Vrai = real/true (French Adjectives that change meaning according to position)

In French, certain adjectives change their meanings depending if they appear before or after the noun.

The French adjective vrai change meaning according to its position

Look at these uses of vrai:

Une histoire vraie.A true story.

Une vraie histoire.Quite a story.

Before the noun, vrai means quite a / elaborate / interesting.

After the noun, vrai means true/real.

Note that generally adjectives appear after the noun, but some very common adjectives go before.

 

See also: 

Ancien = former/old (French Adjectives that change meaning according to position) 

Cher= dear/expensive (French Adjectives that change meaning according to position) 

Certain = specific / sure in French (adjectives that change meaning according to position) 

Dernier = final/previous (French Adjectives that change meaning according to position)

Propre = own/clean (French Adjectives that change meaning according to position)

 

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

Une histoire vraie.A true story.
Une vraie histoire.Quite a story.
Clever stuff happening!