"En" is certainly one of the most confusing concepts when learning French. In this article, I will explain the logic behind its uses through some examples and expressions.
3 Different uses of "en"
1) "En" = preposition (to, by, in)
We usually use "en" as a preposition to say "to", "by" or "in". Let's look at these examples:
- Nous allons en France. (We go to France.)
- Je vais au travail en voiture. (I go to work by car.)
- Nous sommes en février. (We are in February.)
2) "En" expresses the quantity
Another common use of "en" is to express quantity and avoid repetition.
- Tu as une voiture? (Do you have a car?)
Oui, j'en ai une. (Yes, I have one.)
*En" replaces "une voiture" (a car). So, if you translate into English, you could say: "I have one of them".
- Combien de cours tu as? (How many courses do you have?)
J'en ai trois. (I have three)
*You can also say "j'ai trois". However, by saying "j'en ai trois", you emphasize what's previously mentioned. The second version is what French people actually could to respond to such a question.
In the negative forms, "en" comes between ne__pas.
- Tu as une voiture? (Do you have a car?)
Non, je n'en ai pas. (No, I don't have one.)
3) "En" replaces a thing
The third common version of the use of "en" is with a thing. This thing is usually to be introduced by the preposition "de" or a partitive article "du', "de la", de l' and 'des".
- Tu joues du piano? (Do you play piano?)
Oui, j'en joue. (Yes, I play it.)
- Elle est contente de son travail? (Is she happy with her job?)
Oui, elle en est contente. (Yes, she is.)
*Note that "En" always precedes the verb.
Let's practice!
Respond the following questions by using "en"
1) Tu prends des vacances cet été?
2) As-tu un stylo?
3) As-tu besoin de conseils?
4) Es-tu satisfait de ton nouvel appart?
5) Manges-tu de la viande?
Check your answers
1) Oui, j'en prends.
2) Oui, j'en ai un.
3) Oui, j'en ai besoin.
4) Oui, j'en suis satisfait.
5) Oui, j'en mange.
5 Useful French Expressions With "En"
There are a lot of French expressions with "en". Here, we will cover five of them.
1) Je m'en vais. (I'm leaving.)
2) Tu m'en veux ? (Are you mad at me?)
3) J'en ai assez. (I've had enough.)
4) Qu'est-ce que tu en penses ? (What are you thinking of it?)
5) Ne t'en fais pas! (Don't worry!)
Do you know other French expressions with "en"? Let me know in the comments below.
About Umut
.