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Questions & Answers about Ma compétence est importante.
What does ma mean in the sentence Ma compétence est importante?
Ma is the possessive adjective that means my. It is used here because compétence is a feminine singular noun, and in French, possessive adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify.
Why is compétence considered a feminine noun, and how does that affect its accompanying words?
In French, every noun has a gender, and compétence is inherently feminine. This gender assignment is something learners must memorize since there isn’t always a clear rule. Because it is feminine, any related adjectives or articles—like ma and importante—must also appear in their feminine forms.
Why does the adjective importante end with an -e?
The ending -e in importante marks it as feminine. In French, adjectives are required to agree in gender (and number) with the noun they describe. Since compétence is a feminine noun, important changes to importante to match.
What is the typical position of adjectives in French sentences, as demonstrated by importante coming after compétence?
In French, most descriptive adjectives are placed after the noun they modify. Importante is positioned after compétence to follow this common syntactic pattern. However, there are some adjectives that can come before the noun based on emphasis, meaning, or convention.
Can compétence be translated as either skill or competence? How do I decide which one to use in English?
Yes, compétence can be translated as either skill or competence. The context usually dictates the best choice. In this sentence, if you are referring to a specific ability or talent, skill might be more appropriate. If you are describing a broader capacity or area of expertise, competence could fit better.
How should I pronounce compétence correctly in French?
Compétence is pronounced approximately as kohm-pay-tahns. The accented é produces an ay sound, and the final part -ence is pronounced softly. Listening to native speakers or using a pronunciation tool can help you fine-tune your accent and intonation.