A1
Adjective agreement
In French, adjectives agree with the noun they describe. They change for gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural). At A1, focus on the regular pattern and a few very common forms.
The rule
Start from the masculine singular, then add endings:
| Singular | Plural | |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine | petit | petits |
| Feminine | petite | petites |
- Feminine: add -e: grand → grande.
- Plural: add -s: grand → grands.
- Feminine plural: add -es: grande → grandes.
Key points
- An adjective already ending in -e usually does not change in the feminine: rouge → rouge, jeune → jeune.
- Some very common adjectives change a little more: bon → bonne, blanc → blanche.
- Colours and most adjectives come after the noun: une voiture rouge.
Watch out
- ❌ une fille petit → ✅ une fille petite
- ❌ deux chats noir → ✅ deux chats noirs
- ❌ une voiture blanc → ✅ une voiture blanche
In context
- Le ciel est bleu. — The sky is blue.
- C'est une petite maison. — It's a small house.
- J'ai deux chats noirs. — I have two black cats.
- Les enfants sont contents. — The children are happy.
Try three examples
Example 1
What is the correct feminine form of 'petit'?
- petit
- petits
- petite
- petites
Show answer
petite
Small, feminine.
Example 2
*J’ai deux chats ___.* (black, masculine plural)
J’ai deux chats ___.
Show answer
noirs
I have two black cats.
Example 3
Which adjective agrees with 'une fille' (a girl)?
- joli
- jolis
- jolie
- jolies
Show answer
jolie
A pretty girl.
Practise this lesson
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