Demonstrative Pronouns: celui-ci, celle-ci, ceux-ci

These words are called demonstrative pronouns. They replace a specific noun. You must know the noun first. You cannot start a conversation with celui-ci. Your friend must know what you mean. If you talk about a book, use the masculine form. If you talk about a car, use the feminine. They act like a mirror for the noun. They reflect the gender. They reflect the number. The -ci part means "here" or "this." It points to something close to you. It is like saying "this one right here." It is very specific. It helps avoid any confusion. You use them to be precise. It is a very polite way to speak. It shows you are paying attention. Even native speakers use them constantly. You will hear them in every cafe.

1. 1Creating these words is like building blocks. You take a base word. Then you add a suffix. Follow these simple steps:
2. 2Identify the gender of the noun.
3. 3Identify if it is singular or plural.
4. 4Pick the matching base word: celui, celle, ceux, or celles.
5. 5Add a hyphen - after the base.
6. 6Add the suffix ci at the end.
7. 7Masculine Singular: celui + - + ci = celui-ci (this one).
8. 8Feminine Singular: celle + - + ci = celle-ci (this one).
9. 9Masculine Plural: ceux + - + ci = ceux-ci (these ones).
10. 10Feminine Plural: celles + - + ci = celles-ci (these ones).
11. 11It is like a matching game. If the noun is le gâteau, use celui-ci. If the noun is la pomme, use celle-ci. It is very logical once you practice.

Use these pronouns when you have choices. Imagine a waiter brings two menus. You want the one in French. You point and say celui-ci. Use them when the noun was just mentioned. It prevents you from sounding like a robot. Nobody likes saying "the car" ten times. Use them in shops to pick items. "I like this shirt, but I prefer celle-ci." Use them to distinguish between two things. Maybe you are looking at photos. You like the photo of the cat. You say, "I love celle-ci!" It works for people too, sometimes. If you point at a person in a photo. But usually, we use them for objects. It is perfect for comparing prices. "This phone is cheap, but celui-ci is better."

Do not use these for general ideas. If you mean "this is cool," use ceci. Do not use them without a noun context. If I walk up and say celui-ci, you will be confused. "Which one?" you will ask. Do not use them for things far away. For things far away, we use -là. That is a different lesson for later. Do not use them to start a sentence about a new topic. They are strictly for replacing something already known. Do not forget the hyphen. Without the hyphen, it is not a word. It is like a car without wheels. It just won't go anywhere. Also, do not use them for abstract concepts. Use cela for things like "that is true."

Mixing up gender is the biggest trap. People often use celui-ci for everything. Remember, la chaise is feminine. You must use celle-ci. It is a common slip-up. Even advanced learners do this. Don't sweat it too much. Another mistake is forgetting the plural form. If you have two pens, use ceux-ci. Using the singular sounds a bit clunky. Some people forget the -ci entirely. Celui alone needs more words after it. It cannot stand by itself easily. Think of -ci as the glue. It holds the meaning together. Another mistake is using it for "this" as an adjective. Don't say celui-ci livre. Say ce livre. The pronoun *replaces* the noun. It does not sit next to it.

Compare ce livre with celui-ci. Ce livre means "this book." It has the noun right there. Celui-ci means "this one." The noun is gone. It is hidden inside the pronoun. It is like a secret code. Compare celui-ci with ceci. Ceci is for general things. "Look at ceci" (pointing at a mess). Celui-ci is for specific items. "Look at celui-ci" (pointing at one specific sock). It is the difference between "this stuff" and "this item." Also, compare it with le mien. Le mien means "mine." Celui-ci just means "this one." Ownership vs. location. Both are useful, but different. It is like choosing between a fork and a spoon. Both help you eat, but for different foods.