Chapter 23: Indirect Object Pronouns

For when you do something TO someone (Speak to, Give to, Write to).

Lui vs. Leur

Lui

To Him / To Her

Je parle à Paul -> Je lui parle.
Je parle à Marie -> Je lui parle.
(Both genders are the same!)

Leur

To Them

Je parle à mes parents -> Je leur parle.

Verbs that take IOPs

These verbs always usually take "à" + person, so use Lui/Leur.

Parler à (Speak to)
Donner à (Give to)
Téléphoner à (Call)
Écrire à (Write to)
Demander à (Ask)

Dialogue: Les Potins (Gossip)

Sophie asks about the party.

Sophie

Tu as parlé à Thomas de la fête ?

(Did you speak to Thomas about the party?)

Non, je ne lui ai pas parlé. J'ai peur !

(No, I didn't speak to him. I'm afraid!)

Luc

Sophie

Et tes parents ? Tu leur as demandé ?

(And your parents? Did you ask them?)

Oui, je leur ai demandé. Ils ont dit oui !

(Yes, I asked them. They said yes!)

Luc

Le Coin Culturel: Verbes de Communication

Why use Indirect Objects? In French, communication is often seen as a transaction to someone. You speak to, give to, send to. If you can add "to" in English, it's likely an Indirect Object in French (Lui/Leur).

Chapter 23: Indirect Object Pronouns

Lui vs. Leur

Lui

Leur

Verbs that take IOPs

Dialogue: Les Potins (Gossip)

Le Coin Culturel: Verbes de Communication

Lui or Leur?

1. I speak to my mother. (Je parle à ma mère)

2. We give the book to the students. (aux étudiants)

3. He calls his friend (Marc).

Chapter 23: Indirect Object Pronouns

Lui vs. Leur

Lui

Leur

Verbs that take IOPs

Dialogue: Les Potins (Gossip)

Le Coin Culturel: Verbes de Communication

Lui or Leur?

1. I speak to my mother. (Je parle à ma mère)

2. We give the book to the students. (aux étudiants)

3. He calls his friend (Marc).

Communication Skills