son — meaning in English: his

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permettent

société

son

holding

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'son' in everyday conversations when referring to someone's belongings or family members. For example, in a casual discussion about a friend, one might say, 'C'est son livre' (It's his book) or when talking about family, 'Son frère est en vacances' (His brother is on vacation).

Synonyms & nuances

'Son' is a possessive adjective, and its closest synonyms include 'le sien', which can also mean 'his' but is more formal and less commonly used in daily speech. You would choose 'son' for everyday situations while 'le sien' might appear in written contexts or formal discussions.

Culture

'Son' comes from the Latin word 'suus', which means 'his/her' or 'its'. In French, like many Romance languages, possessive adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they modify, making 'son' a fascinating example of grammatical gender in action. This word also reflects the importance of family and personal relationships in French culture.

FAQ

Q.What does 'son' mean in English?

'Son' translates to 'his' in English, used to indicate possession by a male subject.

Q.How do I use 'son' with feminine nouns?

'Son' is used before masculine singular nouns. If you are referring to a feminine noun, you would use 'sa' instead, e.g., 'sa sœur' (his sister).

Q.Are there any common mistakes using 'son'?

A frequent mistake is using 'son' for feminine nouns. Remember, 'son' is only for masculine singular nouns, so always check the gender of the noun you're describing.

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