How to Say ‘It is not’ in French
Ce n'est pas
suh n ay pah
[suh n ay pah]
💬 Usage Tip: In [n'est], the [e] of [ne] drops before a vowel, so it becomes [n']. You see this a lot: [je n'ai pas], [ce n'est pas].
Phrase Breakdown
Ce
[suh]
it/this
Ce can mean this or it, depending on the sentence.
Dans Ce n'est pas, Ce commence la phrase.
In it is not, ce starts the sentence.
n'
[n]
not
This is the shortened negative particle before a vowel sound in n'est.
Dans Ce n'est pas, n' aide à faire la négation.
In it is not, n' helps make the negative.
est
[ay]
is
A form of être meaning is.
Dans Ce n'est pas, est veut dire is.
In it is not, est means is.
pas
[pah]
not
Used with ne or n' to make a negative sentence.
Dans Ce n'est pas, pas marque la négation.
In it is not, pas marks the negation.
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