why not use "Je l'envoye une massage"

Question

Why is "Je lui envoye une massage" instead of "Je l'envoye une massage?" Thanks

Cécile Janty-Davies · Accepted Answer

Hi Dentist,
To add to Chris' answer, I am not sure if you are questioning the lack of elision of lui because of the clash of vowels?
In fact 'lui' is never elided, but  'le' would be -
Je l'envoie à Paul = I am sending it to Paul 
Je lui envoie un message = I am sending him a message 
Hope that helps!

Chris Wirt · Answer

The phrase is: envoyer quelque chose à quelqu'un. Therefore the addressee is the indirect object, which is replaced by lui. The stuff you're sending is the direct object.

J'envoie la lettre à Marie. -- I'm sending the letter to Marie.
Je la lui envoie. -- I'm sending it to her.