Une is the feminine word for "a". Because fille (girl) is a feminine noun, we have to use une to match it. If we were talking about a boy (un garçon), we would use the masculine word un.
Which pronouns use "est" for the verb "to be"?
Est means "is". You use it whenever you are talking about "he", "she", or "it". In French, that means it always goes with the pronounsil, elle, and on.
I've seen "fille" translated as "daughter". How do I know which one it means here?
The word fille can mean both "girl" and "daughter" in French. You have to tell from the situation. Since this sentence just says "She is a girl" without mentioning parents, "girl" is the best translation.
Is "Elle est une fille" the most natural way to say this in French?
It is perfectly correct, but French speakers often prefer to say C'est une fille when pointing out or identifying someone. You are seeing Elle est here so you can practice how the pronounelle connects to the verbêtre.
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