You've already learned that the pronoun y is used to mean there (See Y = There (French Adverbial Pronouns)).
Now here is another usage of y.
Look at these sentences:
Nous nous intéressons au sport. Nous nous y intéressons. We're interested in sport. We're interested in it.
-> Note that y can replace plural things.
In French, adverbial pronoun y can replace a group introduced by the preposition à + [thing(s)/object(s)/location(s)] - except people - particularly with verbs that require the preposition à.
In such cases, remember that y replaces the whole à + [noun group].
In such cases, remember that y replaces the whole à + [noun group].
Case of people
The group à + [people] becomes simply their matching indirect pronoun, as follows:
See also En can replace de + [phrase] (French Adverbial Pronouns)
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 Braimap today »
Learn more about these related French grammar topics
Examples and resources
Je réfléchis à sa proposition. Et elle y réfléchit aussi.I'm thinking his proposal over. And she's thinking it over too.
J'écrirai à mes cousines. Je leur écrirai bientôt.I'll write to my cousins. I'll write to them soon.
Nous avons répondu à Sabrina. Nous lui avons répondu oui.We replied to Sabrina. We replied yes to her.
penser à
Nous pensons à faire nos devoirs. Nous y pensons.We're thinking about doing our homework. We're thinking about it.
