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by GiraffeyedDonor-ish on January 10th, 2008
C'est--it is/that is
Il est--it is/he is
If you're pointing out something, you would normally say "c'est" (It is a cat-C'est un chat)
Il est is for a person (m.) or for time. (He is old-Il est vieux/It is 9:05-Il est neuf heures cinq)
Great question by the way!
by Jacques on September 21st, 2009
Often, "c'est" replaces "il est" in spoken French because it is easier to say, however the two are interchangeable in some cases but definitely not all.
For example:
"Il est vrai qu'il fait froid" (Correct/polite)
(It is true that it is cold)
"C'est vrai qu'il fait froid" (Colloquial/informal)
(It's true that it's cold)
by Ender is back.. And slightly confused. on January 10th, 2008
I believe that "c'est" indicates "that is" and "il est" indicates "it is."
by Anonymous on September 25th, 2009
Well, the other answers already answered your question, so I just have one little thing to add- don't forget "Elle est"!!!!!
by AllySLR on September 25th, 2009
c'est is more in general, where il est is specifiacally refering to a male or masculine item
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You're reading What is the difference between "c'est" and "il est"? They both mean "it is" and I can't figure out the difference in usage.
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Comments
I'm studying French on my own, and I'm having a hard time finding out the difference.
Thanks!
by Doggie S on January 10th, 2008
:)
Good for you! It is a tough one!
by GiraffeyedDonor-ish on January 10th, 2008
Mais, vous parlez francais!
by Doggie S on January 10th, 2008
:)
Oui! Un peu...:)
by GiraffeyedDonor-ish on January 11th, 2008
Je parle un peu francais aussi
;)
by Doggie S on January 11th, 2008
:)
C'est vrai! (another use for "c'est"!)
by GiraffeyedDonor-ish on January 11th, 2008