Direct object pronouns: me, te, le, la

What these pronouns do (COD = direct object)

These words replace the thing/person you “choose / take / buy / try on” (direct object).

• Question to find it: Qui ? (who?) / Quoi ? (what?)
• They avoid repeating the noun: la chemise → la

1) Pick the right pronoun (quick choice)

Important detail: only “le / la / les” can replace things

• me / te / nous / vous replace people only.
• le / la / les can replace people or things.

In a shop, you often replace things:

• Je prends la chemise → Je la prends.
• Je prends le manteau → Je le prends.
• Je prends les chaussures → Je les prends.

2) Word order: where the pronoun goes

In French, the direct object pronoun goes before the verb.

3) Elision: m’ / t’ / l’ before a vowel (or silent h)

If the next word starts with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u, y) or silent h, you shorten:

• me → m': Je m'appelle.
• te → t': Je t'invite.
• le / la → l': Je l'achète. / Je l'essaie.

Note: les never becomes l'. It stays les: Je les essaie.

Self-check: choose the pronoun in 3 steps

1. Find the direct object: What is being taken / chosen / tried on?
2. Identify gender & number (if it’s a thing): le (m.), la (f.), les (pl.).
3. Place it before the verb (and use l' if the next word starts with a vowel).

Mini test:

• Vous avez la chemise ? → Oui, nous l'avons.
• Vous prenez ces chaussures ? → Oui, je les prends.
• Il aide Madame. → Il l'aide.