French noun gender · five useful checks
1 · 1 · Attach an article
Use un or le with masculine nouns, une or la with feminine nouns. Keep the article in your vocabulary entry.
un manteau ; une vestea coat; a jacket
le canapé ; la tablethe sofa; the table
2 · 2 · Reveal gender hidden by l’ or les
L’ works with both genders before a vowel sound. Les is plural for both. Add a singular indefinite article to show the difference.
l’appartement → un appartementthe flat → a flat
l’armoire → une armoirethe wardrobe → a wardrobe
les chaussures → une chaussurethe shoes → a shoe
3 · 3 · Make agreement visible
Use an adjective with a visible feminine form. Rouge looks the same in both genders; petit/petite gives you another written cue.
un petit sac ; une petite tablea small bag; a small table
un manteau blanc ; une veste blanchea white coat; a white jacket
4 · 4 · Treat endings as clues
Many nouns ending in -tion are feminine; many in -age are masculine. Check the actual word, including exceptions.
une invitation ; un voyagean invitation; a journey
une plage ; un livrea beach; a book
5 · 5 · Let the noun control agreement
The owner’s gender changes neither veste nor manteau. With a feminine noun beginning with a vowel sound, the singular possessive can be mon, ton or son.
Paul porte une veste blanche.Paul is wearing a white jacket.
Marie porte un manteau blanc.Marie is wearing a white coat.
Mon armoire est blanche.My wardrobe is white.