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Year 4 - French

Age: 'avoir' meaning 'be'

Introductions: singular 'être', 'avoir', and regular adjectives

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils embed vowel and other sounds. They secure numbers 1-12 and essential verbs to be, to have and there are, describing themselves, friends and a monster. Pupils learn that 'avoir' also means 'be' for ages and states, enabling them to say with more precision how they feel.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to use 'avoir' and numbers 1-12 to ask and answer questions about age.

Key Notes

  • Some numbers are exceptions to the SFC rule and do not have silent final consonants, e.g. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
  • When numbers 2, 3, 6, 10 are followed by a noun beginning with a vowel, the -s and -x are pronounced; this is liaison.
  • Avoir means 'to have, having'; it can also be translated into English as 'to be, being' with certain expressions.
  • Avoir is also used for age, e.g. 'j'ai quatre ans', I am four years old.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • SFC: silent final consonant, silent letter (d, s, t, x) at the end of a word
  • liaison: pronouncing a usually silent final consonant when followed by a vowel, e.g. dix ans
  • avoir: French verb meaning 'avoir' which can also be translated as 'to be' with certain set expressions (e.g. 'j'ai neuf ans' - I am nine years old)

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • You use the verb 'être' in French to say your age, as you use the verb 'to be' in English.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain what you can now say or understand in this lesson.

Some numbers are exceptions to the SFC rule and do not have silent final consonants, e.g. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. When numbers 2, 3, 6, 10 are followed by a noun beginning with a vowel, the -s and -x are pronounced; this is liaison.

2. Define this key language word and use it in context. 'SFC'

silent final consonant, silent letter (d, s, t, x) at the end of a word. Say or write it in a short sentence so you use the word actively.

3. Correct this common language-learning mistake.

Mistake: You use the verb 'être' in French to say your age, as you use the verb 'to be' in English. Correction: In French you 'are' not an age, you 'have' an age. Use the verb 'avoir': j'ai neuf ans.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 4 French guide library.