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certains

A1 determiner #300 最常用 15分钟阅读

certains

前300

开始练习例句笔记与提示 certains 30秒了解

解析 certains in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'certains' is introduced as a basic way to say 'some' when referring to a group of masculine plural objects or people. Learners are taught that it is a plural word and that it must agree with the noun it precedes. The focus is on simple sentences like 'Certains garçons jouent au foot' (Some boys play soccer). At this stage, the distinction between 'certains' and 'quelques' is kept simple: 'certains' is for 'some' and 'quelques' is for 'a few'. Learners also begin to see 'certains' as a pronoun, usually in the context of 'Certains aiment...' (Some like...). The goal is to recognize the word in speech and use it to avoid always saying 'tous' (all) or 'un' (one). It helps in describing basic preferences and groups. Agreement is the biggest challenge for A1 students, as they often forget to use 'certaines' for feminine nouns. Practice involves simple substitution exercises and basic descriptive writing. By the end of A1, a student should be able to use 'certains' to break down a large group into smaller parts in a very basic way.

At the A2 level, the use of 'certains' becomes more nuanced. Students learn the 'Certains... d'autres...' structure, which is vital for comparing two groups. For example, 'Certains mangent de la viande, d'autres sont végétariens.' This allows for more complex sentence structures and better conversational flow. The A2 learner also begins to understand that 'certains' can imply a specific selection, moving beyond the simple 'some' of A1. They start to encounter it in more varied contexts, such as describing weather ('Certains jours il pleut') or schedules ('Certains lundis je travaille'). The difference between 'certains' and 'plusieurs' is introduced, emphasizing that 'plusieurs' is about quantity while 'certains' is about identity. Listening exercises at this level will feature 'certains' in slightly faster speech, requiring the student to distinguish it from similar-sounding words. Writing tasks might include describing a group of people at a party or in a classroom using 'certains' to categorize them by their actions or traits.

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By B1, 'certains' is used with much greater confidence and variety. The student understands its role as an indefinite pronoun in more abstract discussions. They can use it to introduce opinions or general truths, such as 'Certains pensent que le changement climatique est le plus grand défi de notre temps.' At this level, the learner is expected to use 'certains' in combination with prepositions, like 'Certains d'entre eux' (Some of them) or 'Certains parmi nous'. This adds a layer of grammatical complexity. The B1 student also starts to recognize the stylistic use of 'certains' in literature and news media. They understand that 'certains' can be used to create a certain distance or to be deliberately vague for rhetorical effect. In speaking, they use 'certains' to qualify their statements, showing they understand that things are rarely 'all or nothing'. Their vocabulary is expanding to include synonyms like 'divers' and 'différents', and they can choose 'certains' when they specifically want to highlight a subset. Agreement with feminine nouns ('certaines') is now second nature.

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At the B2 level, 'certains' is a tool for sophisticated argumentation and detailed description. The learner uses it to structure essays and debates, often employing it to introduce a counter-argument ('Certains pourraient objecter que...') before dismantling it. They understand the subtle difference between 'un certain' (a certain/kind of) and 'certains' (some), and how the meaning changes when the word is singular versus plural. For example, 'un certain courage' (a certain kind of courage) vs. 'certains courages' (some instances of courage). The B2 student is also aware of the register; they know that 'certains' is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts but can carry a more weight in a formal speech. They are comfortable using 'certains' as a pronoun in complex sentences with multiple clauses. Their listening skills allow them to catch 'certains' even in very fast, idiomatic speech, and they can distinguish it from 'certes' (certainly/indeed), which can sometimes sound similar in rapid conversation. They use 'certains' to add precision to their sociological or political observations.

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At the C1 level, the use of 'certains' is mastered to the point of stylistic nuance. The learner can use it to evoke specific literary tones or to navigate complex philosophical texts where 'certains' might represent specific categories of thought. They are aware of historical uses and how the word has evolved. In professional or academic writing, they use 'certains' to precisely define the scope of their research or to categorize data points. They can use it in highly complex structures, such as 'Certains, parmi les plus éminents chercheurs, soutiennent que...', where the word is part of a long, nested sentence. The C1 student also understands the use of 'certains' in legal or administrative French, where it might be used to specify certain conditions or groups. They can play with the word's ambiguity, using it to hint at something without stating it directly, a common feature of high-level French discourse. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker, including the correct use of liaisons and prosody in various contexts.

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At the C2 level, 'certains' is used with complete ease and an intuitive grasp of its most subtle implications. The speaker can use it in high-level wordplay, irony, or complex rhetorical figures. They understand its role in the history of French thought, from the Enlightenment to modern structuralism, where the categorization of 'certains' vs. 'tous' has been a central theme. A C2 learner can analyze the use of 'certains' in a poem or a dense philosophical treatise, noting how it contributes to the overall meaning and rhythm. In their own production, whether it's a doctoral thesis or a high-level diplomatic negotiation, they use 'certains' with surgical precision. They are also aware of regional variations across the entire Francophone world and can adapt their use of the word accordingly. For a C2 speaker, 'certains' is not just a word for 'some'; it is a fundamental building block of logic and expression that they can manipulate to convey the finest shades of meaning, from the most mundane observation to the most profound abstract concept.

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开始练习例句笔记与提示

certains 30秒了解

Certains means 'some' or 'certain' in French, used specifically for masculine plural nouns or as a pronoun for 'some people'.
It is more specific than 'des' and often implies a contrast with 'others' (d'autres).
Always remember the feminine version is 'certaines'; 'certains' is strictly masculine.
It is a vital word for categorizing and comparing groups in both spoken and written French.

The French word certains is a versatile linguistic tool that functions primarily as an indefinite determiner or an indefinite pronoun. At its core, it translates to 'some' or 'certain' in English, specifically in the masculine plural form. Unlike the English 'some', which can be quite vague, certains often carries a nuance of selection or categorization. When you use certains, you are not just talking about a random quantity; you are often implying that within a larger group, a specific subset exists that possesses certain qualities or performs certain actions. This word is essential for A1 learners because it allows for the expression of partiality and the beginning of comparative thought in French. Historically, it derives from the Latin certus, meaning 'settled' or 'sure'. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from absolute certainty to a way of designating specific but unnamed members of a group. In modern French, it is the bread and butter of daily descriptions, academic observations, and social commentary.

Grammatical Role: As a determiner, it precedes a masculine plural noun. As a pronoun, it stands alone to represent 'some people' or 'some things'.

Certains étudiants préfèrent étudier le soir.

Translation: Some students prefer to study in the evening.

In social contexts, certains is frequently used to avoid overgeneralization. Instead of saying 'Everyone likes wine,' a nuanced speaker would say, 'Certains Français aiment le vin, d'autres non.' This structure—certains... d'autres—is one of the most common rhetorical devices in the French language. It allows for balance and contrast. Furthermore, the word is inherently plural. You will never see 'certains' used with a singular noun in this context; for the singular, you would use 'un certain' or 'une certaine', which often changes the meaning slightly to 'a particular' or 'a kind of'. Understanding the plural nature of certains is key to mastering French agreement, as the following adjectives and verbs must also reflect this plural state. Whether you are browsing a menu and seeing 'certains plats' (certain dishes) or listening to a political debate where 'certains citoyens' (certain citizens) are mentioned, the word acts as a bridge between the general and the specific.

Usage Frequency: Extremely high. It is found in the top 500 most used words in French due to its utility in both spoken and written registers.

Il y a certains risques à prendre.

When you hear certains, pay attention to the tone. It can be neutral, but it can also be used to point out exceptions or to imply a sense of mystery. For example, 'Certains disent que...' (Some say that...) is a classic way to introduce a rumor or a common belief without attributing it to a specific person. This 'distancing' effect is a sophisticated use of an A1-level word. In academic writing, certains is used to introduce variables or specific cases within a study. It provides a level of precision that the simple partitive 'des' lacks. While 'des livres' just means 'books' in a general sense, 'certains livres' implies a curated or specific selection of books. This distinction is what separates a beginner's vocabulary from a developing speaker's expressive range. As you progress, you will see certains paired with 'parmi' (among), as in 'Certains parmi vous' (Some among you), which further emphasizes the selection from a whole.

Semantic Range: Ranges from 'a few' to 'a specific group' to 'many' depending on the context and the speaker's intent.

Certains jours sont plus difficiles que d'autres.

Using certains correctly requires an understanding of both its placement and its agreement. As a determiner, certains must always precede a masculine plural noun. It acts much like an adjective in this regard, though its function is to determine the quantity and specificity of the noun rather than its quality. For instance, in the phrase 'certains films', certains tells us that we are talking about a subset of movies. If the noun were feminine, such as 'maisons', you would change it to 'certaines maisons'. This is a fundamental rule of French grammar: the determiner must match the gender and number of the noun it modifies. In A1 and A2 levels, you will mostly use it to describe groups of people or objects in your immediate environment. For example, 'Certains amis viennent ce soir' (Some friends are coming tonight). Here, the use of certains implies that not all your friends are coming, just a specific few.

The Pronoun Function: When certains is used without a noun, it functions as a pronoun. In this case, it usually refers to people. Example: 'Certains pensent que c'est facile.'

Dans ce groupe, certains parlent déjà français.

One of the most powerful ways to use certains is in the construction of comparative or contrasting sentences. This is often done using the 'Certains... d'autres...' pattern. This structure is incredibly common in French rhetoric and daily conversation. It allows you to present two different sides of a situation or two different behaviors within a group. For example, 'Certains aiment le café, d'autres préfèrent le thé.' This sentence is balanced, clear, and grammatically sound. It shows a higher level of fluency than simply saying 'I like coffee and he likes tea.' By using certains, you are speaking about groups in a more abstract and sophisticated way. Another important note is that certains is never used with the article 'les'. You would not say 'les certains livres'. It stands alone as the determiner. This is a common mistake for English speakers who might want to say 'the certain ones'. In French, certains already carries that weight.

Positioning: Always before the noun as a determiner, or as the subject/object of a verb as a pronoun. It cannot be placed after the noun.

J'ai lu certains articles sur ce sujet.

Furthermore, certains can be modified by adverbs to change its intensity, although this is more common in advanced French. For beginners, the most important thing is to distinguish certains from 'quelques'. While 'quelques' means 'a few' (usually a small number), certains can refer to a large number, as long as it is a subset. For example, 'Quelques personnes' might mean 3 or 4 people. 'Certains Français' could mean millions of people. This distinction is subtle but important for sounding natural. When writing, remember that certains always takes an 's' because it is inherently plural. Even if the noun it refers to is a collective masculine group, the plural agreement is mandatory. In negative sentences, certains is rarely used. Instead of saying 'Je n'aime pas certains livres,' which is possible but specific, one might say 'Je n'aime pas tous les livres.' However, 'Certains ne sont pas d'accord' is a very common way to express that there is dissent within a group.

Agreement Rule: Masculine Plural: certains | Feminine Plural: certaines. There is no singular form for this specific indefinite use.

Certains de mes collègues travaillent à distance.

You will encounter certains in almost every facet of French life, from the formal corridors of the Palais de l'Élysée to the casual banter in a Parisian café. In the media, journalists use certains constantly to report on public opinion or social trends. You might hear a news anchor say, 'Certains experts affirment que l'économie s'améliore' (Some experts claim the economy is improving). This usage allows the journalist to cite a group of people without needing to list every single name, providing a professional and concise summary. In the world of literature and philosophy, certains is a key term for discussing human nature and social structures. French authors often use it to create a sense of mystery or to describe a specific class of people. For instance, in a novel, you might read about 'certains individus louches' (certain shady individuals), where the word certains adds a layer of specificity that makes the description more vivid and intriguing.

In the News: Used to introduce statistics, expert opinions, or segments of the population. 'Certains sondages indiquent...'

Selon certains témoins, l'accident s'est produit à midi.

In everyday conversation, certains is used to express preferences and observations. If you are talking about movies with a friend, you might say, 'Certains films de Marvel sont bons, mais pas tous.' This is a natural way to qualify your statement. In a professional setting, you might hear it during a meeting: 'Certains points du contrat doivent être revus' (Certain points of the contract need to be reviewed). Here, certains is more precise than 'quelques' because it suggests that the speaker has specific points in mind, even if they haven't listed them yet. It conveys a sense of preparedness and professional focus. Interestingly, in Quebec French, certains is used in much the same way as in France, though you might hear it more frequently in formal contexts compared to the more colloquial 'des' or 'quelques'. Across the Francophonie, the word remains a stable and essential part of the lexicon, resistant to slang or rapid linguistic shifts.

In Education: Teachers use it to group students or tasks. 'Certains exercices sont obligatoires, d'autres sont facultatifs.'

Certains jours, la ville est très calme.

In the digital world, you will see certains in user interfaces and online articles. 'Certains paramètres ont été modifiés' (Certain settings have been changed) is a common notification. On social media, people use it to address subsets of their followers or to comment on social groups. The word's ability to be both vague and specific makes it perfect for the nuanced communication required in the 21st century. Whether it's in a podcast discussing 'certains aspects de la culture' or a YouTube tutorial explaining 'certains outils', the word is omnipresent. For a learner, hearing certains is a signal to look for a contrast or a specific category. It moves the conversation from the general 'everything' or 'nothing' into the more realistic and complex 'some'. Mastering the auditory recognition of certains—noting the silent 's' at the end but the plural context of the surrounding words—is a major milestone in French listening comprehension.

In Advertising: Used to create exclusivity. 'Certains privilèges sont réservés à nos membres.'

Il y a certains avantages à voyager seul.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using certains is confusing it with 'quelques'. While both can be translated as 'some' or 'a few', they are not always interchangeable. 'Quelques' usually refers to a small, indefinite number (like 'a few' or 'several'), whereas certains often implies a selection from a larger group or a specific category of things. For example, if you say 'J'ai quelques amis,' you mean you have a small number of friends. If you say 'Certains amis sont venus,' you are focusing on the specific subset of your friends who actually showed up. Another common mistake is forgetting the gender agreement. Since certains is masculine plural, it must only be used with masculine nouns. Beginners often use certains for everything, forgetting that certaines is required for feminine nouns like 'femmes', 'idées', or 'voitures'. Agreement is the backbone of French, and certains is no exception.

Mistake: Gender Mismatch: Incorrect: 'Certains filles'. Correct: 'Certaines filles'. Always check the gender of the noun.

Attention : Ne dites pas 'certains personnes', dites 'certaines personnes'.

Another pitfall is the pronunciation. The final 's' in certains is silent. Many English speakers, accustomed to pronouncing the 's' in 'some' or 'certains' (in English), will mistakenly pronounce the 's' in French. This can make the word sound like 'certainsse', which is incorrect. The 'n' is also nasal, meaning the air should come through your nose, and the 'ai' sound is like the 'e' in 'met'. Mastering this pronunciation is crucial for being understood. Additionally, learners often try to use certains with a singular noun to mean 'some' in the sense of 'some water' or 'some bread'. This is incorrect. For uncountable singular nouns, you must use the partitive articles 'du' or 'de la'. Certains is strictly for countable plural items. You cannot say 'certains pain'; you must say 'du pain' or, if you mean a specific type of bread, 'un certain type de pain'.

Mistake: Confusion with 'Des': 'Des' is a general plural article. 'Certains' is more specific. Don't use 'certains' when you just mean 'some' in a general, non-selective way.

Incorrect: J'ai certains stylos. (Unless you mean specific ones). Correct: J'ai des stylos.

Finally, avoid using certains as an adjective meaning 'sure' in the plural without context. While 'Ils sont certains' (They are sure) is grammatically correct, it's a different use of the word. In that case, 'certains' is a predicative adjective, not a determiner or indefinite pronoun. Beginners often mix these up in their heads. When certains comes before a noun or stands alone as 'some people', it is the indefinite version. When it follows a verb like 'être', it usually means 'sure'. For example, 'Certains sont certains' (Some are sure). This sentence, while confusing, perfectly illustrates the two different roles the word can play. Always look at the position of the word in the sentence to determine its meaning. If it's at the beginning or before a noun, it's 'some'. If it's after 'to be', it's 'sure'. Keeping these distinctions clear will significantly improve your French grammar and overall fluency.

Mistake: Overusing the Pronoun: Don't use 'certains' as a pronoun if the group hasn't been established. It can be confusing for the listener.

Certains ne comprennent pas la différence.

To truly master certains, you must understand its place within the family of French words that express quantity and selection. The most common alternative is quelques. As mentioned before, 'quelques' is generally used for a small, non-specific number. If you have three or four books on your desk, you would say 'quelques livres'. If you are talking about a specific group of books within a library, you would use certains livres. Another close relative is plusieurs, which means 'several'. 'Plusieurs' is stronger than 'quelques' and implies a more significant number, but it doesn't have the selective 'some but not others' nuance that certains provides. For example, 'Plusieurs personnes sont venues' simply states that many people came, whereas 'Certaines personnes sont venues' might imply that others did not. This subtle shift in focus is what makes certains so useful for nuanced communication.

Comparison: Certains vs. Quelques: Certains: Selective, subset of a whole. Quelques: Small quantity, indefinite.

J'ai quelques idées (a few ideas) vs. certaines idées (specific ideas).

In more formal or academic contexts, you might encounter divers or différents. These words mean 'various' or 'different'. While they also describe a plural group, they emphasize the variety within that group rather than the fact that it is a subset. For example, 'divers facteurs' (various factors) suggests a wide range of different things, while 'certains facteurs' (certain factors) suggests a specific, limited selection. Another alternative is the word maint (many a), though this is quite archaic and mostly found in literature or old expressions like 'maintes fois' (many times). For a modern learner, focusing on the triad of 'des', 'quelques', and certains is the most effective way to build a solid foundation for expressing quantity in French. Each has its own 'flavor' and level of specificity.

Comparison: Certains vs. Plusieurs: Certains: Focuses on the identity of the subset. Plusieurs: Focuses on the quantity (more than two).

Plusieurs voitures sont rouges. Certaines voitures sont rouges.

Lastly, consider the word quelconque. This is an interesting alternative that means 'any' or 'some... or other'. It is often used in the singular and has a slightly dismissive or very indefinite tone. 'Un livre quelconque' is 'just any book'. This is the opposite of certains, which usually implies that the items are not just 'any' items, but specific ones that fit a criteria. Understanding these synonyms and alternatives allows you to choose the exact right word for the situation. If you want to be vague, use 'des'. If you want to be slightly more specific about a small number, use 'quelques'. If you want to highlight a specific group within a larger one, use certains. If you want to emphasize a large number, use 'plusieurs'. This level of word choice is what moves you from a basic speaker to an intermediate one, and eventually to a master of the French language.

Comparison: Certains vs. Des: Certains: Selective/Specific. Des: General/Indefinite plural article.

Je mange des pommes. Certaines pommes sont amères.

How Formal Is It?

趣味小知识

The evolution of 'certains' is a classic example of 'semantic bleaching'. It started as a word for absolute truth ('sure') and evolved into a word for indefinite quantity ('some'). This happens in many languages as words are used more frequently in general contexts.

发音指南

UK /sɛʁ.tɛ̃/

US /sɛʁ.tɛ̃/

The stress is evenly distributed, but the nasal vowel at the end often feels slightly more emphasized in spoken French.

押韵词

main (hand) pain (bread) train (train) plein (full) sain (healthy) vain (vain) bain (bath) grain (grain)

常见错误

Pronouncing the final 's'.
Pronouncing the 'n' clearly instead of making it a nasal vowel.
Pronouncing the 'ai' like 'ay' in 'stay' instead of 'e' in 'met'.
Making the 'r' too hard (like an English 'r').
Confusing the pronunciation with the English word 'certain'.

难度评级

阅读 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it looks like the English 'certain'.

写作 2/5

Requires remembering the masculine/feminine agreement.

口语 2/5

Must remember to keep the 's' silent and use the nasal vowel.

听力 2/5

Can be missed in fast speech or confused with 'certaine'.

接下来学什么

前置知识

des les quelques hommes livres

接下来学习

certaines plusieurs d'autres chaque tous

高级

maint quelconque divers notamment

需要掌握的语法

Indefinite Determiner Agreement

Certains (masc. pl.) vs Certaines (fem. pl.)

Indefinite Pronoun Subject-Verb Agreement

Certains mangent (3rd person plural verb)

Contrastive Structures

Certains... d'autres... (Some... others...)

Partitive with 'de'

Certains de mes amis (Some of my friends)

Position of Determiners

Always before the noun: Certains livres.

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按水平分级的例句

Certains garçons aiment le chocolat.

Some boys like chocolate.

Masculine plural determiner 'certains' agrees with 'garçons'.

Certains jours, je suis fatigué.

Some days, I am tired.

'Certains' modifies the masculine plural noun 'jours'.

Certains livres sont sur la table.

Some books are on the table.

Plural agreement with 'livres'.

Certains chiens sont très grands.

Some dogs are very big.

'Certains' used as a determiner for 'chiens'.

Certains mangent à midi.

Some eat at noon.

Here, 'certains' is an indefinite pronoun.

J'ai certains stylos bleus.

I have some blue pens.

Determiner 'certains' before the noun 'stylos'.

Certains amis sont ici.

Some friends are here.

Masculine plural agreement.

Certains films sont drôles.

Some movies are funny.

'Certains' used with the masculine plural 'films'.

Certains élèves étudient, d'autres jouent.

Some students study, others play.

Classic 'certains... d'autres' contrast structure.

Certains matins, je bois du thé.

Some mornings, I drink tea.

'Certains' used to describe a recurring but not constant event.

Certains de mes vêtements sont neufs.

Some of my clothes are new.

Use of 'certains de' to indicate a subset.

Certains pays sont très froids en hiver.

Some countries are very cold in winter.

'Certains' modifying the masculine plural 'pays'.

Certains préfèrent voyager en train.

Some prefer to travel by train.

Indefinite pronoun 'certains' as the subject.

Il y a certains problèmes à régler.

There are some problems to settle.

'Certains' used with 'il y a'.

Certains restaurants sont fermés le lundi.

Some restaurants are closed on Mondays.

Determiner 'certains' with 'restaurants'.

Certains sports sont dangereux.

Some sports are dangerous.

Masculine plural agreement with 'sports'.

Certains d'entre nous veulent partir tôt.

Some of us want to leave early.

The phrase 'certains d'entre nous' is a common B1 structure.

Certains aspects de ce projet sont difficiles.

Certain aspects of this project are difficult.

'Certains' used with abstract masculine nouns like 'aspects'.

Certains pensent que c'est une mauvaise idée.

Some think that it's a bad idea.

Using 'certains' to introduce a general opinion.

J'ai remarqué certains changements dans ton attitude.

I noticed certain changes in your attitude.

'Certains' used to specify a subset of changes.

Certains parmi vous connaissent déjà la réponse.

Some among you already know the answer.

'Certains parmi' is a more formal way to say 'some of'.

Certains soirs, le ciel est magnifique.

Certain evenings, the sky is magnificent.

Using 'certains' for poetic or descriptive effect.

Certains types de fleurs ne poussent qu'en été.

Certain types of flowers only grow in summer.

'Certains' modifying 'types'.

Certains croient encore aux fantômes.

Some still believe in ghosts.

Indefinite pronoun 'certains' referring to people.

Certains experts contestent ces résultats.

Certain experts dispute these results.

Formal use of 'certains' in a professional context.

Certains facteurs environnementaux sont cruciaux.

Certain environmental factors are crucial.

Academic use of 'certains' to define variables.

Certains pourraient dire que c'est trop tard.

Some might say that it is too late.

Conditional 'pourraient' used with 'certains' for rhetorical balance.

Certains comportements sont inacceptables en public.

Certain behaviors are unacceptable in public.

'Certains' used to categorize social norms.

Il existe certains doutes quant à sa sincérité.

There exist certain doubts as to his sincerity.

Formal 'Il existe' paired with 'certains'.

Certains de ces documents sont confidentiels.

Some of these documents are confidential.

Specifying a subset of a defined group (these documents).

Certains éléments de preuve ont été ignorés.

Certain pieces of evidence were ignored.

Passive voice with 'certains' as the subject.

Certains considèrent ce livre comme un chef-d'œuvre.

Some consider this book a masterpiece.

Using 'certains' to report critical consensus.

Certains, au sein du gouvernement, prônent la réforme.

Some, within the government, advocate for reform.

Complex sentence structure with parenthetical information.

Certains paradoxes de la physique moderne restent inexpliqués.

Certain paradoxes of modern physics remain unexplained.

High-level scientific discourse.

Certains ont vu dans ce geste une provocation.

Some saw in this gesture a provocation.

Abstract interpretation using 'certains' as a pronoun.

Certains mécanismes psychologiques sont très complexes.

Certain psychological mechanisms are very complex.

Use of 'certains' in psychological terminology.

Certains, parmi les plus riches, ne paient pas d'impôts.

Some, among the wealthiest, do not pay taxes.

Social commentary with sophisticated phrasing.

Certains critères de sélection sont très stricts.

Certain selection criteria are very strict.

Administrative/Professional use.

Certains auteurs classiques sont difficiles à traduire.

Certain classical authors are difficult to translate.

Literary analysis context.

Certains préjugés ont la vie dure.

Certain prejudices die hard.

Idiomatic expression 'avoir la vie dure' with 'certains'.

Certains, dont l'influence est pourtant déclinante, s'accrochent au pouvoir.

Some, whose influence is nevertheless declining, cling to power.

Use of 'dont' and 'pourtant' in a complex 'certains' sentence.

Certains pans de l'histoire restent dans l'ombre.

Certain swathes of history remain in the shadows.

Metaphorical use of 'pans' with 'certains'.

Certains, par pur opportunisme, ont changé de camp.

Some, out of pure opportunism, changed sides.

Moral/Political judgment using 'certains'.

Certains aspects de sa philosophie sont empreints de mélancolie.

Certain aspects of his philosophy are imbued with melancholy.

High-level aesthetic and philosophical description.

Certains, bien que minoritaires, font beaucoup de bruit.

Some, although in the minority, make a lot of noise.

Concessive clause 'bien que' with 'certains'.

Certains rouages de l'administration sont grippés.

Certain cogs of the administration are jammed.

Metaphorical use in political science.

Certains, mus par une curiosité insatiable, explorent l'inconnu.

Some, driven by an insatiable curiosity, explore the unknown.

Elevated literary style using past participle 'mus'.

Certains relents de passéisme se font sentir dans ce discours.

Certain hints of backward-looking are felt in this speech.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('relents', 'passéisme') with 'certains'.

常见搭配

certains jours

certains aspects

certains experts

certains types

certains cas

certains endroits

certains points

certains élèves

certains risques

certains avantages

常用短语

certains disent que

— Used to introduce a common opinion or rumor. It translates to 'some say that'.

Certains disent que le château est hanté.

certains... d'autres...

— The standard way to contrast two groups. It means 'some... others...'.

Certains aiment le sport, d'autres préfèrent la lecture.

dans certains cas

— Used to specify that a statement is only true under certain conditions. 'In some cases'.

Dans certains cas, le médicament peut être dangereux.

certains d'entre eux

— A way to refer to a subset of a previously mentioned group. 'Some of them'.

J'ai vu les oiseaux, certains d'entre eux étaient bleus.

pour certains

— Used to indicate a perspective. 'For some' or 'to some people'.

Pour certains, c'est un rêve, pour d'autres, un cauchemar.

certains parmi nous

— Refers to a subset of the current group. 'Some among us'.

Certains parmi nous ne sont pas d'accord.

à certains égards

— A formal phrase meaning 'in some respects' or 'in some ways'.

À certains égards, il a raison.

certains soirs

— Refers to specific, non-constant evenings. 'Some evenings'.

Certains soirs, je regarde les étoiles.

selon certains

— Used to attribute a statement to an unnamed group. 'According to some'.

Selon certains, le projet sera annulé.

certains faits

— Refers to specific pieces of information. 'Certain facts'.

Certains faits sont incontestables.

容易混淆的词

certains vs certain

This is the singular form. It means 'sure' or 'a certain (one)'. 'Certains' is always plural.

certains vs certaine

This is the feminine singular form. 'Certains' is masculine plural.

certains vs certes

This is an adverb meaning 'indeed' or 'admittedly'. It sounds similar but has a completely different function.

习语与表达

"faire certains frais"

— To go to some expense or effort, often to impress someone.

Il a fait certains frais pour son invité.

neutral

"avoir un certain âge"

— A polite way to say someone is no longer young. 'To be of a certain age'.

C'est une femme d'un certain âge.

neutral

"un certain temps"

— Refers to a significant but unspecified duration. 'Quite a while'.

Cela prendra un certain temps.

neutral

"une certaine idée de"

— A famous phrase (notably by De Gaulle) referring to a specific vision or concept.

Il a une certaine idée de la France.

formal

"à un certain point"

— To a certain extent or degree.

Je suis d'accord à un certain point.

neutral

"un certain nombre de"

— Quite a few; a significant number of.

Un certain nombre de personnes sont arrivées.

neutral

"certains sourires en disent long"

— Some smiles say a lot (implying hidden meaning).

Elle n'a rien dit, mais certains sourires en disent long.

literary

"certains silences sont lourds"

— Some silences are heavy (meaningful or awkward).

Après sa question, certains silences sont lourds.

literary

"dans une certaine mesure"

— To a certain extent.

C'est vrai dans une certaine mesure.

neutral

"certains ne se mouchent pas du coude"

— An old idiom meaning someone has high pretensions or is arrogant.

Il veut une Ferrari ? Certains ne se mouchent pas du coude !

informal

容易混淆

certains vs quelques

Both mean 'some'.

'Quelques' is for a small, indefinite number. 'Certains' is for a specific subset of a larger group.

J'ai quelques euros (a few euros) vs Certains euros sont faux (specific ones).

certains vs plusieurs

Both refer to more than one.

'Plusieurs' emphasizes quantity (several). 'Certains' emphasizes selection (some but not others).

Plusieurs personnes sont là (many) vs Certaines personnes sont là (specific ones).

certains vs des

The most common word for 'some'.

'Des' is a general article. 'Certains' is more selective and formal.

Je vois des gens (general) vs Je vois certains gens (specific ones).

certains vs tous

Opposite meaning but used in similar contexts.

'Tous' means all. 'Certains' means only a part.

Tous les enfants (all) vs Certains enfants (some).

certains vs divers

Used in formal writing for 'various'.

'Divers' focuses on variety. 'Certains' focuses on the existence of the subset.

Divers avis (various opinions) vs Certains avis (specific opinions).

句型

Certains + [Noun] + sont + [Adjective]

Certains chiens sont petits.

Certains + [Verb]

Certains dorment.

Certains + [Noun] + [Verb], d'autres + [Verb]

Certains élèves travaillent, d'autres dorment.

Il y a certains + [Noun]

Il y a certains problèmes.

Certains de + [Possessive] + [Noun]

Certains de mes amis sont là.

Certains disent que + [Clause]

Certains disent que c'est fini.

Selon certains + [Noun], ...

Selon certains experts, le prix va monter.

Certains, [Relative Clause], [Main Verb]

Certains, qui étaient présents, ont protesté.

词族

名词

certitude (certainty)

certificat (certificate)

动词

certifier (to certify)

assurer (to assure - related in meaning)

形容词

certain (sure/certain - singular)

certaine (sure/certain - feminine singular)

certaines (some - feminine plural)

如何使用

frequency

Very high in both written and spoken French.

常见错误

Certains personnes → Certaines personnes
'Personne' is feminine in French, so you must use the feminine form 'certaines'.
Pronouncing the 's' in 'certains' → Pronouncing it as /sɛʁ.tɛ̃/
The final 's' is silent in French unless there is a liaison.
Certains pain → Du pain / Un certain type de pain
'Certains' is only for plural countable nouns. 'Pain' is uncountable.
Les certains livres → Certains livres
'Certains' is a determiner and does not need an article like 'les'.
Certains est là → Certains sont là
'Certains' is plural, so the verb must be in the plural form 'sont'.

小贴士

Agreement is Key

Always check the gender of the noun. Use 'certains' for masculine and 'certaines' for feminine. This is the most common error for beginners.

Silent 'S'

Remember that the final 's' is silent. The word ends with the nasal 'ain' sound. Practice saying 'sert-un'.

Contrast with Others

Use 'certains... d'autres' to make your French sound more natural and structured. It's a very common native pattern.

Beyond 'Des'

Try to replace 'des' with 'certains' when you want to be more specific about a group. It shows a higher level of vocabulary.

Formal Precision

In essays, use 'certains' to introduce specific cases or variables. It sounds more professional than 'quelques'.

Catch the Nasal

Train your ear to recognize the nasal 'ain' sound. It's the same sound as in 'main' (hand) or 'pain' (bread).

Avoid 'Some' Thinking

Don't just translate 'some' literally. Think if you mean 'a few' (quelques) or 'a specific group' (certains).

Polite Vagueness

Use 'certains' to talk about people's opinions without pointing fingers. It's a polite way to handle disagreement.

The 'Certain' Link

Link it to the English 'certain'. 'Certain people' = 'Certains gens'. The connection is very strong.

Plural Only

Never use 'certains' with a singular noun. For singular, use 'un certain' or 'une certaine'.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'Certain' people in a group. You are 'certain' they exist, but you aren't naming them. 'Certain-S' for 'Some'.

视觉联想

Imagine a large circle of blue dots. Now, highlight a 'certain' few of them in red. Those red dots are 'certains'.

Word Web

Certains Quelques Plusieurs D'autres Certaines Certain Certitude Indéfini

挑战

Try to write three sentences about your friends using 'certains' to describe their different hobbies (e.g., some like sports, some like music).

词源

The word 'certains' comes from the Old French 'certain', which itself is derived from the Vulgar Latin 'certanus', an extension of the Classical Latin 'certus'. 'Certus' is the past participle of 'cernere', which means 'to sift', 'to distinguish', or 'to decide'.

原始含义： In Latin, 'certus' meant something that had been sifted or decided, therefore something 'sure', 'fixed', or 'settled'.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French.

文化背景

Be careful when using 'certains' to refer to social groups, as it can sometimes sound exclusionary or stereotypical if not used carefully.

English speakers often over-rely on 'some' (des). Learning 'certains' helps them sound more articulate and less like a beginner.

Charles de Gaulle's 'Une certaine idée de la France'. La Fontaine's fables often use 'certain' to introduce characters (e.g., 'Un certain corbeau'). The phrase 'Certains l'aiment chaud' (the French title for 'Some Like It Hot').

在生活中练习

真实语境

Discussing Hobbies

Certains aiment le sport.
Certains préfèrent lire.
Certains jouent aux jeux vidéo.
Certains font de la musique.

At School

Certains élèves sont absents.
Certains livres sont difficiles.
Certains exercices sont longs.
Certains profs sont sympas.

In the City

Certains magasins sont ouverts.
Certains bus sont en retard.
Certains quartiers sont bruyants.
Certains parcs sont grands.

Weather

Certains jours il fait beau.
Certains matins sont froids.
Certains hivers sont rudes.
Certains étés sont pluvieux.

Opinions

Certains pensent que oui.
Certains disent le contraire.
Certains croient au destin.
Certains refusent d'écouter.

对话开场白

"Est-ce que certains de tes amis parlent français ?"

"Certains films sont très célèbres, mais est-ce qu'ils sont vraiment bons ?"

"Certains jours, je veux juste rester au lit. Et toi ?"

"Pourquoi certains pays sont-ils plus touristiques que d'autres ?"

"Certains disent que le français est difficile, qu'en penses-tu ?"

日记主题

Décris un groupe de personnes que tu connais en utilisant 'certains' pour leurs différentes habitudes.

Quels sont certains des plus beaux endroits que tu as visités dans ta vie ?

Certains jours sont plus productifs que d'autres. Raconte ta journée la plus productive.

Réfléchis à certains changements que tu aimerais voir dans le monde.

Quels sont certains livres ou films qui ont changé ta façon de penser ?

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, 'certains' is the masculine plural form. For feminine plural nouns, you must use 'certaines'. For example, 'certains hommes' but 'certaines femmes'.

No. 'Certains' is only for countable plural nouns. For uncountable things like water (eau) or bread (pain), use the partitive articles 'de l'' or 'du'. You can say 'certains verres d'eau' (certain glasses of water) because glasses are countable.

Generally, no. The 's' is silent. It is only pronounced as a 'z' sound in a liaison if the following word starts with a vowel, but this is quite rare with 'certains' compared to words like 'les' or 'des'.

'Quelques' usually means 'a few' (a small number). 'Certains' means 'some' or 'certain ones' within a group, and can refer to a larger number. 'Certains' often implies a contrast with 'others'.

Yes! It often stands alone to mean 'some people'. Example: 'Certains aiment le froid' (Some like the cold).

It is neutral. It can be used in casual conversation, but it is also very common in formal writing and news reporting because of its precision.

You say 'certains d'entre eux' (masculine) or 'certaines d'entre elles' (feminine).

In the plural, if it follows the verb 'être', it can mean 'sure'. Example: 'Ils sont certains' (They are sure). But when it comes before a noun, it means 'some'.

No, 'certains' is a determiner and does not take an article. You just say 'certains livres'.

Yes, 'certains' is used throughout the Francophone world, including Quebec, with the same meaning and grammar.

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