Learn Hardcore French: L'intérieur est confortable.

In French, when the definite article Le precedes a noun that starts with a vowel (or a mute H), it contracts to L’ to ensure smoother pronunciation. So instead of writing Le intérieur, we write L’intérieur.

What is the gender of the noun intérieur and how can I tell?

The noun intérieur is masculine. Although the contracted article L’ can be used with both masculine and feminine nouns, dictionaries and usage indicate that intérieur is masculine when referring to the inside of a space.

Does the adjective confortable change form based on gender or number?

No, the adjective confortable remains the same regardless of the gender or number of the noun it describes. This invariability is similar to English, so whether it describes a masculine singular noun like intérieur or a different noun, its form does not change.

What role does the verb est play in this sentence?

Est is the third-person singular present form of être (to be). In the sentence, it serves as the linking verb, connecting the subject L’intérieur with the predicate adjective confortable, effectively stating that “the interior is comfortable.”

What is the overall grammatical structure of L’intérieur est confortable?

The sentence follows the standard French Subject-Verb-Predicate order. L’intérieur functions as the subject (with the elided article), est is the linking verb, and confortable is the adjective that describes the subject.

Are there any pronunciation tips for L’intérieur that might help me?

Yes. When pronouncing L’intérieur, be sure to smoothly join the L’ with intérieur. The word intérieur features a nasal vowel sound at the beginning (roughly pronounced /lɛ̃.te.ʁjœʁ/ in IPA). Listening to native speakers and practicing the nasal sound can help you get it right.