whatever). A better explanation may be possible if the lesson number is known.
Kirsten-D7

Kirsten-D7

Thank you for your response. The lesson it came from was 1.2 Introducing Yourself. The example I gave both seem to use the same meaning of the word "français" (noun - language). In English The first translates to "i speak french" and the second (directly translated), "I love learning the french", which doesn't make sense to me.
Diana-S1

Diana-S1

I did a little search on your question and found a very similar question in September 2013. Marie-Claire answered it, and it looks like I'm on the right track. Below is Marie-Claire's response in it's entirety, including her signature "Bonjour tout le monde! If you were to say 'le français', you would be referring to the language. For example, 'Je trouve que le français est difficile.' (I find French difficult) If you want to talk about the French as in the people of the country you would say 'les français'. For example, 'Les français n'aiment pas apprendre l'anglais.' (The French do not like learning English) When asking if somebody speaks the language, we tend to omit the article. For example, 'Est-ce que tu parles français?' (Do you speak French?) I hope this helps! - Marie-Claire"

Ask a question or post a response

If you want to ask a question or post a response you need to be a member.

If you are already a member login here.
If you are not a member you can become one by taking the free Rocket French trial here.