Common noun – nom commun
Let's Define It!
What's a *common noun*?
A nom commun, (common noun) refers to all the beings or objects within a category or species.
It is generally preceded by a determiner (definite or indefinite article) --> un chat (a cat) , une personne (a person).
Common nouns can also be abstract: le courage (courage) , la patience (patience).
Common nouns are common because, well, they can represent many similar items within a category. The term un joueur (a player) can refer to one, two, five, 1 million players.
The first letter of a common noun is usually not capitalized.
By opposition to common nouns, there are proper nouns.
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Let's Pronounce It!
What does it sound like in French?
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Let's Have an Example or Two!
Can a little reinforcement do the trick?
Here are a few common nouns:
le roi / the king
un vendeur / a seller
deux doigts / two fingers
les enfants / the children
le silence / silence
une table / a table
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