de
Le livre de Marie
Marie's book
Used to indicate possession or belonging
C'est la voiture de Paul.
That is Paul's car.
In French, 'de' is used where English often uses the possessive form (e.g., 'Paul's car').
Used to express origin or source
Il vient de Paris.
He comes from Paris.
This usage is similar to 'from' in English.
Used to express material or composition
Une table de bois.
A wooden table.
This usage is similar to 'made of' in English.
Used to express a characteristic or quality
Un homme de courage.
A man of courage.
This usage is similar to 'of' in English.
Used to express a part or portion
Une partie de la ville.
Part of the city.
This usage is similar to 'part of' in English.
Used to express a time or duration
Dans une heure de temps.
In an hour's time.
This usage is similar to 'of' in English.
Used to express a cause or reason
Par peur de l'échec.
For fear of failure.
This usage is similar to 'for' in English.
Used to express a manner or way
D'une manière douce.
In a gentle way.
This usage is similar to 'in a' in English.
Used to express a price or cost
À cinq euros de l'heure.
At five euros an hour.
This usage is similar to 'per' in English.
Used to express a comparison or contrast
Plus grand que de coutume.
Bigger than usual.
This usage is similar to 'than' in English.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Word Origin
From Old French 'de', from Latin 'de', meaning 'from, down from, concerning'.
Usage Notes
The preposition 'de' is one of the most common words in French and has a wide range of uses. It is often used where English uses the possessive form (e.g., 'Paul's car' = 'la voiture de Paul'). It is also used to express origin, material, characteristic, part, time, cause, manner, price, and comparison.