The French "genre"
The "genre" (gender) indicates whether a noun is masculine or feminine.
Examples :
le livre (masculine), la table (feminine).
In French, gender is a grammatical property of nouns that determines agreement with determiners, adjectives and past participles.
It is not always linked to meaning and often must be memorized.
Gender influences the morphology and syntax of the entire noun phrase.
1. genre masculin
Applies to masculine nouns.
Example : le jardin.
2. genre féminin
Applies to feminine nouns.
Example : la maison.
3. genre variable selon le sens
Some nouns change gender depending on meaning.
Example : le livre (un livre = a book) / la livre (une livre = a pound).
4. genre variable selon la personne
Some nouns change gender depending on the person’s sex.
Example : un ami / une amie.
Le soleil brille.
La porte s’ouvre.
Une amie arrive.
Would you like to practice with a teacher?
Understanding the rule is one thing. Using it naturally when speaking is something else entirely 😊
I offer a free 30‑minute trial lesson.