In 15 Seconds
- Means 'to the child' or 'for the child' in any context.
- Uses 'à l'' because 'enfant' starts with a vowel sound.
- Used with verbs like giving, speaking, or showing things.
Meaning
It means 'to the child' or 'for the child.' It's the standard way to direct an action, a gift, or a comment toward a young person.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a birthday party
Donne le cadeau à l'enfant.
Give the gift to the child.
In a classroom setting
Le professeur explique la règle à l'enfant.
The teacher explains the rule to the child.
Texting a spouse about a lost item
J'ai rendu le doudou à l'enfant.
I gave the stuffed toy back to the child.
Cultural Background
In French bakeries, it's common for the baker to give a 'croûton' (the end of a baguette) to a child for free. Quebecers might use 'au petit' or 'à la petite' more frequently in casual settings than 'à l'enfant'. The term 'enfant' is used strictly, but you might also hear 'à l'amin' in some Walloon-influenced regions. Respect for elders is paramount; 'à l'enfant' is used to direct instructions, but children are taught to receive with both hands.
The Vowel Rule
Always check the first letter of the noun. If it's a vowel, use 'à l''. This applies to 'enfant', 'école', 'ami', etc.
Avoid 'Au'
Saying 'au enfant' is a very common beginner mistake that sounds quite jarring to native speakers.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'to the child' or 'for the child' in any context.
- Uses 'à l'' because 'enfant' starts with a vowel sound.
- Used with verbs like giving, speaking, or showing things.
What It Means
This phrase is a fundamental building block in French. It connects an action directly to a child. Think of it as a bridge. You are moving something—a toy, a word, or a look—from yourself to a kid. It is simple, direct, and essential for daily life.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase after a verb. Common partners include donner (to give), parler (to speak), or sourire (to smile). The magic happens with the l'. In French, à + le usually becomes au. But because enfant starts with a vowel, we keep it as à l'. It creates a smooth, sliding sound. Try saying it quickly; it feels like one single word.
When To Use It
Use it whenever a child is the recipient of something. You are at a birthday party? You give the gift à l'enfant. You are at the park? You return a lost ball à l'enfant. It is perfect for doctors, teachers, or just friendly neighbors. It is a neutral, safe phrase for any situation involving a minor.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for your boss. Even if they are acting like a baby! It is strictly for actual children. Also, if there is more than one child, you must switch to aux enfants. If you are being very informal with friends, you might use au petit or au gamin instead. But à l'enfant is never 'wrong.'
Cultural Background
French culture has a specific view of childhood. There is a famous concept called the 'Enfant Roi' (Child King). This refers to kids who get everything they want. However, traditional French parenting actually emphasizes 'le cadre' (the frame). This means children are given clear boundaries. When you say something à l'enfant, there is often an underlying expectation of politeness and 'bonjour.'
Common Variations
The most common shift is the plural: aux enfants. You might also hear à l'enfant sage, which means 'to the well-behaved child.' This is a classic line used around Christmas time. If you want to be more specific about gender, you would switch to au garçon (to the boy) or à la fille (to the girl).
Usage Notes
This is a neutral A1-level phrase. The most important thing is the 'à l'' contraction which is mandatory because 'enfant' starts with a vowel. It works in both formal and informal settings.
The Vowel Rule
Always check the first letter of the noun. If it's a vowel, use 'à l''. This applies to 'enfant', 'école', 'ami', etc.
Avoid 'Au'
Saying 'au enfant' is a very common beginner mistake that sounds quite jarring to native speakers.
Gender Neutrality
Because of the elision, you don't need to worry about the child's gender when using this phrase. It's a safe 'cheat code'!
Examples
6Donne le cadeau à l'enfant.
Give the gift to the child.
Standard use of giving an object to a specific child.
Le professeur explique la règle à l'enfant.
The teacher explains the rule to the child.
A formal but common educational context.
J'ai rendu le doudou à l'enfant.
I gave the stuffed toy back to the child.
A 'doudou' is a child's favorite comfort object.
Donne un brocoli à l'enfant et regarde sa tête !
Give a broccoli to the child and look at his face!
Using the phrase to set up a funny reaction.
Je vais administrer le vaccin à l'enfant.
I am going to administer the vaccine to the child.
Highly formal and medical context.
Elle a enfin souri à l'enfant.
She finally smiled at the child.
Focuses on the emotional connection through a smile.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to complete the sentence.
Je donne un bonbon ___.
Because 'enfant' starts with a vowel, 'à le' becomes 'à l''.
Fill in the missing preposition and article.
Il parle ___ enfant.
The verb 'parler' requires the preposition 'à'.
Match the sentence to the situation.
C'est le menu destiné à l'enfant.
A 'menu' is typically found in a restaurant.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Qui veut ce jouet ? B: Donne-le ___.
We need 'à' to show the recipient of the toy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Verbs used with 'à l'enfant'
Actions
- • Donner
- • Offrir
- • Montrer
Speech
- • Parler
- • Dire
- • Raconter
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe donne un bonbon ___.
Because 'enfant' starts with a vowel, 'à le' becomes 'à l''.
Il parle ___ enfant.
The verb 'parler' requires the preposition 'à'.
C'est le menu destiné à l'enfant.
A 'menu' is typically found in a restaurant.
A: Qui veut ce jouet ? B: Donne-le ___.
We need 'à' to show the recipient of the toy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be both! But 'à l'enfant' looks the same for both because of the elision.
No, that is grammatically incorrect in French. You must use the elision 'à l''.
Use 'aux enfants' when you are talking to or giving something to more than one child.
It is neutral. It's appropriate for both formal and informal situations.
You say 'à un enfant'. There is no elision there.
Usually, but with some verbs it can mean 'at' or 'in'. With 'enfant', it almost always means 'to' or 'for'.
Common slang terms include 'gosse', 'môme', and 'gamin'.
Yes, but 'à mon enfant' (to my child) is more common and warmer.
Usually no. For teenagers, use 'à l'adolescent' or 'au jeune'.
To prevent two vowels from clashing (à + enfant), which sounds better in French.
Related Phrases
aux enfants
similarto the children
à mon enfant
specialized formto my child
un jeu d'enfant
builds onchild's play
à l'âge adulte
contrastat/to adulthood
