How do you say "It is not" in French?

"It is not" in French is "Ce n'est pas". This phrase is commonly used in France.

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How to Say ‘It is not’ in French

Q: What does "Ce n'est pas" mean in English?

"Ce n'est pas" means "It is not" in English. Usage tip: In [n'est], the [e] of [ne] drops before a vowel, so it becomes [n']. You see this a lot: [je n'ai pas], [ce n'est pas].

Ce n'est pas

suh n ay pah

[suh n ay pah]

💬 Usage Tip: In [n'est], the [e] of [ne] drops before a vowel, so it becomes [n']. You see this a lot: [je n'ai pas], [ce n'est pas].

Phrase Breakdown

[suh]

it/this

Ce can mean this or it, depending on the sentence.

Example

Dans Ce n'est pas, Ce commence la phrase.

In it is not, ce starts the sentence.

[n]

not

This is the shortened negative particle before a vowel sound in n'est.

Example

Dans Ce n'est pas, n' aide à faire la négation.

In it is not, n' helps make the negative.

est

[ay]

A form of être meaning is.

Example

Dans Ce n'est pas, est veut dire is.

In it is not, est means is.

pas

[pah]

not

Used with ne or n' to make a negative sentence.

Example

Dans Ce n'est pas, pas marque la négation.

In it is not, pas marks the negation.

Guides for French learners

The Best App to Learn French: An Honest ComparisonDuolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur, Busuu, italki and PrettyFluent compared for learning French: what each is best at, how you pay, and which fits your goal.French Conversation for Beginners: 5 Everyday Dialogues You'll Actually UseFive short French conversations for beginners, from greeting a neighbour to booking a restaurant, with translations, native audio and the phrases that keep them going.

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