The word for "eye" in French, œil, is masculine.
Understanding Gender in French Nouns
In French, all nouns have a gender, either masculine or feminine. This grammatical gender affects the articles, adjectives, and pronouns used with the noun. For "eye," its masculine gender is indicated by the use of masculine articles like un (a/an) or le (the).
The French Word for Eye
The indefinite article un is used with masculine singular nouns, as seen in the provided information:
- Masculine Noun: un œil (an eye)
When referring to "the eye," the definite masculine singular article le is used, forming l'œil (the eye), as le becomes l' before a vowel.
Examples of Body Parts and Their Genders
Many parts of the body in French have a specific gender. Here's a brief look at some common examples, including œil:
| Gender | French Noun | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine | un œil | an eye |
| Masculine | un bras | an arm |
| Masculine | un doigt | a finger |
| Masculine | un nez | a nose |
| Feminine | une bouche | a mouth |
| Feminine | une dent | a tooth |
| Feminine | une jambe | a leg |
| Feminine | une main | a hand |
Understanding the gender of nouns like œil is crucial for correct grammar when speaking or writing in French.
