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French · word

It is in French

c'est

The forms you will meet: c'est, ce sont, c'était, ce n'est. It means it is, this is, that is.

c'est
grammar word

it is, this is, that is

Examples · 2

  • c'est + a noun with its article (c'est un ami)

    C'est un ami de Marie, il habite ici.This is a friend of Marie's, he lives here.
  • c'est + adjective about a situation (c'est bon, c'est facile)

    Le film commence à huit heures, c'est parfait.The film starts at eight o'clock, that's perfect.

Forms

c'estce sontc'étaitce n'est

The forms

  • c'est
  • ce sont
  • c'était
  • ce n'est

One sentence for each rule

Greyed letters are written and not pronounced. A tie marks a liaison, with the sound you hear under it. A label under a verb names its tense.

it is, this is, that is

  • c'est + a noun with its article (c'est un ami)

    C'est un ami de Marie, il habite ici.This is a friend of Marie's, he lives here.
  • c'est + adjective about a situation (c'est bon, c'est facile)

    Le film commence à huit heures, c'est parfait.The film starts at eight o'clock, that's perfect.
  • C'est mon voisin Paul et il est médecin.This is my neighbour Paul and he is a doctor.

Words to compare

Close in meaning or in use. Each one has its own page.

Questions people ask

How do you say it is in French?
C'est, ce sont, c'était, ce n'est. It means it is, this is, that is.
What are the forms of c'est?
c'est, ce sont, c'était, ce n'est.
When do you use c'est?
c'est + a noun with its article (c'est un ami); c'est + adjective about a situation (c'est bon, c'est facile).
How do you use c'est in a sentence?
C'est un ami de Marie, il habite ici. (This is a friend of Marie's, he lives here.)

Learn these words inside real sentences

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