Understanding French prepositions is one of the essential steps in mastering the language. These small but powerful words connect nouns, pronouns, and phrases to other elements in a sentence and define relationships such as time, location, direction, cause, and manner.
This common prepositions list in French provides an organized approach to learning these fundamental words, along with English translations for clarity. By studying and memorizing prepositions, learners can communicate more accurately, avoid common mistakes, and enhance fluency.
Prepositions of Place
Place prepositions indicate location or position:
- à – to, at, in
- chez – at the home/office of, among
- dans – in, inside
- derrière – behind
- devant – in front of
- en – in, by
- entre – between
- parmi – among
- sous – under
- sur – on, on top of
- vers – towards
Tip: Prepositions of place can overlap in meaning. For instance, “en” can indicate location, material, or method, depending on context. Recognizing these distinctions is essential for clarity.
Prepositions of Direction
Direction prepositions express movement or orientation toward a target:
- à – to
- contre – against
- de – from, of
- depuis – since, for
- jusqu’à – up to, until
- par – by, through
- vers – towards
Tip: “Vers” indicates approximate movement toward a point, while “à” usually signals a definitive destination. Distinguishing between these helps learners describe motion accurately.
Prepositions of Time
Time prepositions are used to situate events or actions chronologically:
- après – after
- avant – before
- depuis – since, for
- durant – during
- en – in, within
- pendant – during
- pour – for
- jusqu’à – until
Tip: French prepositions of time can express subtle differences. “Depuis” refers to the starting point of an ongoing action, while “pendant” emphasizes the duration of an event.
Prepositions of Cause, Reason, or Purpose
These prepositions link actions or situations to their motivations or goals:
- à cause de – because of
- en raison de – due to
- grâce à – thanks to
- par – by, through
- pour – for, in order to
Tip: Some prepositions like “par” and “pour” have multiple meanings. Context determines whether they express cause, purpose, or agency.
Prepositions of Opposition or Comparison
These prepositions express contrast, opposition, or comparison:
- contre – against
- envers – towards
- selon – according to
- comme – like, as
- par rapport à – in relation to
Tip: Comparison and opposition prepositions often appear in formal and written French. Understanding their subtle differences is important for advanced language learners.
Compound Prepositions
Compound prepositions combine two or more words to indicate specific relationships:
- à côté de – next to, beside
- au bout de – at the end of
- au contraire de – contrary to
- au-dessus de – above
- au-dessous de – below
- en face de – facing, across from
- en lieu de – instead of
- à l’égard de – regarding, toward
Tip: Compound prepositions are fixed expressions. Memorizing them as whole units helps learners use them correctly in both speech and writing.
Mastering French prepositions is essential for accurate communication. This common prepositions list in French with English translations provides learners with a structured reference. Categorizing prepositions by function, comparing nuanced differences, and using effective learning strategies helps achieve fluency and confidence in both writing and speaking.