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Usages of il
En hiver, il neige souvent dans les montagnes.
(In winter, it often snows in the mountains.)
Il pleut, pourtant nous prenons le bus.
It is raining, yet we take the bus.
Je veux essayer ce marché parce qu’il propose des produits frais.
I want to try this market because it offers fresh produce.
Je pense qu’il est essentiel de s’amuser même quand on travaille dur.
I think it is essential to have fun even when we work hard.
Je vais aussi emporter un parapluie, au cas où il pleuvrait.
I will also take along an umbrella in case it rains.
Je prends un parapluie au cas où il pleuvrait.
I take an umbrella in case it rains.
Pour Marie, il est essentiel de garder tout simple, car elle ne veut pas exiger trop d’efforts de ses proches.
For Marie, it is essential to keep everything simple, because she does not want to demand too much effort from her loved ones.
J’adore aller à la piscine quand il fait chaud.
I love going to the swimming pool when it’s hot.
La fête se déroulera dans la cour demain, et la réunion se déroulera en salle s’il pleut.
The party will take place in the courtyard tomorrow, and the meeting will take place indoors if it rains.
Fais attention au feu, il peut brûler la couverture si tu la laisses trop près.
Be careful with the fire; it can burn the blanket if you leave it too close.
Le chat veut sauter sur l'étagère, mais il ne saute que si la porte est fermée.
The cat wants to jump onto the shelf, but it jumps only if the door is closed.
Il saute haut, et nous le regardons avec surprise.
It jumps high, and we watch it with surprise.
Nous avons deux vestes ; nous ne les mettons que quand il pleut.
We have two jackets; we wear them only when it rains.
Il est presque l'heure du déjeuner, alors le supermarché ouvre maintenant.
It is almost lunchtime, so the supermarket is opening now.
Sans reçu, il est difficile de prouver l’achat.
Without a receipt, it is difficult to prove the purchase.
Je suis en train de préparer du riz; d’ailleurs, il est presque prêt.
I am in the middle of preparing rice; besides, it is almost ready.
Le chien pose sa tête dessus, puis il regarde en dessous du lit.
The dog rests its head on it, then it looks under the bed.
Au moins, il ne pleut pas.
At least, it is not raining.
Ce sandwich se mange chaud ou froid, mais il est meilleur chaud.
This sandwich is eaten hot or cold, but it is better hot.
Notre logement est petit, mais il est confortable.
Our place is small, but it is comfortable.
Je baisse la lumière parce qu'il est tard.
I lower the light because it is late.
Avant de partir au supermarché, je fais une liste de tout ce qu’il nous faut.
Before going to the supermarket, I make a list of everything we need.
Si ta cheville te fait mal, il vaut mieux t’asseoir et ne pas courir.
If your ankle hurts, it is better to sit down and not run.
Ce marteau est plus lourd que l’autre, mais il est plus solide.
This hammer is heavier than the other one, but it is sturdier.
Le courrier recommandé est plus cher, mais il est souvent plus pratique.
Registered mail is more expensive, but it is often more practical.
L'emballage de ce gâteau est joli, mais il n'est pas pratique.
The packaging of this cake is pretty, but it is not practical.
Ne jette pas le ticket de caisse, il peut servir de preuve.
Do not throw away the receipt, it can serve as proof.
Ce gâteau est bon, mais il est trop sucré.
This cake is good, but it is too sweet.
Test yourself: What does il mean?
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“How does grammatical gender work in French?”
Every French noun is either masculine or feminine, and this affects the articles and adjectives used with it. "Le" is used with masculine nouns and "la" with feminine ones. Adjectives also change form to match — for example, "petit" (masc.) becomes "petite" (fem.).
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