celle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral. Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “celle” mean?
The French feminine singular demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that one' or 'the one', used to refer to a specific feminine noun previously mentioned or implied. It functions similarly to the masculine 'celui'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The French feminine singular demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that one' or 'the one', used to refer to a specific feminine noun previously mentioned or implied. It functions similarly to the masculine 'celui'.
Used to avoid repetition of a feminine noun; can be part of compound forms like 'celle-ci' (this one) and 'celle-là' (that one); can be followed by 'de' to indicate possession or relation (e.g., 'celle de mon frère' = my brother's).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
N/A as it is a French word. For English learners, the main point is recognizing it as a French term, not an English one.
Connotations
In an English context, seeing 'celle' would signal French language or a French quote/title.
Frequency
Extremely rare in English texts except in untranslated French phrases, titles, or proper names (e.g., 'Rue Celle').
Grammar
How to Use “celle” in a Sentence
Celle + relative clause (qui/que/dont)Celle + de + noun/pronounCelle + prepositional phrase (à, pour, dans)Celle-ci / Celle-làVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in Franco-English business contexts referring to a specific feminine noun like 'entreprise' or 'option'.
Academic
Appears in texts discussing French language, literature, or translated quotes.
Everyday
Virtually non-existent in English everyday speech.
Technical
Only in linguistic or translation studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “celle”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “celle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “celle”
- Using 'celle' as an adjective before a noun (e.g., 'celle maison' is wrong; correct is 'cette maison').
- Forgetting agreement: using 'celle' for a masculine or plural antecedent.
- Using it without a clear referent.
- Trying to use it as an English word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'celle' is a French word. It appears in English contexts only when quoting French, in untranslated titles, or in language discussion.
Only if you are directly quoting a French source or discussing the French language itself. Otherwise, use the English equivalent 'the one' or 'that one'.
'Cette' is a demonstrative adjective meaning 'this/that' and is used before a noun (cette femme). 'Celle' is a pronoun meaning 'the one' and replaces a feminine noun.
It is pronounced /sɛl/, similar to the English word 'sell' but with a slightly shorter, more open 'e' sound, and the 'l' is pronounced clearly.
The French feminine singular demonstrative pronoun meaning 'that one' or 'the one', used to refer to a specific feminine noun previously mentioned or implied. It functions similarly to the masculine 'celui'.
Celle is usually neutral. used in both formal and informal contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “faire celle qui... (to act as if one is...)”
- “Celle-là, elle est bonne ! (That's a good one!/Ironic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Cinderella' (Cendrillon) - 'Celle' sounds like 'Sell'. Imagine Cinderella selling the glass slipper THAT ONE ('celle') that fits.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRONOUN AS STAND-IN (A substitute actor for the main noun).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'celle' in English?