Question 1

Why do we use soi at the end instead of a regular pronoun like lui?

Accepted Answer

soi is a stressed pronoun (a pronoun that stands on its own, often after a preposition). We use soi specifically when the subject of the sentence is indefinite, like on, chacun, or when making a general statement. Because the subject here is the general on, we use soi to mean "oneself". If the subject was a specific person like il, you would use lui.

Question 2

How does ne pense qu'à translate to "only thinks about"?

Accepted Answer

This uses the restriction ne ... que, which means "only". It wraps around the conjugated verb. The verb here is penser à (to think about). Because que is followed by the vowel in à, it contracts to qu'. So, ne pense qu'à soi literally translates as thinking about nothing but oneself.

Question 3

Could I just say L'individualisme est quand... without the c'est?

Accepted Answer

You would be understood, but it sounds less natural to a French ear. Everyday French frequently uses a structure where you announce the topic first (L'individualisme), pause, and then use a pronoun like c' to actually start the sentence. Saying L'individualisme, c'est... is the standard, natural way to define something.

Question 4

Why use à after pense? Doesn't "about" usually translate differently?

Accepted Answer

The verb penser changes meaning depending on the preposition. penser à means to have something or someone on your mind (to think about). On the other hand, penser de is used when asking for or giving an opinion (to think of). Since individualism is having yourself on your mind, we need penser à.

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