Relative pronouns are used to connect two clauses in a sentence and show the relationship between them. In French, two common relative pronouns are "qui" and "que." Understanding when to use each of these pronouns is crucial for constructing clear and accurate sentences. In this lesson, we'll explore the usage of "qui" and "que" in detail.
What are relative pronouns (les pronoms relatifs)?
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Qui, Que, Dont, et Où.
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These are pronouns used to connect sentences, coming after the word they replace. They serve to link two clauses, preventing the repetition of the word the pronoun replaces.
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Relative pronouns replace a noun or pronoun to avoid redundancy in a sentence.
When do we use relative pronouns (les pronoms relatifs)?
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We use them to clearly refer to the person or thing mentioned or spoken about.
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They provide additional information about the person or thing being discussed.
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They connect a subordinate clause or relative clause to a main clause.
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They replace the subject, direct object, indirect object, or preposition in a sentence.
Que:
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Que is used to refer to the direct object of the verb in the relative clause.
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It replaces a person or thing that receives the action described by the verb.
Example:
J'ai vu la voiture que tu as achetée. (I saw the car that you bought.)
In this sentence, "que" refers to "la voiture" (the car) which is the direct object of the verb "as achetée" (you bought).
Qui:
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"Qui" is used to refer to the subject of the verb in the relative clause.
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It replaces a person or thing that performs the action described by the verb.
Example:
La personne qui parle est mon amie. (The person who is speaking is my friend.)
In this sentence, "qui" refers to "la personne" (the person) which is the subject of the verb "parle" (speaks).
Distinction between "Qui" and "Que":
Remember that "qui" is used when the relative pronoun represents the subject of the verb, while "que" is used when it represents the direct object of the verb.
Examples:
- La fille qui chante est talentueuse. (The girl who sings is talented.)
Qui refers to "la fille" (the girl), which is the subject of the verb "chante" (sings).
- J'ai vu le film que tu as recommandé. (I saw the movie that you recommended.)
Que refers to "le film" (the movie), which is the direct object of the verb "as recommandé" (you recommended).
Placement of Relative Pronouns:
In French, relative pronouns are placed immediately after the noun they refer to in the relative clause.
Examples:
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L'homme qui habite ici est mon voisin. (The man who lives here is my neighbor.)
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La femme que j'ai rencontrée est très sympa. (The woman whom I met is very nice.)
Understanding the usage of relative pronouns "qui" and "que" is essential for constructing clear and precise sentences in French. Remember that "qui" refers to the subject of the verb, while "que" refers to the direct object. Practice using these relative pronouns in various contexts to reinforce your understanding and fluency in French.