Le marchand de fleurs compose un bouquet magnifique.

The flower merchant makes a magnificent bouquet.

Breakdown of Le marchand de fleurs compose un bouquet magnifique.

• de: of
• la fleur: the flower
• magnifique: magnificent, gorgeous, stunning
• le marchand: the merchant

Questions & Answers about Le marchand de fleurs compose un bouquet magnifique.

Why is marchand de fleurs used instead of marchand des fleurs?

In French, when one noun describes what another noun sells or produces (a “seller of flowers”), you use de (not the plural article des). It’s like saying “seller of flowers,” not “seller some flowers.” So marchand de fleurs is a fixed compound meaning “flower seller.”

What does compose mean here? Isn’t it “to write music”?

Here composer means “to arrange” or “to put together.” So compose un bouquet means “assembles a bouquet,” not “composes a symphony.” Many French verbs have several meanings depending on the context.

Why is magnifique placed after bouquet instead of before?

Most French adjectives follow the noun they describe. Magnifique is one of those adjectives that goes after the noun. Only a handful of common adjectives (like grand, petit, jeune, vieux, etc.) can come before.

Why is the verb written compose with no “t” at the end?