How to Say “That” in French: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the nuances of translating “that” into French is crucial for clear and accurate communication. The English word “that” can take on various forms and functions, which means there isn’t a single, direct equivalent in French.

This article provides a detailed exploration of the different French translations for “that,” covering relative pronouns, demonstrative adjectives and pronouns, conjunctions, and more. Understanding these distinctions will significantly improve your French grammar and fluency, allowing you to express yourself with greater precision and confidence.

This guide is perfect for students, language enthusiasts, and anyone looking to refine their French language skills.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of “That” in English and its French Equivalents
• Structural Breakdown: Understanding the Different Roles of “That”
• Types and Categories of “That” in French
  • Relative Pronouns: Qui, Que, Dont, Où
  • Demonstrative Adjectives: Ce, Cet, Cette, Ces
  • Demonstrative Pronouns: Celui, Celle, Ceux, Celles
  • Conjunction: Que
  • Other Expressions for “That”
• Examples of “That” in French
  • Examples with Relative Pronouns
  • Examples with Demonstrative Adjectives
  • Examples with Demonstrative Pronouns
  • Examples with the Conjunction Que
  • Examples with Other Expressions
• Usage Rules and Guidelines
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of “That” in English and its French Equivalents

The word “that” in English is a versatile word with multiple grammatical functions. It can act as a relative pronoun, introducing a relative clause; a demonstrative adjective, specifying a particular noun; a demonstrative pronoun, standing in for a noun; or a conjunction, linking clauses. Understanding these different roles is key to translating “that” accurately into French.

In French, there is no single word that directly translates to “that” in all contexts. Instead, different words and constructions are used depending on the grammatical function of “that” in the English sentence. The most common French equivalents include: qui, que, dont, où, ce, cet, cette, ces, celui, celle, ceux, celles, and que. Each of these options serves a specific purpose, and choosing the correct one is essential for conveying the intended meaning.

Structural Breakdown: Understanding the Different Roles of “That”

To effectively translate “that” into French, it’s crucial to identify its grammatical role within the English sentence. Let’s break down the main functions:

• Relative Pronoun: Introduces a clause that provides more information about a noun. Example: “The book that I borrowed is interesting.”
• Demonstrative Adjective: Modifies a noun, indicating which specific noun is being referred to. Example: “I like that car.”
• Demonstrative Pronoun: Replaces a noun, pointing to a specific thing or person. Example: “That is mine.”
• Conjunction: Connects two clauses, often introducing a noun clause. Example: “I know that he is coming.”

Each of these functions requires a different French translation. Identifying the function of “that” in English is the first step to finding its correct equivalent in French.

The following sections will delve into each function with detailed examples and explanations.

Types and Categories of “That” in French

The translation of “that” in French varies depending on its grammatical function. Here’s a breakdown of the different categories and their corresponding French translations:

Relative Pronouns: Qui, Que, Dont, Où

When “that” acts as a relative pronoun, it introduces a relative clause that modifies a noun. The French equivalents are qui, que, dont, and où. The choice between these depends on the role of the pronoun within the relative clause:

• Qui: Replaces the subject of the relative clause.
• Que: Replaces the direct object of the relative clause.
• Dont: Replaces a noun preceded by the preposition de.
• Où: Replaces a place or time.

Demonstrative Adjectives: Ce, Cet, Cette, Ces

When “that” acts as a demonstrative adjective, it modifies a noun to indicate a specific item. The French equivalents are ce, cet, cette, and ces. The choice depends on the gender and number of the noun:

• Ce: Used before masculine singular nouns starting with a consonant.
• Cet: Used before masculine singular nouns starting with a vowel or silent “h.”
• Cette: Used before feminine singular nouns.
• Ces: Used before plural nouns (masculine or feminine).

Demonstrative Pronouns: Celui, Celle, Ceux, Celles

When “that” acts as a demonstrative pronoun, it replaces a noun, pointing to a specific item. The French equivalents are celui, celle, ceux, and celles. The choice depends on the gender and number of the noun being replaced:

• Celui: Masculine singular.
• Celle: Feminine singular.
• Ceux: Masculine plural.
• Celles: Feminine plural.

These pronouns can be further modified with suffixes like -ci (this one) and -là (that one) to indicate proximity or distance.

Conjunction: Que

When “that” acts as a conjunction, it introduces a subordinate clause, often a noun clause. The French equivalent is que. It connects two clauses, indicating that the second clause is dependent on the first.

Other Expressions for “That”

In some cases, “that” can be translated using other expressions, depending on the context. This can include phrases like “à tel point que” (to such an extent that) or using an adverb to convey a similar meaning.

Examples of “That” in French

To solidify your understanding, let’s look at various examples of how to translate “that” into French based on its grammatical function.

Examples with Relative Pronouns

The following table provides examples of “that” as a relative pronoun, translated using qui, que, dont, and où.

English Sentence	French Translation	Explanation
The man that is speaking is my teacher.	L’homme qui parle est mon professeur.	Qui replaces the subject “the man” in the relative clause.
The book that I read was very interesting.	Le livre que j’ai lu était très intéressant.	Que replaces the direct object “the book” in the relative clause.
The house that I told you about is for sale.	La maison dont je t’ai parlé est à vendre.	Dont replaces “about the house” (de la maison) in the relative clause.
The city that I live in is beautiful.	La ville où j’habite est belle.	Où replaces the place “the city” in the relative clause.
The woman that helped me is a doctor.	La femme qui m’a aidé est médecin.	Qui replaces the subject “The woman” in the relative clause.
The movie that we watched was scary.	Le film que nous avons regardé était effrayant.	Que replaces the direct object “The movie” in the relative clause.
The reason that he gave was not convincing.	La raison dont il a parlé n’était pas convaincante.	Dont replaces “the reason he spoke about” (de la raison) in the relative clause.
The restaurant that we met at is closed.	Le restaurant où nous nous sommes rencontrés est fermé.	Où replaces the place “the restaurant” in the relative clause.
The car that broke down is being repaired.	La voiture qui est tombée en panne est en réparation.	Qui replaces the subject “The car” in the relative clause.
The song that she sang was beautiful.	La chanson que elle a chantée était belle.	Que replaces the direct object “The song” in the relative clause.
The problem that they are discussing is complex.	Le problème dont ils discutent est complexe.	Dont replaces “the problem they are discussing” (du problème) in the relative clause.
The park that we visited is very large.	Le parc où nous avons visité est très grand.	Où replaces the place “the park” in the relative clause.
The student that studies hard will succeed.	L’étudiant qui travaille dur réussira.	Qui replaces the subject “The student” in the relative clause.
The cake that I baked is delicious.	Le gâteau que j’ai cuisiné est délicieux.	Que replaces the direct object “The cake” in the relative clause.
The subject that he is passionate about is history.	Le sujet dont il est passionné est l’histoire.	Dont replaces “passionate about the subject” (du sujet) in the relative clause.
The school that my children attend is excellent.	L’école où mes enfants vont est excellente.	Où replaces the place “the school” in the relative clause.
The actor that won the award is talented.	L’acteur qui a gagné le prix est talentueux.	Qui replaces the subject “The actor” in the relative clause.
The letter that I wrote was long.	La lettre que j’ai écrite était longue.	Que replaces the direct object “The letter” in the relative clause.
The topic that we are interested in is science.	Le sujet dont nous sommes intéressés est la science.	Dont replaces “interested in the topic” (du sujet) in the relative clause.
The country that they explored is fascinating.	Le pays où ils ont exploré est fascinant.	Où replaces the place “the country” in the relative clause.

Examples with Demonstrative Adjectives

The following table illustrates the use of “that” as a demonstrative adjective, translated with ce, cet, cette, and ces.

English Sentence	French Translation	Explanation
I like that car.	J’aime cette voiture.	Cette is used before the feminine singular noun “voiture.”
That man is tall.	Cet homme est grand.	Cet is used before the masculine singular noun “homme” starting with a vowel.
I want that book.	Je veux ce livre.	Ce is used before the masculine singular noun “livre” starting with a consonant.
Those children are playing.	Ces enfants jouent.	Ces is used before the plural noun “enfants.”
I don’t like that idea.	Je n’aime pas cette idée.	Cette is used before the feminine singular noun “idée.”
That building is very old.	Cet immeuble est très vieux.	Cet is used before the masculine singular noun “immeuble” starting with a vowel.
I need that pen.	J’ai besoin de ce stylo.	Ce is used before the masculine singular noun “stylo” starting with a consonant.
Those flowers are beautiful.	Ces fleurs sont belles.	Ces is used before the plural noun “fleurs.”
She bought that dress.	Elle a acheté cette robe.	Cette is used before the feminine singular noun “robe.”
That airplane is flying high.	Cet avion vole haut.	Cet is used before the masculine singular noun “avion” starting with a vowel.
He sold that house.	Il a vendu cette maison.	Cette is used before the feminine singular noun “maison.”
That animal is a dog.	Cet animal est un chien.	Cet is used before the masculine singular noun “animal” starting with a vowel.
Those cars are fast.	Ces voitures sont rapides.	Ces is used before the plural noun “voitures.”
That exercise is difficult.	Cet exercice est difficile.	Cet is used before the masculine singular noun “exercice” starting with a vowel.
I saw that movie.	J’ai vu ce film.	Ce is used before the masculine singular noun “film” starting with a consonant.
Those books are interesting.	Ces livres sont intéressants.	Ces is used before the plural noun “livres.”
I like that song.	J’aime cette chanson.	Cette is used before the feminine singular noun “chanson.”
That event was amazing.	Cet événement était incroyable.	Cet is used before the masculine singular noun “événement” starting with a vowel.
He painted that picture.	Il a peint ce tableau.	Ce is used before the masculine singular noun “tableau” starting with a consonant.
Those problems are difficult.	Ces problèmes sont difficiles.	Ces is used before the plural noun “problèmes.”

Examples with Demonstrative Pronouns

The following table demonstrates how “that” is translated using demonstrative pronouns like celui, celle, ceux, and celles.

English Sentence	French Translation	Explanation
This book and that one.	Ce livre et celui-là.	Celui refers to the masculine singular noun “livre,” and -là indicates “that one.”
This car is faster than that one.	Cette voiture est plus rapide que celle-là.	Celle refers to the feminine singular noun “voiture,” and -là indicates “that one.”
These books are mine, and those are yours.	Ces livres sont à moi, et ceux-là sont à toi.	Ceux refers to the masculine plural noun “livres,” and -là indicates “those.”
These apples are red, and those are green.	Ces pommes sont rouges, et celles-là sont vertes.	Celles refers to the feminine plural noun “pommes,” and -là indicates “those.”
I prefer this shirt to that one.	Je préfère cette chemise à celle-là.	Celle refers to the feminine singular noun “chemise,” and -là indicates “that one.”
This house is bigger than that one.	Cette maison est plus grande que celle-là.	Celle refers to the feminine singular noun “maison,” and -là indicates “that one.”
These students are diligent, unlike those.	Ces étudiants sont diligents, contrairement à ceux-là.	Ceux refers to the masculine plural noun “étudiants,” and -là indicates “those.”
These flowers are fresh, but those are wilted.	Ces fleurs sont fraîches, mais celles-là sont fanées.	Celles refers to the feminine plural noun “fleurs,” and -là indicates “those.”
This idea is better than that one.	Cette idée est meilleure que celle-là.	Celle refers to the feminine singular noun “idée,” and -là indicates “that one.”
This exercise is easier than that one.	Cet exercice est plus facile que celui-là.	Celui refers to the masculine singular noun “exercice,” and -là indicates “that one.”
These problems are complex, and those are simple.	Ces problèmes sont complexes, et ceux-là sont simples.	Ceux refers to the masculine plural noun “problèmes,” and -là indicates “those.”
These stories are interesting, but those are boring.	Ces histoires sont intéressantes, mais celles-là sont ennuyeuses.	Celles refers to the feminine plural noun “histoires,” and -là indicates “those.”
I want this book, not that one.	Je veux ce livre, pas celui-là.	Celui refers to the masculine singular noun “livre,” and -là indicates “that one.”
This car is mine, and that one is hers.	Cette voiture est à moi, et celle-là est à elle.	Celle refers to the feminine singular noun “voiture,” and -là indicates “that one.”
These questions are easy, but those are hard.	Ces questions sont faciles, mais celles-là sont difficiles.	Celles refers to the feminine plural noun “questions,” and -là indicates “those.”
These answers are correct, and those are wrong.	Ces réponses sont correctes, et celles-là sont fausses.	Celles refers to the feminine plural noun “réponses,” and -là indicates “those.”
This plan is better than that one.	Ce plan est meilleur que celui-là.	Celui refers to the masculine singular noun “plan,” and -là indicates “that one.”
This solution is different from that one.	Cette solution est différente de celle-là.	Celle refers to the feminine singular noun “solution,” and -là indicates “that one.”
These reasons are valid, and those are not.	Ces raisons sont valables, et celles-là ne le sont pas.	Celles refers to the feminine plural noun “raisons,” and -là indicates “those.”
These examples are clear, but those are confusing.	Ces exemples sont clairs, mais ceux-là sont confus.	Ceux refers to the masculine plural noun “exemples,” and -là indicates “those.”

Examples with the Conjunction Que

The following table shows examples using “that” as a conjunction, translated using que.

English Sentence	French Translation	Explanation
I think that he is right.	Je pense qu’il a raison.	Que introduces the noun clause “he is right.” Note the elision to qu’ before a vowel.
She said that she was tired.	Elle a dit qu’elle était fatiguée.	Que introduces the noun clause “she was tired.” Note the elision to qu’ before a vowel.
We know that they are coming.	Nous savons qu’ils arrivent.	Que introduces the noun clause “they are coming.” Note the elision to qu’ before a vowel.
They believe that it is true.	Ils croient que c’est vrai.	Que introduces the noun clause “it is true.”
I hope that you are well.	J’espère que tu vas bien.	Que introduces the noun clause “you are well.”
He understands that it is important.	Il comprend que c’est important.	Que introduces the noun clause “it is important.”
She fears that he will be late.	Elle craint qu’il soit en retard.	Que introduces the noun clause “he will be late.” Note the elision to qu’ before a vowel.
We doubt that she is telling the truth.	Nous doutons qu’elle dise la vérité.	Que introduces the noun clause “she is telling the truth.” Note the elision to qu’ before a vowel.
I am sure that you will succeed.	Je suis sûr que tu réussiras.	Que introduces the noun clause “you will succeed.”
He thinks that she is beautiful.	Il pense qu’elle est belle.	Que introduces the noun clause “she is beautiful.” Note the elision to qu’ before a vowel.
She knows that he is intelligent.	Elle sait qu’il est intelligent.	Que introduces the noun clause “he is intelligent.” Note the elision to qu’ before a vowel.
We believe that it is possible.	Nous croyons que c’est possible.	Que introduces the noun clause “it is possible.”
I realize that it is difficult.	Je réalise que c’est difficile.	Que introduces the noun clause “it is difficult.”
He explains that he was busy.	Il explique qu’il était occupé.	Que introduces the noun clause “he was busy.” Note the elision to qu’ before a vowel.
She remembers that it was cold.	Elle se souvient qu’il faisait froid.	Que introduces the noun clause “it was cold.” Note the elision to qu’ before a vowel.
We hope that the weather will be nice.	Nous espérons que le temps sera beau.	Que introduces the noun clause “the weather will be nice.”
I understand that you are tired.	Je comprends que tu es fatigué.	Que introduces the noun clause “you are tired.”
He confirms that the meeting is scheduled.	Il confirme que la réunion est prévue.	Que introduces the noun clause “the meeting is scheduled.”
She argues that it is necessary.	Elle soutient que c’est nécessaire.	Que introduces the noun clause “it is necessary.”
We see that the situation is improving.	Nous voyons que la situation s’améliore.	Que introduces the noun clause “the situation is improving.”

Examples with Other Expressions

In certain contexts, “that” can be translated using alternative expressions to convey a similar meaning. Here are a few examples:

English Sentence	French Translation	Explanation
It was so hot that I couldn’t sleep.	Il faisait si chaud que je ne pouvais pas dormir.	“So…that” is translated as “si…que.”
He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately.	Il était tellement fatigué qu’il s’est endormi immédiatement.	“So…that” is translated as “tellement…que.” Note the elision to qu’ before a vowel.
She cried so much that her eyes were swollen.	Elle a tellement pleuré que ses yeux étaient gonflés.	“So much…that” is translated as “tellement…que.”

Usage Rules and Guidelines

To use the French equivalents of “that” correctly, follow these guidelines:

• Relative Pronouns: Ensure the relative pronoun (qui, que, dont, où) agrees with the noun it replaces in terms of function within the relative clause.
• Demonstrative Adjectives: Make sure the demonstrative adjective (ce, cet, cette, ces) agrees with the gender and number of the noun it modifies.
• Demonstrative Pronouns: Choose the correct demonstrative pronoun (celui, celle, ceux, celles) based on the gender and number of the noun it replaces. Use -ci for “this one” and -là for “that one” to indicate proximity or distance.
• Conjunction Que: Use que to introduce noun clauses, and remember to elide it to qu’ before a vowel or silent “h.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when translating “that” into French:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Le livre que est intéressant.	Le livre qui est intéressant.	Use qui when it is the subject of the relative clause.
J’aime ce voiture.	J’aime cette voiture.	The demonstrative adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun.
Je pense que il est ici.	Je pense qu’il est ici.	Elide que to qu’ before a vowel.
Ceux-ci livre est bon.	Ce livre-ci est bon.	When using “ci” or “la” with a demonstrative adjective, it comes after the noun.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Translate the following sentences into French, paying attention to the different functions of “that.”

Exercise	Correct Answer
1. The car that I bought is red.	La voiture que j’ai achetée est rouge.
2. That house is very big.	Cette maison est très grande.
3. I know that he is coming.	Je sais qu’il vient.
4. This pen is better than that one.	Ce stylo est meilleur que celui-là.
5. The man that helped me was kind.	L’homme qui m’a aidé était gentil.
6. I want that apple.	Je veux cette pomme.
7. She said that she was happy.	Elle a dit qu’elle était contente.
8. These books are mine, and those are yours.	Ces livres sont à moi, et ceux-là sont à toi.
9. The city that I live in is beautiful.	La ville où j’habite est belle.
10. He is so tall that he can reach the top shelf.	Il est si grand qu’il peut atteindre l’étagère du haut.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider the following nuances:

• Subjunctive Mood: After certain verbs expressing doubt, uncertainty, or emotion, the clause introduced by que may require the subjunctive mood. Example: “I doubt that he is telling the truth” translates to “Je doute qu’il dise la vérité” (dise is in the subjunctive).
• Ne…que: The structure “ne…que” (only) can modify the meaning of “that” in certain contexts. Example: “I only want that” could be “Je ne veux que ça.”
• Advanced Relative Clauses: More complex relative clauses may require careful consideration of the correct pronoun and structure. Mastering these nuances will elevate your French proficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Understanding how to translate “that” into French is essential for mastering the language. By recognizing the different grammatical functions of “that” and applying the appropriate French equivalents, you can express yourself with greater accuracy and fluency.

This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of the various translations of “that,” including relative pronouns, demonstrative adjectives and pronouns, conjunctions, and other expressions. Practice the examples and exercises provided, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different constructions.

With dedication and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this important aspect of French grammar.