Question 1

Why is propre placed before jeunesse here?

Accepted Answer

Propre is one of those adjectives that changes meaning depending on where it sits. Before the noun, it means own (as in my own youth). If it were placed after the noun, like in une chambre propre, it would mean clean.

Question 2

Does curieux also change meaning depending on its position?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When placed before the noun, as in un curieux portrait, it means odd, strange, or peculiar. If it is placed after a noun, usually referring to a person like un enfant curieux, it means curious or inquisitive.

Question 3

Why do we use C'est here instead of Il est?

Accepted Answer

We use C'est because it is followed by a noun phrase (un curieux portrait). You generally use Il est or Elle est when describing someone or something with just an adjective alone. Since there is a noun introduced by an article (un), C'est is required.

Question 4

Why doesn't curieux change form to match portrait?

Accepted Answer

Portrait is masculine singular, and the default masculine singular form of this adjective naturally ends in an x (curieux). It stays exactly the same in the masculine plural, too. It would only change if the noun were feminine, becoming curieuse.

C'est un curieux portrait de ma propre jeunesse.

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