How to Use "Y" in French: A Complete Guide With Exercise

Y in French

Learning French involves mastering various pronouns, and "y" is one of the most commonly used yet sometimes confusing ones. In this article, we will explain the grammar rules of "y," provide plenty of examples with English translations, and finish with an exercise to help you differentiate between "y" and "en."

1-What is "Y" in French?

"Y" is a French pronoun that generally replaces a place or a thing introduced by certain prepositions (mostly "à" or "chez"). It can also replace "à + thing" when used with certain verbs.

2-Grammar Rule for Using "Y"

Replacing a Place
"Y" replaces a place introduced by prepositions like à, chez, dans, en, or sur.

✅ Examples:

  • Je vais à Paris. → J'y vais. (I am going there.)

  • Nous sommes allés chez Paul. → Nous y sommes allés. (We went there.)

  • Ils habitent dans cette maison. → Ils y habitent. (They live there.)

    Replacing "à + thing" (but not a person)
    "Y" replaces "à + something" when used with verbs like penser à (to think about), s'intéresser à (to be interested in), répondre à (to answer), etc.

✅ Examples:

  • Tu penses à ton avenir ? → Tu y penses ? (Are you thinking about it?)

  • Elle répond à la question. → Elle y répond. (She is answering it.)

  • Nous nous intéressons à la culture française. → Nous nous y intéressons. (We are interested in it.)

❌ Important:
Do not use "y" to replace "à + person." Instead, use an indirect object pronoun (lui, leur).

  • Je parle à Marie. → Je lui parle. (I am talking to her.) (Not "j'y parle")

  1. Position of "Y" in the Sentence

  • With one verb: "Y" is placed before the verb.

    Il y va. (He is going there.

  • With two verbs: Place "y" between the two verbs.

    Je vais y aller. (I am going to go there.)

    With passé composé: Place "y" before the auxiliary verb.

    Ils y sont allés. (They went there.)

3 - Position of "Y" in the Sentence

With one verb: "Y" is placed before the verb.

  • Il y va. (He is going there.)

With two verbs: Place "y" between the two verbs

  • Je vais y aller. (I am going to go there.)

With passé composé: Place "y" before the auxiliary verb.

  • Ils y sont allés. (They went there.)

4- Exercise: Y or En?

For the use of the pronoun En, you can consult our article on this pronoun

Fill in the blanks with the correct pronoun: y or en.

  1. Tu vas au supermarché ? Oui, j'__ vais.

  2. Il parle de son voyage. Il __ parle.

  3. Nous pensons à nos vacances. Nous __ pensons.

  4. Elle revient de la plage. Elle __ revient.

  5. Vous participez à la réunion ? Oui, nous __ participons.

  6. Ils achètent des pommes. Ils __ achètent.

  7. Tu t'intéresses à la politique ? Oui, je __ intéresse.

  8. Il a besoin d'argent. Il __ a besoin.

Answers:

  1. y

  2. en

  3. y

  4. en

  5. y

  6. en

  7. y

  8. en

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