What does il in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word il in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use il in French.

The word il in French means he, it, we, it would seem to me, it would appear, according to him, according to his version of events, now, these days, nowadays, Amen!, So be it!, What's bred in the bone comes out in the flesh, properly, correctly, respectable, decent, properly, correctly, as you wish, What is his name?, How come...?, what is going on, what it is all about, What business is it of his?, tomorrow is another day, the best you can, though it be, no sooner said than done, I might have been, had I known about it!, I might have been, if only I had known about it!, had he been, We'll have to see., even if he was, straight and proper people, it seems that, it appears that, it appears, it appears that, sometimes, it would have been better to do, it's freezing, it will have to, it must, it is worth doing, it/this should be done, it should be made clear, the same applies to, some, some people, a little goes a long way, The Bare Necessities of Life, the result of this, as a result, this leads to, the same is not true, it is different, the same is not true of, the same cannot be said of, the situation differs with respect to, the same cannot be said with respect to, this also applies to, this also holds true for, the same does not apply to, that is not the case with, He really wants it!, there is + [noun], it should be noted that + [indicative], on occasion, it is clear, it is clear that, it is customary to do, it is not acceptable to do, it is my duty to + [infinitive], [noun] is prohibited, [noun] is forbidden, it is surprising to + [infinitive], it is clear + [indicative], it is clear that + [indicative], there is no question of ..., it is high time for to do, it is high time did , it is high time that did, it is important to + [infinitive], it is important + [indicative], it is important that + [indicative], it is essential to + [infinitive], it is vital to + [infinitive], it is essential + [indicative], it is essential that + [indicative], [noun] is banned, [noun] is prohibited, [noun] is forbidden, it is interesting to + [infinitive], it is legitimate to + [infinitive], it is noon, it is midday, it is midnight, He is Born the Divine Christ Child, it is necessary to + [infinitive], it is necessary that + [indicative], it is natural to + [infinitive], it is normal to [infinitive], it is natural that + [indicative], it is normal that + [indicative], [noun] is allowed, [noun] is permitted, it is unlikely + [indicative], it is unlikely that + [indicative], it is high time, it is possible to + [infinitive], it is possible + [indicative], it is possible that + [indicative], it is premature to do, it is likely + [indicative], it is likely that + [indicative], it is a question of + [gerund], it is a matter of + [gerund], it is rare to + [infinitive], it is unusual to + [infinitive], it is rare + [indicative], it is rare that + [indicative], it is regrettable that + [indicative], it is late, it is time to + [infinitive], it is time + [preterite], it is time that + [preterite], it is early, it is one o'clock, it is one o'clock, it is true, that is true, it is true + [indicative], it is true that + [indicative], It was a close call!, it was high time, Once upon a time, there was, there is, there are, there really is, there really are, it is [temperature], the weather is nice, the weather is nice, the weather is lovely, it is good to + [infinitive]. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word il

he

pronom (sujet masculin singulier) (person)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

J'ai vu le voisin à la boulangerie : il te passe le bonjour. J'ai un nouveau téléphone portable : il est blanc.

I've got a new mobile phone; it's white.

it

pronom (sujet impersonnel singulier) (weather, time)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Il pleut. Il est difficile de trouver un travail de nos jours. Il faut que j'aille acheter du pain.

I have to go and buy some bread.

we

pronom (populaire (vous) (you: informal)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")

Alors, comment il va, ce matin ? Il a bien pris ses médicaments ?

So, how are we this morning? Have we taken our medicine?

it would seem to me

(selon moi)

it would appear

(d'après la rumeur)

according to him, according to his version of events

(selon lui)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

À ce qu'il prétend, il n'était pas au courant.

now

locution adverbiale (maintenant)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

these days, nowadays

locution adverbiale (de nos jours)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Amen!

interjection (messe : expression rituelle)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

Le Notre-Père se conclut en disant : « Ainsi soit-il ! ».

So be it!

interjection (figuré (N'interférons pas !)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

Si c'est vraiment ton choix, ainsi soit-il !

What's bred in the bone comes out in the flesh

(On ne peut masquer longtemps sa nature)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il n'a pas tenu deux jours sans râler : chassez le naturel, il revient au galop.

properly, correctly

locution adverbiale (convenablement)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Pour une fois, mon fils a mis la table comme il faut.

For once, my son laid the table as he should.

respectable, decent

locution adjectivale (personne : correct, bien élevé)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

C'est un jeune homme comme il faut.

He is a respectable young man.

properly, correctly

locution adverbiale (comme il faut)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Et veuillez accueillir comme il se doit M. Durand, président d'honneur de l'association.

as you wish

(selon votre gré)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

What is his name?

(Quel est son nom ?)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Voici le nouvel élève. Comment s'appelle-t-il déjà ?

How come...?

(comment expliquer que ?) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

what is going on, what it is all about

(de quoi il s'agit)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

What business is it of his?

(Cela ne le regarde pas !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

tomorrow is another day

(Cela attendra demain)

the best you can

locution adverbiale (au maximum de ses capacités)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Il a beau faire du mieux qu'il peut, il n'y arrive pas !

though it be

(même s'il devait) (literary)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il se battrait pour cette cause jusqu'à la fin, dût-il en mourir.

He would fight for this cause until the very end, though it be death.

no sooner said than done

locution adverbiale (très rapidement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

I might have been, had I known about it!, I might have been, if only I had known about it!

interjection (Je ne le savais pas.)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

- Tu n'étais pas à la soirée ? - Encore eût-il fallu que je le susse !

had he been

(même s'il avait été)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Eût-il été à l'article de la mort qu'il aurait continué à travailler !

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. Had he been at death's door, he would have continued working!

We'll have to see.

(familier (c'est à envisager)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Je n'avais pas pensé à cette solution. Ça peut être pas mal, faut voir !

even if he was

(soutenu (même s'il était)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

straight and proper people

nom masculin pluriel (gens bien élevés, distingués)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

it seems that, it appears that

locution conjonction (il est maintenant clair que)

it appears, it appears that

(Droit : il apparaît que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il appert que le meurtrier est entré par la fenêtre.

sometimes

locution conjonction (parfois)

it would have been better to do

(ça aurait été mieux)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il aurait mieux valu voir un vrai informaticien pour réparer ton ordinateur.

it's freezing

(familier (il fait très froid)

it will have to, it must

(formule pour [qch] à faire)

it is worth doing

(indique un nécessité)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il convient de bien étudier le contrat avant de le signer. // Il convient de préciser que ces tarifs ne sont donnés qu'à titre indicatif.

it/this should be done

(formule pour [qch] à faire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it should be made clear

locution conjonction (il faut ajouter que)

the same applies to

(c'est pareil pour)

some, some people

(il existe des gens qui)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")

a little goes a long way

(se satisfaire du nécessaire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il s’occupe de sa famille et de sa maison. Il en faut peu pour être heureux.

The Bare Necessities of Life

(chanson de Disney) (Disney song)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Ce que je préfère dans le Livre de la jungle, c'est quand Baloo entonne « Il en faut peu pour être heureux ».

the result of this, as a result, this leads to

(donc)

the same is not true, it is different

(c'est différent pour)

the same is not true of, the same cannot be said of

(Ce n'est pas la même chose pour)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

the situation differs with respect to, the same cannot be said with respect to

(Ce n'est pas la même chose pour)

this also applies to, this also holds true for

(c'est la même chose pour)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

the same does not apply to, that is not the case with

(c'est différent pour)

He really wants it!

(il est motivé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Marcel marche devant, il en veut !

there is + [noun]

locution adverbiale (littéraire (il y a) (with singular noun)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est des choses que l'on se doit de faire soi-même.

There are some things you have to do yourself.

it should be noted that + [indicative]

(remarquons que) (formal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

on occasion

(Ceci est arrivé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is clear, it is clear that

(il est évident que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est clair que mon mari ne changera jamais.

it is customary to do

(habituellement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is not acceptable to do

(ce n'est convenable de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is my duty to + [infinitive]

(soutenu (je dois)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

[noun] is prohibited, [noun] is forbidden

(il est interdit de) (injunction)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is surprising to + [infinitive]

(c'est surprenant de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is clear + [indicative], it is clear that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (c'est clair)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

there is no question of ...

locution conjonction (il est hors de question que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est exclu que je prenne part à cette affaire douteuse.

it is high time for to do

locution verbale (il est urgent de faire [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est grand temps de partir si nous voulons arriver à l'heure à la gare.

It is high time for us to leave if we want to get to the station on time.

it is high time did , it is high time that did

locution verbale (il est urgent de faire [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est grand temps que vous partiez si vous voulez arriver à l'heure.

It is high time you left if you want to get there on time.

it is important to + [infinitive]

(ne pas oublier de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is important + [indicative], it is important that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (Ne pas oublier que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is essential to + [infinitive], it is vital to + [infinitive]

(il faut que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is essential + [indicative], it is essential that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (Il faut que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

[noun] is banned, [noun] is prohibited, [noun] is forbidden

(il ne faut pas) (injunction)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est interdit de fumer dans les compartiments du train.

it is interesting to + [infinitive]

(marque une curiosité)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is legitimate to + [infinitive]

(cela parait logique que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is noon, it is midday

(expression d'heure) (time)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est midi. Qui va manger ?

it is midnight

(expression d'heure) (time)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est minuit ! Bonne année !

He is Born the Divine Christ Child

(chant de Noël) (Christmas carol)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is necessary to + [infinitive]

(utilité de faire qqch) (formal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is necessary that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (utilité de faire [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is natural to + [infinitive], it is normal to [infinitive]

(la logique est suivie)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is natural that + [indicative], it is normal that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (la logique est suivie)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

[noun] is allowed, [noun] is permitted

(il est autorisé de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is unlikely + [indicative], it is unlikely that + [indicative]

(cela serait étonnant que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is high time

(il est maintenant urgent de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est plus que temps d'aller te coucher.

It's high time you were in bed.

it is possible to + [infinitive]

(ce qui peut se faire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is possible + [indicative], it is possible that + [indicative]

(ce qui peut se faire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is premature to do

(c'est trop tôt pour)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is likely + [indicative], it is likely that + [indicative]

(il y a de grandes chances que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is a question of + [gerund], it is a matter of + [gerund]

(il s'agit de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est question de savoir qui parlera lors de la réunion.

it is rare to + [infinitive], it is unusual to + [infinitive]

(cela a peu de chance de se réaliser)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is rare + [indicative], it is rare that + [indicative]

(il n'est pas courant que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is regrettable that + [indicative]

(il est dommageable que) (formal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is late

(c'est déjà la soirée)

it is time to + [infinitive]

locution verbale (le moment est venu de faire [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est temps de partir si nous voulons arriver à l'heure. Il est temps de dire la vérité.

it is time + [preterite], it is time that + [preterite]

(c'est le moment que [qch] se fasse)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is early

(la journée a commencé depuis peu)

it is one o'clock

(il est une heure de l'après-midi)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est 1 heure, retournons travailler.

it is one o'clock

(il est une heure du matin)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est 1 heure, rendors-toi.

it is true, that is true

locution adverbiale (certes)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is true + [indicative], it is true that + [indicative]

(on peut certes)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It was a close call!

(ce fut très juste)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it was high time

(Enfin !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il vient seulement d'arriver, il était temps, j'allais repartir !

Once upon a time, there was

(début de conte)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il était une fois, dans un pays lointain, un jeune berger.

Once upon a time, in a land far away, there was a young shepherd.

there is, there are

(il y a)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il existe une inquiétude dans la population. // Il existe un x tel y(x)=a.

There is concern amongst the population.

there really is, there really are

(c'est avéré)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is [temperature]

(la température est de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il fait 25 degrés déjà ce matin. Il fait combien dans la chambre ?

It is already twenty-five degrees this morning. What's the temperature [or: What temperature is it] in the bedroom?

the weather is nice

(expression pour beau temps)

Il fait beau. On pourrait sortir.

the weather is nice, the weather is lovely

(le temps est agréable)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il fait bon partout en France en août.

it is good to + [infinitive]

(il est agréable de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il fait bon vivre dans le Sud de la France.

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