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A1 pronoun #2,000 mais comum 8 min de leitura

leur

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas leur em 30 segundos

Explicação leur in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'leur' as a way to simplify sentences involving groups of people. The focus is on basic verbs of communication and giving, such as 'dire' (to say), 'parler' (to speak), and 'donner' (to give). Students learn that 'leur' replaces 'à + plural noun' and is placed directly before the verb. The primary goal is to recognize 'leur' in simple sentences like 'Je leur parle' and understand that it means 'to them'. Exercises at this level usually involve replacing phrases like 'à mes amis' with 'leur' in short, present-tense sentences. The distinction between 'leur' (to them) and 'les' (them - direct object) is introduced but not always fully mastered. Learners also begin to see 'leur' in common classroom instructions like 'Dites-leur bonjour'.

At the A2 level, the use of 'leur' expands to include a wider range of verbs and more complex tenses, specifically the passé composé and the near future (futur proche). Learners must practice the placement of 'leur' before the auxiliary verb ('Je leur ai dit') and before the infinitive ('Je vais leur parler'). The concept of the indirect object becomes more formalized, and students are expected to distinguish between verbs that take 'à' (indirect) and those that do not (direct). A2 learners also start to encounter 'leur' in negative sentences, requiring them to manage the 'ne...pas' structure around the pronoun-verb block. The focus remains on practical, everyday situations like shopping, traveling, and social interactions.

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By B1, learners are expected to use 'leur' with confidence in various contexts, including double pronoun constructions. This is where 'leur' is used alongside direct object pronouns like 'le', 'la', or 'les' (e.g., 'Je le leur donne'). The word order becomes more rigid and requires significant practice. B1 students also learn to distinguish 'leur' from stressed pronouns like 'eux' and 'elles' used after other prepositions. They begin to understand that certain verbs, despite taking 'à', do not allow the use of 'leur' (e.g., 'penser à eux' instead of 'leur penser'). Writing tasks at this level involve more nuanced storytelling where 'leur' is used to maintain cohesion and avoid repetition across multiple sentences.

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At the B2 level, 'leur' is used fluently in both formal and informal registers. Learners explore the use of 'leur' in more abstract or academic contexts, such as 'leur accorder de l'importance' (to grant them importance). They are expected to handle complex sentence structures, including those with multiple clauses and varying tenses (subjunctive, conditional). B2 students also refine their understanding of 'leur' in literary contexts, where it might appear in more sophisticated syntactic arrangements. The focus shifts toward stylistic variety and ensuring that the use of 'leur' contributes to a natural and sophisticated flow of speech and writing. They also become more adept at identifying and correcting subtle errors in pronoun placement and agreement.

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C1 learners use 'leur' with the precision of a native speaker. They are comfortable with its use in highly formal documents, legal texts, and classical literature. At this level, the focus is on the subtle rhetorical effects that pronoun choice can have on a text. C1 students might analyze how 'leur' is used in political speeches to create a sense of distance or inclusion. They also master the use of 'leur' in rare or archaic constructions that might still appear in formal writing. The distinction between 'leur' and other pronominal forms is second nature, and they can explain the grammatical logic behind complex structures to others. Their use of 'leur' is characterized by total accuracy and stylistic appropriateness.

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At the C2 level, the mastery of 'leur' is absolute. The learner can navigate the most complex and obscure uses of the pronoun in any context, from medieval texts to modern technical manuals. They understand the historical evolution of 'leur' from Latin and how its usage has shifted over centuries. C2 speakers can use 'leur' to convey subtle shades of meaning, irony, or emphasis. They are capable of producing high-level academic or creative writing where 'leur' is integrated seamlessly into complex, multi-layered sentences. At this stage, 'leur' is not just a grammatical tool but a versatile element of the French language that the learner can manipulate with complete creative and intellectual freedom.

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leur em 30 segundos

The word 'leur' is a French pronoun meaning 'to them'. It replaces a plural noun phrase starting with 'à'.
It is placed before the verb in most tenses, like 'Je leur parle' (I talk to them).
Unlike the possessive adjective 'leur', the pronoun never takes an 's' at the end.
It is the plural counterpart to 'lui' (to him/her) and is essential for natural-sounding French.

The word leur is a cornerstone of French communication, specifically serving as the plural indirect object pronoun. In English, it translates most directly to 'to them' or simply 'them' when the verb inherently implies a recipient. Understanding leur requires a shift in how we perceive sentence structure, moving from the English 'I talk to them' to the French 'I to-them talk' (Je leur parle).

Grammatical Role: Indirect Object Pronoun (COI - Complément d'Objet Indirect). It replaces a plural noun phrase introduced by the preposition 'à'.

Je leur donne les clés.

Unlike direct objects, which receive the action directly, leur represents the beneficiary or the target of an action. It is essential to distinguish this pronoun from its homonym, the possessive adjective leur (their). While they look identical in the singular, the pronoun leur is invariable; it never takes an 's', even if it refers to a thousand people. This is a common point of confusion for students transitioning from A1 to B1 levels.

Target Audience: Used when referring to people or animals previously mentioned, avoiding repetitive use of names or 'aux amis', 'aux parents', etc.

Elle leur a écrit une lettre.

In the context of the CEFR A1 level, you primarily encounter leur with verbs of communication and giving. Verbs like dire (to say), donner (to give), parler (to speak), and envoyer (to send) are the most frequent companions. Because French syntax places the pronoun before the conjugated verb, it often feels counter-intuitive to English speakers who are used to placing the object at the end of the sentence.

Key Distinction: Pronoun 'leur' = 'to them'. Adjective 'leur' = 'their'. The pronoun is placed before the verb; the adjective is placed before a noun.

On leur pose des questions.

Je leur souhaite un bon voyage.

Il leur ressemble beaucoup.

Using leur correctly involves mastering two main components: identifying verbs that require an indirect object and placing the pronoun in the correct position relative to the verb. In French, indirect objects are typically triggered by the preposition à. For example, téléphoner à (to call), répondre à (to answer), and demander à (to ask).

Standard Placement: In simple tenses (present, imperfect, future), 'leur' goes directly before the conjugated verb: 'Je leur parle'.

Tu leur expliques la règle.

When dealing with compound tenses like the passé composé, the pronoun leur is placed before the auxiliary verb (avoir or être). A crucial grammatical point to remember is that unlike direct object pronouns, leur does not trigger agreement with the past participle. Therefore, you would write 'Je leur ai parlé' regardless of whether 'leur' refers to men or women.

Infinitive Constructions: When a sentence has two verbs (one conjugated, one infinitive), 'leur' sits right before the infinitive: 'Je vais leur dire'.

Nous ne leur avons rien promis.

In imperative (command) forms, the placement changes. In affirmative commands, the pronoun moves after the verb and is connected by a hyphen: 'Dites-leur !' (Tell them!). However, in negative commands, it returns to its position before the verb: 'Ne leur dites pas !' (Don't tell them!). This flip-flop is one of the more challenging aspects for beginners to internalize.

Double Pronouns: When used with 'le', 'la', or 'les', 'leur' always comes after the direct object: 'Je le leur donne'.

Vous devez leur montrer le chemin.

On leur apporte le café.

Est-ce que tu leur as téléphoné ?

The pronoun leur is ubiquitous in French daily life. You will hear it in family settings, professional environments, and in media. Because it replaces people, it is naturally common in storytelling and reporting. In a family setting, a parent might say to a child, 'Va leur dire bonjour' (Go say hello to them), referring to guests or grandparents.

Everyday Conversation: Commonly used to refer to 'the kids', 'the neighbors', or 'the colleagues' without repeating the full noun.

Je leur ai déjà dit non.

In the workplace, leur is essential for coordination. Managers use it to discuss instructions given to teams: 'Je leur ai envoyé le rapport' (I sent them the report). In customer service, you might hear a receptionist say, 'Je leur demande de patienter' (I am asking them to wait). The frequency of 'leur' in these contexts highlights its role in maintaining the flow of information between groups.

News and Media: Journalists use 'leur' to refer to groups like 'les manifestants' (protesters) or 'les ministres' (ministers) to keep sentences concise.

Le professeur leur donne des devoirs.

In literature and cinema, leur is used to build relationships between characters. A narrator might describe a secret being shared: 'Il leur confia son secret'. Because the pronoun is plural, it often implies a collective experience or a shared reaction among a group of characters. In songs, you might hear it in lyrics about parents or society at large.

Formal Announcements: In train stations or airports: 'Nous leur prions de bien vouloir nous excuser' (We ask them [the passengers] to please excuse us).

On leur a volé leurs vélos !

Qu'est-ce que tu leur as acheté ?

Il faut leur laisser du temps.

The most frequent mistake learners make with leur is confusing it with the direct object pronoun les. While both translate to 'them' in English, they are not interchangeable in French. Les is used for verbs that take a direct object (no preposition), like voir (to see) or aider (to help). Leur is strictly for verbs that take à.

Mistake 1: Les vs Leur: Incorrect: 'Je les parle' (I see them). Correct: 'Je leur parle' (I talk to them).

Ne leur mentez pas (Don't lie to them).

Another major pitfall is the spelling. Many students instinctively add an 's' to leur when referring to multiple people, thinking it follows the rules of plural nouns or adjectives. However, as an indirect object pronoun, leur is always singular in spelling. If you write 'leurs' before a verb, it is a grammatical error. 'Leurs' only exists as a possessive adjective before a plural noun (e.g., leurs livres).

Mistake 2: The Phantom 'S': Incorrect: 'Je leurs donne'. Correct: 'Je leur donne'. The pronoun never changes form.

On leur a dit la vérité.

Placement errors are also common, especially for English speakers. It is tempting to say 'Je parle leur' because it matches the English 'I talk to them'. You must train your brain to place the pronoun before the verb. This is particularly tricky in negative sentences where the 'ne' comes before the pronoun: 'Je ne leur parle pas'.

Mistake 3: English Word Order: Incorrect: 'Je donne leur le livre'. Correct: 'Je leur donne le livre'.

Il ne leur a pas répondu.

Je leur demande pardon.

Elle leur prépare un gâteau.

To truly master leur, you must understand its relationship with other pronouns and adjectives that look or sound similar. The most immediate comparison is with lui, which is the singular version of the indirect object pronoun. While English uses 'him' or 'her', French uses lui for both, and leur for the plural 'them'.

Leur vs Lui: Lui = to him/her. Leur = to them. Both are indirect object pronouns and follow the same placement rules.

Je lui parle (one person) vs Je leur parle (multiple people).

The most confusing pair is leur (pronoun) and leur/leurs (possessive adjective). The adjective leur means 'their' and modifies a noun. It must agree in number with the noun it modifies. If the noun is plural, the adjective becomes leurs. The pronoun leur, however, never changes. This distinction is vital for writing and reading comprehension.

Leur (Pronoun) vs Leur (Adjective): Pronoun: 'Je leur parle' (I talk to them). Adjective: 'C'est leur livre' (It's their book) or 'Ce sont leurs livres' (They are their books).

Ils leur donnent leurs clés.

Another comparison is with eux and elles, which are stressed pronouns (pronoms toniques). These also mean 'them' but are used after prepositions other than à, or for emphasis. For example, 'avec eux' (with them) or 'pour elles' (for them). You cannot use leur after 'avec' or 'pour'. Understanding when to use the indirect pronoun vs the stressed pronoun is a key B1 skill.

Leur vs Eux/Elles: Leur is for 'to them' (indirect object). Eux/Elles is for 'them' after other prepositions (avec, chez, pour).

Je leur téléphone, mais je ne sors pas avec eux.

Je leur offre un cadeau.

On leur interdit de fumer.

How Formal Is It?

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Indirect Object Pronouns

Pronoun Placement

Negation with Pronouns

Imperative Mood

Passé Composé Agreement

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Exemplos por nível

Je leur parle.

I am speaking to them.

Simple present tense placement.

Tu leur donnes un livre.

You give them a book.

Indirect object pronoun 'leur' before the verb.

Il leur dit bonjour.

He says hello to them.

Verb 'dire' takes 'à', so 'leur' is used.

Nous leur écrivons.

We are writing to them.

Plural subject with 'leur'.

Elle leur sourit.

She smiles at them.

Sourire à quelqu'un.

Vous leur téléphonez ?

Are you calling them?

Question form with 'leur'.

Ils leur apportent du café.

They bring them some coffee.

Apporter à quelqu'un.

Je leur demande l'heure.

I ask them the time.

Demander à quelqu'un.

Je leur ai envoyé un mail.

I sent them an email.

Passé composé: 'leur' before the auxiliary.

Tu ne leur as pas répondu.

You didn't answer them.

Negation in passé composé.

Nous allons leur montrer la ville.

We are going to show them the city.

Futur proche: 'leur' before the infinitive.

Il leur a prêté sa voiture.

He lent them his car.

Prêter à quelqu'un.

Elle leur explique le problème.

She explains the problem to them.

Expliquer à quelqu'un.

Vous leur avez déjà parlé ?

Have you already spoken to them?

Adverb placement with 'leur'.

Ils ne leur disent jamais rien.

They never tell them anything.

Negative 'ne...jamais'.

Je leur ai acheté des fleurs.

I bought them some flowers.

Acheter à quelqu'un.

Je le leur donnerai demain.

I will give it to them tomorrow.

Double pronouns: 'le' before 'leur'.

Elle ne la leur a pas encore rendue.

She hasn't returned it to them yet.

Double pronouns in passé composé.

Il faut le leur dire tout de suite.

It must be told to them immediately.

Infinitive construction with double pronouns.

Nous les leur avons envoyés par la poste.

We sent them to them by mail.

Plural direct and indirect objects.

Tu devrais leur en parler.

You should talk to them about it.

Using 'leur' with the pronoun 'en'.

Je ne peux pas le leur promettre.

I cannot promise it to them.

Modal verb + infinitive + double pronouns.

On leur a volé leur sac.

Their bag was stolen from them.

Voler à quelqu'un.

Il leur a fallu beaucoup de courage.

It took them a lot of courage.

Falloir à quelqu'un.

Il leur a fallu du temps pour s'adapter.

It took them time to adapt.

Impersonal 'il' with 'leur'.

Je leur saurais gré de bien vouloir m'aider.

I would be grateful if they would help me.

Formal expression 'savoir gré à quelqu'un'.

Leur avez-vous fait part de votre décision ?

Did you inform them of your decision?

Inversion in formal questions.

Il ne leur reste plus que quelques jours.

They only have a few days left.

Rester à quelqu'un.

Elle leur a suggéré de partir plus tôt.

She suggested to them to leave earlier.

Suggérer à quelqu'un de + infinitive.

Nous leur avons accordé une remise.

We granted them a discount.

Accorder à quelqu'un.

Leur succès leur a permis de voyager.

Their success allowed them to travel.

Permettre à quelqu'un de + infinitive.

Je leur en veux de ne pas être venus.

I am angry at them for not coming.

En vouloir à quelqu'un.

Le destin leur a été particulièrement cruel.

Fate was particularly cruel to them.

Attributive use with 'être'.

Il leur incombe de résoudre ce litige.

It is up to them to resolve this dispute.

Formal verb 'incomber à'.

On leur prête souvent des intentions malveillantes.

Malicious intentions are often attributed to them.

Prêter à quelqu'un (figurative).

La chance leur a enfin souri après tant d'efforts.

Luck finally smiled upon them after so much effort.

Sourire à quelqu'un (figurative).

Leur présence leur a été d'un grand secours.

Their presence was of great help to them.

Complex sentence with adjective and pronoun 'leur'.

Il leur a fallu faire preuve d'une grande abnégation.

They had to show great self-denial.

Advanced vocabulary with 'leur'.

Rien ne leur semble impossible désormais.

Nothing seems impossible to them now.

Sembler à quelqu'un.

Leur réputation leur a ouvert bien des portes.

Their reputation opened many doors for them.

Ouvrir à quelqu'un (figurative).

Que ne leur a-t-on pas reproché au cours de ce procès ?

What were they not blamed for during this trial?

Rhetorical question with 'ne' explétif and inversion.

Leur ferveur leur a dicté une conduite exemplaire.

Their fervor dictated exemplary conduct to them.

Dicter à quelqu'un.

Il leur fut impossible de dissimuler leur émotion.

It was impossible for them to hide their emotion.

Passé simple with 'leur'.

La gloire leur a tourné la tête.

Glory went to their heads.

Idiomatic expression with 'leur'.

Leur sagacité leur a permis de déjouer le complot.

Their sagacity allowed them to thwart the plot.

Advanced literary register.

Il ne leur en coûtera rien de plus.

It will cost them nothing more.

En coûter à quelqu'un.

Leur hardiesse leur a valu l'admiration de tous.

Their boldness earned them everyone's admiration.

Valoir à quelqu'un.

Tout leur réussit en ce moment.

Everything is going well for them right now.

Réussir à quelqu'un.

Colocações comuns

leur dire

leur donner

leur parler

leur envoyer

leur demander

leur répondre

leur offrir

leur expliquer

leur permettre

leur promettre

Frases Comuns

Dites-leur bonjour

Je leur en veux

Il leur faut du temps

Faites-leur confiance

Ne leur dites rien

Je leur ai dit

On leur a volé

Leur faire plaisir

Leur rendre service

Leur souhaiter bonne chance

Frequentemente confundido com

leur vs les (direct object pronoun)

leur vs leur (possessive adjective)

leur vs leurs (plural possessive adjective)

Expressões idiomáticas

"En vouloir à quelqu'un (leur en vouloir)"

"Faire part de quelque chose à quelqu'un (leur faire part)"

"Savoir gré à quelqu'un (leur savoir gré)"

"Tourner la tête à quelqu'un (leur tourner la tête)"

"Rendre la monnaie de leur pièce"

"Leur mettre la puce à l'oreille"

"Leur casser les pieds"

"Leur tenir tête"

"Leur faire la cour"

"Leur donner carte blanche"

Fácil de confundir

leur vs les

leur vs lui

leur vs eux

leur vs leur (adj)

leur vs leurs

Padrões de frases

Família de palavras

Relacionado

les

lui

leur (adjective)

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Como usar

agreement

No agreement with past participle ever.

pronoun vs adjective

Pronoun = to them (no 's'). Adjective = their (can have 's').

Erros comuns

Using 'les' instead of 'leur' with verbs like 'parler' or 'dire'.
Adding an 's' to 'leur' when it is a pronoun.
Placing 'leur' after the verb in a normal sentence (English word order).
Using 'leur' after prepositions like 'avec', 'pour', or 'chez'.
Forgetting to place 'leur' before the auxiliary verb in the passé composé.

Dicas

The 'À' Test

Always ask if the verb is followed by 'à'. If it is 'donner à', 'dire à', or 'parler à', use 'leur' for 'to them'.

No 'S' for Pronouns

Remind yourself: Pronoun Leur = No 'S'. If you are replacing 'to them', the word is invariable.

Smooth Flow

Try to pronounce 'leur' and the following verb as one single word. This will make your French sound more natural.

Context Clues

If you hear 'leur' before a verb, it's a pronoun. If you hear it before a noun, it's an adjective.

Double Check Placement

In compound tenses like passé composé, ensure 'leur' is before 'ai', 'as', 'a', etc., not the past participle.

Learn Verb Pairs

Memorize verbs in pairs with their prepositions, like 'téléphoner à'. This makes using 'leur' much easier.

Replace and Check

If you're unsure, replace the plural with a singular 'lui'. If 'lui' works, 'leur' is the correct plural pronoun.

Avoid English Logic

Don't say 'Je parle à leur'. The 'à' is already included inside the pronoun 'leur'.

The Open 'EU'

Practice the 'eu' sound in 'leur'. It's the same sound as in 'fleur' or 'beurre'.

Double Pronoun Order

Remember the order: me/te/se/nous/vous -> le/la/les -> lui/leur -> y -> en.

Memorize

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Latin 'illorum', which was the genitive plural of 'ille' (that one).

Contexto cultural

Using 'leur' correctly helps maintain a polite and professional tone by avoiding repetitive nouns.

Often used to refer to 'the others' or 'the group', highlighting social boundaries.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"Qu'est-ce que tu leur as dit ?"

"Est-ce que tu leur as acheté un cadeau ?"

"Pourquoi ne leur parles-tu plus ?"

"Comment est-ce qu'on leur explique ça ?"

"Quand vas-tu leur rendre visite ?"

Temas para diário

Écris sur un secret que tu ne leur diras jamais.

Décris un cadeau que tu leur as offert pour Noël.

Parle d'une fois où tu leur as rendu service.

Qu'est-ce que tu leur souhaites pour l'avenir ?

Imagine que tu leur écris une lettre de remerciement.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, as an indirect object pronoun, 'leur' always refers to two or more people or things. Its singular counterpart is 'lui'.

As a pronoun, never. If you see 'leurs', it is acting as a possessive adjective before a plural noun, like 'leurs amis'.

Usually before the conjugated verb. If there is an infinitive, put it before the infinitive. In affirmative commands, put it after the verb.

'Les' is for direct objects (e.g., Je les vois - I see them). 'Leur' is for indirect objects (e.g., Je leur parle - I talk to them).

Yes, if the verb takes 'à' and the things are plural, though it is much more common to refer to people or animals.

You say 'Je le leur donne'. The direct object 'le' comes before the indirect object 'leur'.

Because the verb is 'parler à quelqu'un'. The 'à' makes the object indirect, requiring 'leur'.

Yes, 'leur' is gender-neutral. It can refer to a group of men, a group of women, or a mixed group.

No. After 'avec', you must use the stressed pronouns 'eux' or 'elles'. For example: 'Je vais avec eux'.

No, but the word order changes: 'Je ne leur parle pas'. The 'leur' stays right next to the verb.

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