Learn French: L'âne de la ferme est brun.

L'âne de la ferme est brun.

The farm donkey is brown.

Breakdown of L'âne de la ferme est brun.

Questions & Answers about L'âne de la ferme est brun.

Why does this sentence use "brun" instead of "marron" for "brown"?

In French, brun is typically used to describe the brown color of hair, fur, skin, and animals like a donkey (un âne) or a bear (un ours). For everyday objects, clothing, or eyes, you will usually use marron.

Why is it "L'âne de la ferme" instead of putting "ferme" before "âne" like in English?

English often places a noun right before another to describe it (like "farm donkey"). French doesn't do this. Instead, you usually link them with de (of). It translates literally to "The donkey of the farm". Because ferme is feminine, it becomes de la ferme.

Why is there a circumflex accent (ˆ) on "âne"?

In French, a circumflex accent often replaces an "s" that was present in Old French or Latin. You can actually see that old "s" in the English word "ass" (which also means donkey) and the related adjective "asinine"!