The French demonstrative adjective "ces" corresponds to the English word "these" (plural) or "those" (plural). It is used to point out or indicate specific people or things that are relatively near in space, time, or thought. Unlike English, which distinguishes between "these" (near) and "those" (far), French uses "ces" for both meanings, relying on context or additional words to indicate distance when necessary.
"Ces" is a plural demonstrative adjective in French that modifies plural nouns to indicate specific items being referred to. It must agree in number with the noun it modifies and is pronounced [se].
Q: What does "these" mean in French? A: "These" translates to "ces" in French. It is a demonstrative adjective used before plural nouns to point out specific items, similar to how "these books" becomes "ces livres" in French.
In this lesson, you will encounter "ces" in various contexts and sentence positions. The examples demonstrate how "ces" functions with different types of plural nouns (masculine, feminine, and mixed groups), showing its versatility in everyday French communication. You'll see it used to indicate objects, people, concepts, and time references.
Subject: French Language Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: Demonstrative Adjectives - "ces" (these/those) Learning Objective: Students will understand and correctly use the French demonstrative adjective "ces" in various contexts Content Type: Self-study language lesson with interlinear glossing
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"Ces" is the plural form of demonstrative adjectives in French -
It translates to both "these" and "those" in English -
It must be followed by a plural noun -
Pronunciation is [se], not to be confused with other similar French words -
Context determines whether it means "these" (near) or "those" (far)
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84.1 Ces these livres books sont are très very intéressants interesting
84.2 J' I aime like beaucoup much ces these fleurs flowers rouges red
84.3 Regardez look-at ces these oiseaux birds dans in le the ciel sky
84.4 Ces these enfants children jouent play dans in le the parc park
84.5 Où where avez- have vous you acheté bought ces these chaussures shoes?
84.6 Ces these jours- days ci here sont are difficiles difficult pour for tout all le the monde world
84.7 Elle she préfère prefers ces these couleurs colors vives bright
84.8 Ces these montagnes mountains sont are magnifiques magnificent en in hiver winter
84.9 Pouvez- can vous you me me passer pass ces these documents documents?
84.10 Ces these étudiants students travaillent work très very dur hard
84.11 Je I n' not ai have jamais never vu seen ces these films films
84.12 Ces these idées ideas semblent seem prometteuses promising
84.13 Tous all ces these gens people attendent wait le the bus bus
84.14 Ces these problèmes problems deviennent become de of plus more en in plus more complexes complex
84.15 Nous we allons go visiter visit ces these musées museums demain tomorrow
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84.1 Ces livres sont très intéressants. These books are very interesting.
84.2 J'aime beaucoup ces fleurs rouges. I really like these red flowers.
84.3 Regardez ces oiseaux dans le ciel. Look at these birds in the sky.
84.4 Ces enfants jouent dans le parc. These children are playing in the park.
84.5 Où avez-vous acheté ces chaussures? Where did you buy these shoes?
84.6 Ces jours-ci sont difficiles pour tout le monde. These days are difficult for everyone.
84.7 Elle préfère ces couleurs vives. She prefers these bright colors.
84.8 Ces montagnes sont magnifiques en hiver. These mountains are magnificent in winter.
84.9 Pouvez-vous me passer ces documents? Can you pass me these documents?
84.10 Ces étudiants travaillent très dur. These students work very hard.
84.11 Je n'ai jamais vu ces films. I have never seen these films.
84.12 Ces idées semblent prometteuses. These ideas seem promising.
84.13 Tous ces gens attendent le bus. All these people are waiting for the bus.
84.14 Ces problèmes deviennent de plus en plus complexes. These problems are becoming more and more complex.
84.15 Nous allons visiter ces musées demain. We are going to visit these museums tomorrow.
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84.1 Ces livres sont très intéressants.
84.2 J'aime beaucoup ces fleurs rouges.
84.3 Regardez ces oiseaux dans le ciel.
84.4 Ces enfants jouent dans le parc.
84.5 Où avez-vous acheté ces chaussures?
84.6 Ces jours-ci sont difficiles pour tout le monde.
84.7 Elle préfère ces couleurs vives.
84.8 Ces montagnes sont magnifiques en hiver.
84.9 Pouvez-vous me passer ces documents?
84.10 Ces étudiants travaillent très dur.
84.11 Je n'ai jamais vu ces films.
84.12 Ces idées semblent prometteuses.
84.13 Tous ces gens attendent le bus.
84.14 Ces problèmes deviennent de plus en plus complexes.
84.15 Nous allons visiter ces musées demain.
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The French demonstrative adjective "ces" is used to point out specific plural items. Here are the essential grammar rules: -
Number Agreement: "Ces" is exclusively used with plural nouns, regardless of gender. It never changes form. -
Position: Like all French adjectives that precede the noun, "ces" always comes before the noun it modifies. -
No Gender Distinction: Unlike many French adjectives, "ces" has the same form for both masculine and feminine plural nouns.
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Confusing "ces" with "ses": -
"Ces" (these/those) vs. "ses" (his/her/its) -
Ces livres = these books -
Ses livres = his/her books -
Using "ces" with singular nouns: -
Incorrect: ces livre -
Correct: ce livre (this book) or ces livres (these books) -
Pronunciation errors: -
"Ces" is pronounced [se], not [sez] or [ses] -
It sounds identical to "c'est" (it is) in spoken French -
Forgetting the noun: -
French requires the noun after "ces" -
English can say "I want these" but French must say "Je veux ces livres" (I want these books)
Key Differences: -
English distinguishes between "these" (near) and "those" (far) -
French uses "ces" for both meanings -
To emphasize distance in French, add "-là" (those over there): ces livres-là -
To emphasize proximity, add "-ci" (these right here): ces livres-ci
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Identify the noun: Determine what you're pointing out -
Check plurality: Ensure the noun is plural -
Place "ces" before the noun: Ces + plural noun -
Add distance markers if needed: -ci (here) or -là (there)
Forms of French Demonstrative Adjectives: -
Masculine singular: ce (cet before vowel/h) -
Feminine singular: cette -
Plural (all genders): ces
Usage Pattern: ces + plural noun + (optional -ci/-là)
Examples of Agreement: -
ces hommes (these men) - masculine plural -
ces femmes (these women) - feminine plural -
ces arbres (these trees) - masculine plural -
ces maisons (these houses) - feminine plural
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In French culture, the use of demonstratives like "ces" carries subtle social implications that English speakers should understand:
Formality and Distance: While English speakers might freely point and say "those people," French speakers often consider direct pointing impolite. The phrase "ces gens-là" can sound dismissive or even derogatory depending on tone and context.
Shopping and Markets: In French markets and shops, using "ces" properly is essential. "Je voudrais ces tomates" (I would like these tomatoes) while gesturing is the polite way to indicate your choice. The vendor might respond "Ces tomates-ci?" (These tomatoes here?) to confirm.
Academic and Professional Settings: In formal French, demonstratives are often softened or made more precise. Instead of just "ces résultats" (these results), you might hear "ces résultats que nous venons d'examiner" (these results that we have just examined).
Regional Variations: In Quebec French, you might hear "ces... -là" used more frequently than in France, reflecting English influence where "those" is more clearly distinguished from "these."
Gesture and Language: French speakers tend to use fewer pointing gestures with "ces" than English speakers do with "these/those," preferring verbal precision over physical indication.
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From "Le Petit Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1943):
"Toutes les grandes personnes ont d'abord été des enfants. (Mais peu d'entre elles s'en souviennent.) Je corrige donc ma dédicace: À Léon Werth quand il était petit garçon. J'ai une excuse sérieuse: ces grandes personnes ne comprennent jamais rien toutes seules."
J' I ai have une a excuse excuse sérieuse serious : ces these grandes big/grown personnes persons ne not comprennent understand jamais never rien nothing toutes all seules alone
"J'ai une excuse sérieuse: ces grandes personnes ne comprennent jamais rien toutes seules."
"I have a serious excuse: these grown-ups never understand anything by themselves."
"J'ai une excuse sérieuse: ces grandes personnes ne comprennent jamais rien toutes seules."
In this excerpt, Saint-Exupéry uses "ces grandes personnes" (these grown-ups) with a slightly dismissive tone, characteristic of the narrator's perspective in Le Petit Prince. The demonstrative "ces" here doesn't just identify which grown-ups, but creates emotional distance, suggesting the narrator's frustration with adults who lack imagination. The phrase "toutes seules" (all alone/by themselves) emphasizes their inability to understand without help, contrasting with children's natural comprehension.
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84.16 Ces these rues streets étroites narrow de of Paris Paris cachent hide des some trésors treasures incroyables incredible
84.17 Nous we avons have découvert discovered ces these petits small cafés cafés charmants charming par by hasard chance
84.18 Ces these vieux old bâtiments buildings racontent tell l' the histoire history de of la the ville city
84.19 Le the guide guide nous us a has montré shown ces these monuments monuments historiques historical
84.20 Ces these marchés markets locaux local offrent offer des some produits products frais fresh chaque each matin morning
84.21 J' I ai have photographié photographed ces these paysages landscapes magnifiques magnificent au at-the coucher setting du of-the soleil sun
84.22 Ces these habitants inhabitants sympathiques friendly nous us ont have aidés helped à to trouver find notre our chemin way
84.23 Tous all ces these souvenirs memories resteront will-remain gravés engraved dans in ma my mémoire memory
84.24 Ces these plages beaches de of sable sand fin fine s' themselves étendent extend à to perte loss de of vue sight
84.25 Nous we avons have goûté tasted ces these spécialités specialties régionales regional délicieuses delicious
84.26 Ces these ruelles alleyways pittoresques picturesque mènent lead au to-the château castle médiéval medieval
84.27 Le the soir evening ces these lumières lights illuminent illuminate la the place square principale main
84.28 Ces these traditions traditions ancestrales ancestral perdurent persist encore still aujourd'hui today
84.29 J' I ai have rencontré met ces these artistes artists talentueux talented dans in le the quartier quarter bohème bohemian
84.30 Ces these journées days passées spent à at explorer exploring étaient were inoubliables unforgettable
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84.16 Ces rues étroites de Paris cachent des trésors incroyables. These narrow streets of Paris hide incredible treasures.
84.17 Nous avons découvert ces petits cafés charmants par hasard. We discovered these charming little cafés by chance.
84.18 Ces vieux bâtiments racontent l'histoire de la ville. These old buildings tell the history of the city.
84.19 Le guide nous a montré ces monuments historiques. The guide showed us these historical monuments.
84.20 Ces marchés locaux offrent des produits frais chaque matin. These local markets offer fresh products every morning.
84.21 J'ai photographié ces paysages magnifiques au coucher du soleil. I photographed these magnificent landscapes at sunset.
84.22 Ces habitants sympathiques nous ont aidés à trouver notre chemin. These friendly inhabitants helped us find our way.
84.23 Tous ces souvenirs resteront gravés dans ma mémoire. All these memories will remain engraved in my memory.
84.24 Ces plages de sable fin s'étendent à perte de vue. These fine sand beaches extend as far as the eye can see.
84.25 Nous avons goûté ces spécialités régionales délicieuses. We tasted these delicious regional specialties.
84.26 Ces ruelles pittoresques mènent au château médiéval. These picturesque alleyways lead to the medieval castle.
84.27 Le soir, ces lumières illuminent la place principale. In the evening, these lights illuminate the main square.
84.28 Ces traditions ancestrales perdurent encore aujourd'hui. These ancestral traditions still persist today.
84.29 J'ai rencontré ces artistes talentueux dans le quartier bohème. I met these talented artists in the bohemian quarter.
84.30 Ces journées passées à explorer étaient inoubliables. These days spent exploring were unforgettable.
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84.16 Ces rues étroites de Paris cachent des trésors incroyables.
84.17 Nous avons découvert ces petits cafés charmants par hasard.
84.18 Ces vieux bâtiments racontent l'histoire de la ville.
84.19 Le guide nous a montré ces monuments historiques.
84.20 Ces marchés locaux offrent des produits frais chaque matin.
84.21 J'ai photographié ces paysages magnifiques au coucher du soleil.
84.22 Ces habitants sympathiques nous ont aidés à trouver notre chemin.
84.23 Tous ces souvenirs resteront gravés dans ma mémoire.
84.24 Ces plages de sable fin s'étendent à perte de vue.
84.25 Nous avons goûté ces spécialités régionales délicieuses.
84.26 Ces ruelles pittoresques mènent au château médiéval.
84.27 Le soir, ces lumières illuminent la place principale.
84.28 Ces traditions ancestrales perdurent encore aujourd'hui.
84.29 J'ai rencontré ces artistes talentueux dans le quartier bohème.
84.30 Ces journées passées à explorer étaient inoubliables.
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When writing or speaking about travel experiences in French, "ces" plays a crucial role in bringing immediacy and vividness to descriptions. Here are specific patterns common in travel writing:
Descriptive Patterns: -
ces + [noun] + [adjective]: ces rues étroites (these narrow streets) -
ces + [adjective] + [noun]: ces vieux bâtiments (these old buildings) -
tous ces + [noun]: tous ces souvenirs (all these memories)
Common Travel Combinations: -
ces monuments historiques (these historical monuments) -
ces traditions locales (these local traditions) -
ces paysages magnifiques (these magnificent landscapes) -
ces habitants accueillants (these welcoming inhabitants)
Emotional Distance and Proximity: In travel narratives, "ces" often conveys the writer's emotional connection: -
Recent experiences feel close: "ces journées inoubliables" (these unforgettable days) -
Discoveries feel immediate: "ces trésors cachés" (these hidden treasures)
Time References in Travel: -
ces jours-ci (these days) - referring to the current trip -
ces derniers jours (these last days) - recent experiences -
ces moments (these moments) - specific memorable times
Practical Travel Phrases: -
Où sont ces monuments? (Where are these monuments?) -
J'aimerais visiter ces endroits (I would like to visit these places) -
Ces billets sont pour demain (These tickets are for tomorrow)
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This lesson is part of a comprehensive language learning series developed by the Latinum Institute, curated by Evan der Millner BA MA (Cantab. NZ, London), who has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006.
The Latinum method emphasizes: -
Interlinear glossing: Each word is translated individually to help beginners understand structure -
Construed texts: Literary passages are broken down into manageable units -
Progressive difficulty: Moving from word-by-word translation to natural sentences -
Cultural context: Understanding not just language but cultural usage -
Multiple genres: Exposure to various types of texts and contexts
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Self-paced learning: Each lesson stands alone and can be studied independently -
No prior knowledge assumed: Granular glossing helps absolute beginners -
Pattern recognition: Repeated structures help internalize grammar naturally -
Immediate comprehension: No need to constantly refer to dictionaries -
Progressive confidence: Moving from supported to independent reading
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Main website index: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index -
Latinum Institute: latinum.org.uk -
Method explanation: latinum.substack.com/method -
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Audio materials: Available for paid subscribers at patreon.com/latinum
Evan der Millner has dedicated over 18 years to developing effective language learning materials, with a particular focus on classical languages. His work combines traditional philological approaches with modern pedagogical insights, making ancient and modern languages accessible to independent learners worldwide.
The Latinum Institute offers courses in: -
Latin (Classical and Medieval) -
Ancient Greek -
Biblical Hebrew -
Aramaic -
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📌 For a complete course index and to access all lessons, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
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