de
from
The French word 'de' is used very similarly to the English preposition 'from'. It is used to indicate a point of departure or origin in space or time. It is also combined with several verbs in French to express various concepts like ‘to come from’, ‘to be from’, etc. However, being an integral part of the French language, its usage can be wider and variate depending on context.
Example sentences using: de
C'est un cadeau de ma part.
It's a gift from me.
'De' in this context is used to indicate the giver or source of the gift, similar to how 'from' is used in English.
Je reviens de l'école.
I'm coming back from school.
In this sentence, 'de' is used as 'from' to indicate the original position before coming back.
Elle a besoin de temps.
She needs time.
Here, 'de' follows the verb 'avoir besoin de' which means 'to need'.
C'est la maison de mon ami.
This is my friend's house.
'De' is used to show possession in French, similar to '’s' in English.
C'est un livre de français.
It is a French book.
In this context, 'de' is used to indicate the topic or subject of the book.
C'est l'heure de manger.
It's time to eat.
'De' is used before an infinitive after 'C'est l'heure'.
C'est plein de vie.
It's full of life.
'De' is used after 'plein' to indicate what something is full of.
C'est une tasse de café.
It's a cup of coffee.
Here, 'de' is used to describe what is in the cup.
Il s'agit de ton avenir.
It's about your future.
'De' is used after 's'agir' to describe what something refers or relates to.
J'ai peur de l'échec.
I am afraid of failure.
'De' is used after 'peur' to express fear of something.