Am I just simplifying it too much!

Martin R.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Am I just simplifying it too much!

Bonjour, can you let me know if I understand 'new' correctly or just simplifying it too much, my notes are:

Neuf - used after noun but only if the item you are speaking of is brand new (but not on living things)
Neuve - used after noun but only if the item is new to you but not necessarily brand new
Nouveau - is the masculine form and used before consonants
Nouvel - is the masculine form and used before vowels
Nouvelle - is the feminine form and used before nouns OR  vowels

Does that sound right?

Merci

Asked 4 years ago
Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Not quite correct. 

Keep neuf/neuve together - they are masculine/feminine singular adjectives having the same meaning and usage (except for gender of nouns they describe, of course). That is both go after the noun, and both imply 'brand new'.

Nouvel - before vowels/h muet (for completeness).

Otherwise, apart from the plural forms, all good!

Martin R.B1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thank you Maarten, I actually spoke to my French teacher after posting that and yep she corrected me the same. Much appreciate

Martin R. asked:

Am I just simplifying it too much!

Bonjour, can you let me know if I understand 'new' correctly or just simplifying it too much, my notes are:

Neuf - used after noun but only if the item you are speaking of is brand new (but not on living things)
Neuve - used after noun but only if the item is new to you but not necessarily brand new
Nouveau - is the masculine form and used before consonants
Nouvel - is the masculine form and used before vowels
Nouvelle - is the feminine form and used before nouns OR  vowels

Does that sound right?

Merci

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
I'll be right with you...