cet
this
C’est un mot qui sert à montrer une personne, un animal ou une chose qui est proche, avant un nom masculin commençant par une consonne.
"Cet" is a French demonstrative adjective used to mean "this" or "that" before masculine singular nouns that begin with a vowel or a mute "h." It is part of the demonstrative adjective forms used to indicate a specific thing or person.
Explanation:
- "Cet" is used to facilitate pronunciation and avoid the awkwardness of having two vowel sounds together.
- It only applies to masculine singular nouns starting with a vowel or mute "h" (e.g., "cet homme" - this man, "cet arbre" - this tree).
- For masculine singular nouns starting with a consonant, "ce" is used ("ce livre" - this book).
- For feminine singular nouns, "cette" is used regardless of the first letter ("cette femme" - this woman).
- For plural nouns (both genders), "ces" is used ("ces maisons" - these houses).
Summary of demonstrative adjectives:
| Gender/Number | Before vowel/h (mute) | Before consonant |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine singular | cet | ce |
| Feminine singular | cette | cette |
| Plural (all) | ces | ces |
So, "cet" is a form of the demonstrative adjective adapted to ease pronunciation before masculine singular nouns starting with vowels or mute "h."
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Examples
Cet objet est joli.determiner
This object is pretty.
Cet homme parle très fort.determiner
This man speaks very loudly.
Cet animal dort sur le canapé.determiner
This animal is sleeping on the couch.
Cet animal court vite.determiner
This animal runs fast.
Cet endroit semble important pour nous.determiner
This place seems important to us.
Cet objet brille sous la lumière.determiner
This object shines under the light.
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