what is the different between "y" "il", is there any other ways to say "it" in french? break it down and explain it in a simpliest way that even a 5 years old can understand
In French, "y" and "il" are both used to refer to "it," but they are used in different contexts.
1. "Il" is a pronoun used to refer to a masculine noun. For example:
- If you want to say "It is a cat" - "Il est un chat" (referring to a specific cat).
- If you want to say "It is raining" - "Il pleut" (referring to the weather).
2. "Y" is a pronoun used to replace a prepositional phrase that starts with "à" or "dans." For example:
- If you want to say "I go to the park" - "Je vais au parc." Here, instead of repeating "au parc" (to the park), you can use "j'y vais" (I go there).
- If you want to say "He gives the book to his friend" - "Il donne le livre à son ami." Instead of saying "à son ami" (to his friend), you can say "il lui donne le livre" (he gives him the book) or "il le lui donne" (he gives it to him).
So, "y" is used to replace a prepositional phrase starting with "à" or "dans," while "il" is used to directly refer to a masculine noun.
Additionally, there are other ways to say "it" in French based on the gender and number of the noun being referred to. Some examples are:
- "Elle" is used for feminine nouns. For example, "It is a dog" - "Elle est un chien."
- "Ils" is used for masculine plural nouns. For example, "They are books" - "Ils sont des livres."
- "Elles" is used for feminine plural nouns. For example, "They are cats" - "Elles sont des chats."
Remember, these examples are basic and simplified for a 5-year-old to understand.