How to Use “Y” in French – Simple and Clear Guide for Beginners

Goal: Understand how “Y” works, where it goes in the sentence, and when to use it

What is “Y” in French?

“Y” is a small word that replaces a place or “à + something”.

It usually means:

🔸 there
🔸 to it / in it / on it
🔸 or sometimes just replaces a full phrase with “à”

Even though it’s just one letter, “Y” is super useful in everyday French — and very common.

When do we use “Y”?

✅ 1. To replace a place

When you already mentioned a location, and you don’t want to repeat it, use “y”.

Example:
– Tu vas à Paris ?
→ Oui, j’y vais.
(Are you going to Paris? → Yes, I’m going there.)

Other examples:

✅ 2. To replace “à” + thing or idea (not a person)

If a verb is followed by “à + something (but NOT a person), you can use “y”.

Example:
– Tu penses à ton avenir ?
→ Oui, j’y pense.
(Are you thinking about your future? → Yes, I’m thinking about it.)

🧠 But be careful:
You can’t use “y” for people.

❌ Je parle à Marie → Je lui parle (not J’y parle)

Don’t use “Y” when:

• You are replacing people → use “lui” / “leur” instead
• You are replacing a phrase not introduced by à (then you may need “en” instead – coming in the next article!)

Word order: Where does “Y” go?

In most sentences, “y” comes right before the verb.

If there’s an infinitive, “y” goes right before it:

• Je vais y aller. → I’m going to go there.
• Il veut y penser. → He wants to think about it.

Quick practice – Translate these:

1. I’m going to the park → I’m going there = __
2. She’s thinking about it → __
3. We are at school → __
4. He wants to go there → __

⚠️ Mini recap

Ready to use “Y” like a native?

Understanding “y” makes your French sound more natural and fluent.