Standalone adjectives after c'est are always masculine

In French, standalone adjectives that follow "c'est" are in the masculine form.

Standalone adjectives after c'est in French

Look at these 2 contrasting examples:

La jupe coûte 30€. - Cette jupe est chère.The skirt costs €30. - This skirt is expensive.

La jupe coûte 30€. - C'est cher !The skirt costs €30. - That's expensive!

J'ai acheté une jupe ! - Oh, c'est cher, les jupes !I bought a dress! - Oh, skirts are expensive!

- In the first case, the adjective (describing word) chère relates to a specific noun (la jupe) present in the sentence, therefore the regular rule of agreement applies.

- In the second and third case, we're still talking about the skirt, but commenting on its price in a general context, using c'est (that is), hence the use of the masculine form of the adjective (cher).

When a standalone adjective is used after c'est, it will always be in the masculine form.

Here are more examples:

C'est ennuyeux.It is boring.

C'est génial !It's great!

C'est joli.It is pretty.

C'est gratuit.It is free.


Also see Describing things in French with c'est = it is 

Want to make sure your French sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related French grammar topics

Examples and resources

C'est joli.It is pretty.
C'est ennuyeux.It is boring.
C'est gratuit.It is free.
J'ai acheté une jupe ! - Oh, c'est cher, les jupes !I bought a dress! - Oh, skirts are expensive!
C'est excitant.It is exciting.
La jupe coûte 30€. - Cette jupe est chère.The skirt costs €30. - This skirt is expensive.
La jupe coûte 30€. - C'est cher !The skirt costs €30. - That's expensive!
C'est génial !It's great!
Let me take a look at that...