Breakdown of L'horloge n'a pas de ressort derrière son cadran.
avoir
to have
ne
not (used before the verb)
pas
not (used after the verb)
de
of / from / any (in negative sentences) / about (concerning)
son
his/her/its (son, sa, ses)
derrière
behind
l'horloge
the clock (f)
le cadran
the dial
le ressort
the spring (mechanical)
Questions & Answers about L'horloge n'a pas de ressort derrière son cadran.
Why is it son cadran ("its dial") if horloge is feminine?
In French, possessive adjectives (like son, sa, ses) agree with the noun being owned, not the owner. Since cadran (dial) is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine son, even though the clock (l'horloge) is feminine. This is a common trap for English speakers, because in English "its" refers back to the clock.
Why does the sentence use pas de ressort instead of pas un ressort?
As a quick refresher from earlier levels: in negative sentences, the indefinite articles (un, une, des) change to de (or d'). So, while "it has a spring" is elle a un ressort, "it doesn't have a spring" automatically becomes elle n'a pas de ressort.
I learned that "spring" is printemps. Why use ressort here?
Printemps is strictly used for the season (Spring). Ressort refers to the physical, mechanical metal coil found in things like clocks, mattresses, or pens. It shares a root with verbs meaning to bounce back or spring out.
Could I use montre instead of horloge here?
Not if you mean a wall or floor clock. An horloge is a clock, typically a larger one meant for a room or building. A montre is specifically a watch that you wear on your wrist or carry in your pocket.
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