Mastering “That” in French: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to translate “that” into French is crucial for accurate and nuanced communication. The English word “that” has multiple equivalents in French depending on its grammatical function and the context in which it is used.

This guide will provide a detailed exploration of these equivalents, covering relative pronouns, demonstrative adjectives and pronouns, and conjunctions. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to confidently use the correct French translation of “that” in any situation.

Table of Contents

Definition of “That” in English and Its French Equivalents

In English, “that” is a versatile word that can function as a relative pronoun, a demonstrative adjective, a demonstrative pronoun, or a conjunction. Its meaning and usage depend heavily on the context.

To accurately translate “that” into French, it is essential to identify its grammatical role in the English sentence.

Here’s a breakdown of the primary French equivalents of “that”:

  • Relative Pronouns: Qui, Que, Dont, Où – Used to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause, often referring back to a noun.
  • Demonstrative Adjectives: Ce, Cet, Cette, Ces – Used to point out a specific noun (this/that).
  • Demonstrative Pronouns: Celui, Celle, Ceux, Celles, Ceci, Cela, Ça – Used to replace a noun that has already been mentioned or is understood (this/that one).
  • Conjunctions: Que – Used to introduce a subordinate clause, often after verbs of thinking, feeling, or saying.

The correct French equivalent will depend entirely on how “that” functions within the English sentence. Understanding these functions is key to mastering its translation.

Structural Breakdown of French Equivalents

Each French equivalent of “that” has its own structural rules and patterns. Let’s examine these in detail:

  • Relative Pronouns: These pronouns always introduce a relative clause. The choice of pronoun (qui, que, dont, où) depends on the function of the replaced noun 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 that is preceded by de (expressing possession, origin, or need).
    • Où: Replaces a place or time.
  • Demonstrative Adjectives: These adjectives always precede a noun and agree in gender and number with that 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: These pronouns can stand alone or be followed by suffixes like -ci (this one) and -là (that one) for emphasis or to distinguish between two items.
    • Celui: Masculine singular.
    • Celle: Feminine singular.
    • Ceux: Masculine plural.
    • Celles: Feminine plural.
    • Ceci: This (refers to something that is about to be mentioned).
    • Cela/Ça: That (refers to something that has already been mentioned or is understood). Ça is the informal version of cela.
  • Conjunctions: The conjunction que introduces a subordinate clause. It often follows verbs of saying, thinking, or believing.

Types and Categories of “That” in French

Understanding the different types of “that” and their corresponding French translations is essential for accurate communication. Let’s explore each category in detail.

Relative Pronouns: Qui, Que, Dont, Où

Relative pronouns connect a relative clause to a main clause. The choice depends on the function of the noun being replaced 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 that is preceded by the preposition de.

Où: Replaces a place or time.

Demonstrative Adjectives: Ce, Cet, Cette, Ces

Demonstrative adjectives point out specific nouns. They must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify.

Ce: Masculine singular, before a consonant.

Cet: Masculine singular, before a vowel or silent “h”.

Cette: Feminine singular.

Ces: Plural (masculine or feminine).

Demonstrative Pronouns: Celui, Celle, Ceux, Celles, Ceci, Cela, Ça

Demonstrative pronouns replace nouns. They can be simple or combined with suffixes to add specificity.

Celui: Masculine singular (“that one”).

Celle: Feminine singular (“that one”).

Ceux: Masculine plural (“those ones”).

Celles: Feminine plural (“those ones”).

Ceci: This (refers to something coming up).

Cela/Ça: That (refers to something already mentioned). Ça is informal.

Conjunctions: Que

When “that” introduces a subordinate clause, it is typically translated as que in French. This is common after verbs of saying, thinking, feeling, etc.

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Examples of “That” in French

To solidify your understanding, let’s examine various examples of “that” used in different contexts and their corresponding French translations.

Relative Pronoun Examples

The following table illustrates how “that” is translated using relative pronouns in French. Note how the choice of the French relative pronoun (qui, que, dont, où) depends on the grammatical function of the replaced noun within the relative clause.

English Sentence French Translation Explanation
The man that is speaking is my teacher. L’homme qui parle est mon professeur. Qui replaces “the man,” which is the subject of “is speaking.”
The book that I read was very interesting. Le livre que j’ai lu était très intéressant. Que replaces “the book,” which is the direct object of “I read.”
The house that I told you about is for sale. La maison dont je t’ai parlé est à vendre. Dont replaces “the house,” which is the object of the preposition de (parler de).
The city that I live in is beautiful. La ville où j’habite est belle. Où replaces “the city,” which is a place.
The student that studies hard will succeed. L’étudiant qui étudie avec acharnement réussira. Qui replaces “the student,” which is the subject of “studies.”
The movie that we watched was boring. Le film que nous avons regardé était ennuyeux. Que replaces “the movie,” which is the direct object of “we watched.”
The problem that he is talking about is complex. Le problème dont il parle est complexe. Dont replaces “the problem,” which is the object of the preposition de (parler de).
The restaurant that we met at is closed. Le restaurant où nous nous sommes rencontrés est fermé. Où replaces “the restaurant,” which is a place.
The woman that is wearing the red dress is my sister. La femme qui porte la robe rouge est ma sœur. Qui replaces “the woman,” which is the subject of “is wearing.”
The song that he sang was beautiful. La chanson que il a chantée était belle. Que replaces “the song,” which is the direct object of “he sang.”
The topic that she is interested in is science. Le sujet dont elle s’intéresse est la science. Dont replaces “the topic,” which is the object of the preposition de (s’intéresser à, but becomes dont because relative pronoun).
The country that I want to visit is Japan. Le pays où je veux voyager est le Japon. Où replaces “the country,” which is a place.
The teacher that explained the lesson is very good. Le professeur qui a expliqué la leçon est très bon. Qui replaces “The teacher,” which is the subject of “explained.”
The exercise that I completed was challenging. L’exercice que j’ai terminé était difficile. Que replaces “The exercise,” which is the direct object of “I completed.”
The artist that I admire is French. L’artiste dont j’admire le travail est français. Dont replaces a noun that is preceded by the preposition de.
The park that we go to is very large. Le parc où nous allons est très grand. Où replaces “The park,” which is a place.
The dog that is barking is mine. Le chien qui aboie est le mien. Qui replaces “the dog,” which is the subject of “is barking.”
The letter that I received was from my friend. La lettre que j’ai reçue était de mon ami. Que replaces “the letter,” which is the direct object of “I received.”
The story that she told me was fascinating. L’histoire dont elle m’a parlé était fascinante. Dont replaces “the story,” which is the object of the preposition de (parler de).
The building that they work in is very modern. Le bâtiment où ils travaillent est très moderne. Où replaces “the building,” which is a place.

Demonstrative Adjective Examples

This table demonstrates how “that” is translated using demonstrative adjectives in French. Remember that these adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify.

English Sentence French Translation Explanation
I like that car. J’aime cette voiture. Cette is used because “voiture” (car) is feminine singular.
That man is tall. Cet homme est grand. Cet is used because “homme” (man) is masculine singular and starts with a vowel.
That house is beautiful. Cette maison est belle. Cette is used because “maison” (house) is feminine singular.
I want that book. Je veux ce livre. Ce is used because “livre” (book) is masculine singular and starts with a consonant.
Those children are playing. Ces enfants jouent. Ces is used because “enfants” (children) is plural.
I prefer that color. Je préfère cette couleur. Cette is used because “couleur” (color) is feminine singular.
That animal is dangerous. Cet animal est dangereux. Cet is used because “animal” (animal) is masculine singular and starts with a vowel.
Those flowers are pretty. Ces fleurs sont jolies. Ces is used because “fleurs” (flowers) is plural.
That tree is very old. Cet arbre est très vieux. Cet is used because “arbre” (tree) is masculine singular and starts with a vowel.
That idea is interesting. Cette idée est intéressante. Cette is used because “idée” (idea) is feminine singular.
He bought that car. Il a acheté cette voiture. Cette is used because “voiture” (car) is feminine singular.
That hotel is expensive. Cet hôtel est cher. Cet is used because “hôtel” (hotel) is masculine singular and starts with a silent “h”.
That table is broken. Cette table est cassée. Cette is used because “table” is feminine singular.
That movie is boring. Ce film est ennuyeux. Ce is used because “film” (movie) is masculine singular and starts with a consonant.
Those books are mine. Ces livres sont à moi. Ces is used because “livres” (books) is plural.
I don’t like that shirt. Je n’aime pas cette chemise. Cette is used because “chemise” (shirt) is feminine singular.
That apartment is small. Cet appartement est petit. Cet is used because “appartement” (apartment) is masculine singular and starts with a vowel.
Those problems are difficult. Ces problèmes sont difficiles. Ces is used because “problèmes” (problems) is plural.
That exercise is helpful. Ce exercice est utile. Ce is used because “exercice” (exercice) is masculine singular and starts with a consonant.
Those questions are easy. Ces questions sont faciles. Ces is used because “questions” (questions) is plural.
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Demonstrative Pronoun Examples

This table illustrates how “that” is translated using demonstrative pronouns in French. Demonstrative pronouns replace nouns and can be modified with suffixes like -ci and -là for precision.

English Sentence French Translation Explanation
I want that one. (masculine) Je veux celui-là. Celui-là refers to a specific masculine singular item.
I want that one. (feminine) Je veux celle-là. Celle-là refers to a specific feminine singular item.
I want those ones. (masculine) Je veux ceux-là. Ceux-là refers to specific masculine plural items.
I want those ones. (feminine) Je veux celles-là. Celles-là refers to specific feminine plural items.
What is that? (general) Qu’est-ce que c’est que ça ? Ça refers to something already mentioned or understood.
This is better than that. Ceci est mieux que cela. Ceci and cela are used to compare abstract concepts.
Which car do you prefer, this one or that one? (feminine) Quelle voiture préférez-vous, celle-ci ou celle-là ? Celle-ci and celle-là distinguish between two feminine singular items.
I prefer that one. (masculine, referring to a book) Je préfère celui-là. Celui-là refers to a specific masculine singular book.
That is a good idea. (general) C’est une bonne idée. / Ça, c’est une bonne idée. Ça is often used informally to emphasize the statement.
Do you like this cake or that one? (feminine) Aimez-vous ce gâteau ou celui-là ? Celui-là distinguishes between two cakes.
Which shirt do you want, this one or that one? (masculine) Quelle chemise voulez-vous, celle-ci ou celle-là ? Celle-ci and celle-là distinguish between two shirts.
I don’t like that. (general) Je n’aime pas ça. Ça refers to something already mentioned or understood.
That is important. (general) C’est important. / Ça, c’est important. Ça is used informally to emphasize the statement.
I like that one better. (feminine) J’aime mieux celle-là. Celle-là refers to a specific feminine singular item.
This is what I wanted, not that. C’est ce que je voulais, pas cela. Cela contrasts with “this” (ceci).
That is not true. Ce n’est pas vrai. / Ça n’est pas vrai. Ça is used informally to emphasize the statement.
I chose that one. (masculine) J’ai choisi celui-là. Celui-là refers to a specific masculine singular item.
Take this one, not that one. (feminine) Prends celle-ci, pas celle-là. Celle-ci and celle-là distinguish between two feminine singular items.
What about that? Et ça ? Ça is a common way to refer to something previously mentioned.
I didn’t know that. Je ne savais pas ça. Ça refers to something previously mentioned.

Conjunction Examples

This table shows how “that” is translated using the conjunction que in French. This is typically used after verbs of saying, thinking, feeling, or believing.

English Sentence French Translation Explanation
I think that he is right. Je pense qu’il a raison. Que introduces the subordinate clause “he is right.”
She said that she was tired. Elle a dit qu’elle était fatiguée. Que introduces the subordinate clause “she was tired.”
He believes that it is possible. Il croit que c’est possible. Que introduces the subordinate clause “it is possible.”
I know that you are busy. Je sais que tu es occupé. Que introduces the subordinate clause “you are busy.”
They hope that we will come. Ils espèrent que nous viendrons. Que introduces the subordinate clause “we will come.”
I understand that you are upset. Je comprends que tu sois contrarié. Que introduces the subordinate clause “you are upset.”
We assume that it will be fine. Nous supposons que ça ira bien. Que introduces the subordinate clause “it will be fine.”
She fears that they will be late. Elle craint qu’ils soient en retard. Que introduces the subordinate clause “they will be late.”
He admitted that he was wrong. Il a avoué qu’il avait tort. Que introduces the subordinate clause “he was wrong.”
I suspect that he is lying. Je soupçonne qu’il ment. Que introduces the subordinate clause “he is lying.”
She imagines that she is a princess. Elle imagine qu’elle est une princesse. Que introduces the subordinate clause “she is a princess.”
He feels that he should apologize. Il sent qu’il devrait s’excuser. Que introduces the subordinate clause “he should apologize.”
I heard that you got a new job. J’ai entendu dire que tu as trouvé un nouvel emploi. Que introduces the subordinate clause “you got a new job.”
They reported that the situation is improving. Ils ont rapporté que la situation s’améliore. Que introduces the subordinate clause “the situation is improving.”
We learned that the exam is postponed. Nous avons appris que l’examen est reporté. Que introduces the subordinate clause “the exam is postponed.”
She revealed that she is pregnant. Elle a révélé qu’elle est enceinte. Que introduces the subordinate clause “she is pregnant.”
He noticed that the door was open. Il a remarqué que la porte était ouverte. Que introduces the subordinate clause “the door was open.”
I am sure that he will come. Je suis sûr qu’il viendra. Que introduces the subordinate clause “he will come.”
They are convinced that they are right. Ils sont convaincus qu’ils ont raison. Que introduces the subordinate clause “they are right.”
We hope that everything will be alright. Nous espérons que tout ira bien. Que introduces the subordinate clause “everything will be alright.”
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Usage Rules for “That” in French

Understanding the specific rules for using each French equivalent of “that” is critical for avoiding errors.

Relative Pronoun Usage Rules

  • Use qui to replace the subject of the relative clause.
  • Use que to replace the direct object of the relative clause.
  • Use dont to replace a noun preceded by de.
  • Use où to replace a place or time.

Demonstrative Adjective Usage Rules

  • Demonstrative adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify.
  • Use ce before masculine singular nouns starting with a consonant.
  • Use cet before masculine singular nouns starting with a vowel or silent “h”.
  • Use cette before feminine singular nouns.
  • Use ces before plural nouns (masculine or feminine).

Demonstrative Pronoun Usage Rules

  • Choose the correct gender and number (celui, celle, ceux, celles) to match the noun being replaced.
  • Use -ci to refer to something closer or more recent (“this one”).
  • Use -là to refer to something farther or less recent (“that one”).
  • Ceci refers to something that will be mentioned later.
  • Cela/Ça refers to something already mentioned or understood. Ça is the informal version of cela.

Conjunction Usage Rules

  • Use que to introduce a subordinate clause, especially after verbs of saying, thinking, feeling, or believing.
  • Remember to use qu’ before words starting with a vowel or silent “h”.

Common Mistakes When Using “That” in French

Here are some common mistakes learners make when translating “that” into French, along with corrections:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
The book that I like is here. (Le livre qui j’aime est ici.) The book that I like is here. (Le livre que j’aime est ici.) Que is needed because “the book” is the direct object of “I like,” not the subject.
That man is my father. (Ce homme est mon père.) That man is my father. (Cet homme est mon père.) Cet is used because “homme” starts with a vowel.
I want that. (Je veux celui.) I want that. (Je veux ça.) Ça is the more general way to say “that” when referring to something previously mentioned.
I think that is good. (Je pense que c’est bon.) I think that is good. (Je pense que c’est bien.) Bien is a more appropriate adjective with penser.
She said that she arrives tomorrow. (Elle a dit que elle arrive demain.) She said that she arrives tomorrow. (Elle a dit qu’elle arrive demain.) Contraction qu’elle.
The house that I live is big. (La maison que j’habite est grande.) The house that I live is big. (La maison ou j’habite est grande.) Où replaces “the house,” which is a place.

Practice Exercises

Test your knowledge with these practice exercises. Translate the following sentences into French, paying close attention to the correct use of “that.”

Exercise 1: Relative Pronouns

English Sentence Your Translation Answer
The movie that we saw last night was amazing. Le film que nous avons vu hier soir était incroyable.
The person that is talking is my boss. La personne qui parle est mon patron.
The problem that I am concerned about is complex. Le problème dont je suis préoccupé est complexe.
The city that I visited last year was Paris. La ville où j’ai visité l’année dernière était Paris.
The book that I am reading is very interesting. Le

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