Question 1

Why is the pronoun t' before the verb? Shouldn't it be approche-toi?

Accepted Answer

In an affirmative command (telling someone to do something), the pronoun goes after the verb, like approche-toi (come closer). But in a negative command (telling someone not to do something), the pronoun goes back in front of the verb, right between ne and the verb. Because approche starts with a vowel, te drops its "e" and becomes ne t'approche pas.

Question 2

Why do we need a reflexive pronoun here at all? Can't I just say n'approche pas?

Accepted Answer

In French, the verb meaning "to go near" or "to approach" is reflexive: s'approcher. Because it's a reflexive verb, you must include the pronoun that matches the person you are talking to. Since you are giving an informal command to one person (using the "tu" form), you need the pronoun te (which becomes t' here).

Question 3

Why is there a de before ce chien?

Accepted Answer

When you mention what you are getting close to, the verb s'approcher must be followed by the preposition de. So, in French, you don't just "approach this dog"—you "approach yourself of this dog" (s'approcher de ce chien).

Question 4

Is ce chien masculine or feminine? How would I say "these dogs"?

Accepted Answer

Chien is a masculine word, which is why it uses the masculine singular word for "this" (ce). If you wanted to warn someone about a female dog, you would use the feminine cette chienne. If you wanted to say "Don't go near these dogs!", you would use the plural form ces, making it ces chiens.

Ne t'approche pas de ce chien !

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