Entre or parmi? Compare positions, groups and choices

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated · About the library

Explore a park to compare entre and parmi, then use them with groups, choices and pronouns. Learn why entre can connect more than two things.

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The short answer

Entre connects reference points or things considered in relation to each other: entre le banc et la fontaine. Parmi places something within a group: parmi les feuilles. Entre can also connect more than two people or options.

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A park bench between two trees and a red ball among fallen leaves.
The bench is entre les arbres and the ball is parmi les feuilles. Illustration: Atelier

A position between, or something among a group?

entrebetween

Focus: The relationship between distinct reference points.

Le banc est entre les deux grands arbres.
The bench is between the two large trees.

parmiamong

Focus: Something within a group or collection.

Le ballon est caché parmi les feuilles.
The ball is hidden among the leaves.

Explore the park: find the reference points

A small French public park in a clear elevated three-quarter view. Two large trees stand on the left and right, with a bench in the gap between them. A third sm

Several trees can support either word. Un banc entre les arbres highlights its position in the gaps between trees. Un banc parmi les arbres places it within their group. Here, the two large trees give the bench clear left and right reference points.

What is the difference between entre and parmi?

More than a location rule
FrenchEnglishRelationship
Il faut choisir entre lundi, mardi et jeudi.We need to choose between Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.Three distinct options.
Un accord entre trois équipes est possible.An agreement between three teams is possible.A relationship involving three groups.
Parmi les candidats, deux parlent italien.Among the applicants, two speak Italian.Members selected from a group.
Elle cherche son amie parmi la foule.She is looking for her friend among the crowd.A collective noun can name the group.
La réunion aura lieu entre neuf heures et dix heures.The meeting will take place between nine and ten.Two time limits.

Counting the nouns gives the wrong shortcut. A choice can involve three dates and still use entre. For a member within a larger set, use parmi. The relationship you want to describe determines the word.

How do you say “between you and me” in French?

Cette conversation reste entre toi et moi.

This conversation stays between you and me.

Use the stressed forms toi and moi after the preposition.

Parmi nous, plusieurs connaissent déjà ce parc.

Several of us already know this park.

Parmi nous presents people within our group.

Question 1No account needed
Locate the dog using the bench and fountain as its two reference points.Le chien est ___ le banc et la fontaine.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

entre. Entre links the two distinct landmarks that locate the dog.

Question 2No account needed
Select two members from the whole group of applicants.___ les candidats, deux parlent italien.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Parmi. Parmi introduces the larger group from which two members are selected.

Question 3No account needed
Which sentence correctly gives three options?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Je choisis entre lundi, mardi et jeudi.. Entre can connect three distinct choices; it is not restricted to two.

Question 4No account needed
Choose the ordinary pronoun forms.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

entre toi et moi. After entre, the stressed forms are toi and moi.

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