French - Basic Location

___ est sous ___.

___ is under ___.

Meaning: ___ is under ___.

When to use: Use this neutral frame to say that one thing or person is below or underneath another (include articles like le/la/un/une).

Tip: Don't forget the article after sous (e.g., sous la chaise), or you may make the phrase sound incomplete.

___ est derrière ___.

___ is behind ___.

Meaning: ___ is behind ___.

When to use: Say this when something or someone is at the back of another object or person. Include any needed article.

___ est devant ___.

___ is in front of ___.

Meaning: ___ is in front of ___.

When to use: Use this to say someone or something is located before or facing another object or place.

___ est entre ___ et ___.

___ is between ___ and ___.

Meaning: ___ is between ___ and ___.

When to use: Say this when something or someone sits in the middle of two things or places; include articles for each item.

___ est à ___.

___ is at ___.

Meaning: ___ is at ___.

When to use: Use this to say someone or something is at or located at a place. In French the exact preposition may change (au, aux, chez, à la) depending on the place.

Tip: Beginners sometimes use à alone instead of au or à la. Pay attention to contractions (à + le = au).

___ est dedans ou dehors ?

Is ___ inside or outside?

Meaning: Is ___ inside or outside?

When to use: Ask whether a person or thing is indoors (inside) or outdoors (outside).

___ est dedans.

___ is inside.

Meaning: ___ is inside.

When to use: Say that a person or thing is inside an enclosed place; this casual phrase is common in speech.

___ est dehors.

___ is outside.

Meaning: ___ is outside.

When to use: Use this to say someone or something is outdoors or not inside.