French Conversation · Level 131
45 words
French word
ci
Pronunciation
IPA/si/
Meaning
- adverbthis one
Example
Regarde celui-ci.
Look at this one.
More examples
Prends ce livre-ci.
Take this book.
Core concept
A short label beside a demonstrative that selects the nearby member of a pair or set.
Common phrases
celui-ci
this one
ce livre-ci
this book
cette robe-ci
this dress
Similar words
ici: Indicates the place where the speaker is: here.
voici: Introduces something displayed or offered: here it is.
voilà: Draws attention to something distant: there it is.
là: Points to a place away from the speaker: there.
Definition in French
Indique la proximité du référent par rapport au locuteur, employé notamment après un démonstratif (ex. celui-ci) pour préciser que la personne ou la chose est proche.
Word origin
The element ci comes from the historical adverb ici, meaning "here," and its use after demonstratives preserves that contrast with distance.
Usage tips
- Ci normally follows a demonstrative rather than standing alone, as in celui-ci, celle-ci, and ceux-ci.