Votre vs. Vos — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 19, 2023
"Votre" is the French possessive adjective for "your" in singular form or before singular nouns; "Vos" is used before plural nouns. Both indicate possession.
Difference Between Votre and Vos
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Votre" and "Vos" are French possessive adjectives, meaning "your." Votre is singular and typically used before singular nouns, irrespective of the gender of the noun. For instance, "votre voiture" means "your car." On the other hand, "Vos" is the plural form, used before plural nouns regardless of their gender. For example, "vos livres" translates to "your books." In the French language, adjectives often change based on the gender or number of nouns they modify, hence the differentiation between "Votre" and "Vos."
While "Votre" can refer to singular items like "votre maison" (your house) or "votre idée" (your idea), "Vos" can be used for items in plurality such as "vos amis" (your friends) or "vos chaussures" (your shoes).
Both "Votre" and "Vos" serve to indicate possession and can be used in various contexts, but choosing between them is essential based on the noun's singularity or plurality.
Comparison Chart
Number
Singular
Plural
Usage
Before singular nouns.
Before plural nouns.
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Gender
Used before both masculine and feminine singular nouns.
Used before both masculine and feminine plural nouns.
Example (English Meaning)
Your car (Votre voiture)
Your books (Vos livres)
Purpose
Indicate possession in singular form.
Indicate possession in plural form.
Compare with Definitions
Votre
A singular form of "your" in French.
Votre frère est ici. (Your brother is here.)
Vos
French possessive adjective for plural nouns.
Vos enfants sont polis. (Your children are polite.)
Votre
The singular counterpart to "Vos" in indicating possession.
Votre livre est sur la table. (Your book is on the table.)
Vos
Indicates possession for multiple items or beings.
Vos idées sont innovantes. (Your ideas are innovative.)
Votre
French possessive adjective for singular nouns.
Votre maison est grande. (Your house is big.)
Vos
A plural form of "your" in French.
Vos sœurs sont gentilles. (Your sisters are kind.)
Votre
Used before both masculine and feminine singular nouns.
Votre chat est mignon. (Your cat is cute.)
Vos
Used before both masculine and feminine plural nouns.
Vos chiens jouent dans le parc. (Your dogs are playing in the park.)
Votre
Indicates possession for singular items, regardless of gender.
Votre idée est intéressante. (Your idea is interesting.)
Vos
The plural counterpart to "Votre" in indicating possession.
Vos chaussures sont jolies. (Your shoes are pretty.)
Common Curiosities
How do I decide between using "Votre" and "Vos"?
Use "Votre" for singular nouns and "Vos" for plural nouns.
Can "Votre" be used for both masculine and feminine nouns?
Yes, "Votre" can be used for both masculine and feminine singular nouns.
Are "Votre" and "Vos" the only ways to say "your" in French?
No, there are other forms like "ton" and "ta," but "Votre" and "Vos" are formal or plural forms.
Does "Votre" change based on the gender of the noun?
No, "Votre" remains the same for both genders but is used for singular nouns.
Can you give an example of "Vos" in a sentence?
Sure, "Vos amis sont sympas" means "Your friends are nice."
What does "Votre" mean in French?
"Votre" means "your" and is used before singular nouns.
Is "Vos" used differently for masculine and feminine plural nouns?
No, "Vos" is used the same way for both masculine and feminine plural nouns.
Do other French possessive adjectives change like "Votre" and "Vos"?
Yes, French possessive adjectives change based on the gender and number of the nouns they modify.
Is "Vos" used for singular or plural nouns?
"Vos" is used before plural nouns.
How would I say "Your apple is red" in French?
You would say, "Votre pomme est rouge."
Are "Votre" and "Vos" hard for learners to differentiate?
It can be initially, but understanding that "Votre" is singular and "Vos" is plural helps differentiate.
Is "Votre" formal?
"Votre" can be used both formally and in plural contexts.
What's the difference between "ton" and "Votre"?
Both mean "your," but "ton" is informal and singular, while "Votre" is formal or used for plural subjects.
How would I say "Your cars are fast" in French?
You would say, "Vos voitures sont rapides."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
