What’s the Difference Between “C’est” and “Il est” in French?

🤔 Confused between “c’est” and “il est”? You’re not alone!

This guide will show you the difference, step by step.

First, what do they mean?

Both “C’est” and “Il est” can mean “It is” / “He is” / “She is” in English.

So why are there two versions?
Because in French, the structure depends on what comes next.

Let’s make it simple.

Rule 1: Use “C’est” + noun or article + adjective

👉 Use “C’est” when it’s followed by:

• a noun (person or thing)
• an article + adjective
• a possessive word (like “my”, “his”)
• names, professions, or things described in general

✅ Examples:

• C’est un professeur. → He’s a teacher.
• C’est ma voiture. → It’s my car.
• C’est une bonne idée. → That’s a good idea.
• C’est Paul. → That’s Paul.
• C’est difficile. → It’s difficult.

Rule 2: Use “Il est” / “Elle est” + adjective only

👉 Use “Il est” (he/it is) or “Elle est” (she/it is) when you’re describing someone or something using only an adjective, no article.

✅ Examples:

• Il est gentil. → He is nice.
• Elle est intelligente. → She is smart.
• Il est grand. → He is tall.
• Elle est française. → She is French.

🧠 Think of it this way:
❌ C’est gentille = wrong (has no article)
✅ Elle est gentille = correct!

Side-by-side comparison

Common mistakes

❌ Il est un professeur
✅ C’est un professeur

❌ C’est fatiguée
✅ Elle est fatiguée

💡 If there’s an article (un, une, le, la…) → use “C’est”
If it’s just an adjective → use “Il est” or “Elle est”

Grammar tip: What about professions?

Sometimes both “C’est un professeur” and “Il est professeur” are correct — but they’re used differently.

💡 In French, when you use “Il est” + profession, you don’t use an article.
It’s treated like an adjective.

So:

• ✅ C’est un professeur. → You’re saying who he is.
• ✅ Il est professeur. → You’re describing what he does.

Quick practice – Choose the correct version:

1. _ une voiture rouge.
2. _ française.
3. _ mon frère.
4. _ fatigué.
5. _ une bonne idée.

Final tip

Still not sure? When in doubt:

• If there’s an article, use “C’est”
• If it’s just an adjective, use “Il est” or “Elle est”
• For professions:
  → “C’est un médecin” (to introduce)
  → “Il est médecin” (to describe)