French Words With Both Genders
In today’s lesson, we’ll look at French nouns with both genders. Understanding these double meanings is a powerful way to navigate the nuances of the language and avoid common mix-ups!
Practice with the cheat sheet here:
If you want to help other listeners to discover my podcast, go ahead an leave a five star rating on Spotify, Apple podcast, Audible….
#1 Nouns With Both Genders in French
To start, let’s remember grammar gender has nothing to do with the end-use of the noun or biology. The roots of French grammar gender comes from Latin. And don’t forget the French language doesn’t have any neutral nouns.
Let’s start with the nouns:
Le livre = the book
La livre = the pound (a unit of measurement or UK currency)
La voile = the sail/sailing
Le voile = the veil
La manche = the sleeve
La Manche = the Channel
Le manche = the handle (for a broom, a shovel, etc.)
La moule = the mussel
Le moule = the mold
La mode = Fashion
Le mode = the way, the manner, the method
La critique = Criticism
Le critique = Someone reviewing, judging, or commenting someone else work.
Â
Join the Speak French Workshop
You’re one step closer to your French Dream! Create your free acccount to unlock the first four modules of the Speak French Workshop. No credit Card needed. Navigate, Enjoy, and Experience life in France like a local.
#2 Examples with French Nouns With Both Genders
Let’s review with some examples. Sometimes you need more details, explanations, or you want to make sure to be understood!Â
J’aime lire un livre le soir = I like reading a book at night
Je voudrais une livre de tomates = I’d like a pound of tomatoes.
Elle fait de la voile pendant l’été = She sails during summer
La mariée porte un voile blanc = the bride is wearing a white veil.
La manche de ta chemise est déchirée ! = Your shirt’s sleeve is ripped.
La Manche est peu froide ! = The Channel is a little cold.
Le manche du bateau est trop long = The rake’s handle is too long.
La moule grandit dans la mer = Mussels grow in the sea.
Il me faut un moule pour mon gâteau = I need a mold for my cake.
La mode change de plus en plus vite = Fashion changes faster and faster.
Le téléphone a un mode avion = The phone has a plane mode.
La critique est aisée mais faire est difficile = Criticism is easy but doing is difficult.
Le critique culinaire adore ton restaurant ! = The food critic loves your restaurant.
