plus pronunciation

ByFast French

In French, the word plus can have different meanings depending on whether the final “s” is pronounced or silent. This small pronunciation change can alter the sense of a sentence significantly.

When the “s” is pronounced (plus)

When the final “s” in plus is pronounced, it generally means “more” or is used in mathematical addition.

Examples:

  1. J’en veux plus. (plus)
    I want more of it.
    (Here, plus means an additional quantity.)
  2. Deux plus deux égalent quatre. (plus)
    Two plus two equals four.
    (Used in arithmetic.)
  3. Il travaille plus qu’elle. (plus)
    He works more than she does.
    (Comparative form indicating a higher degree.)

When the “s” is silent (plu)

When the “s” is silent, plus usually means “no more” or “no longer”, especially when used with ne (negation).

Examples:

  1. Je n’en veux plus. (plu)
    I don’t want any more (of it).
    (Negation with ne…plus = “no more”)
  2. Il ne travaille plus ici. (plu)
    He no longer works here.
    (Ne…plus = “no longer”)
  3. Il n’y a plus de pain. (plu)
    There is no more bread.
    (Indicates absence or exhaustion of something.)

Exceptions

  • In some cases, plus is silent even in positive sentences when it appears at the end of a clause:
  • C’est le plus grand. (plu)
    It’s the biggest.
    (Superlative form, “s” is silent.)
  • However, in comparative structures, if plus is followed by an adjective starting with a vowel, the “s” may be pronounced for liaison:
  • Il est plus intelligent. (/plu.z‿ɛ̃teliʒɑ̃/)
    He is more intelligent.

Summary Table

PronunciationMeaningExampleTranslation
/plus/More, additionJe veux plus de café.I want more coffee.
/plus/Mathematical plusTrois plus cinq.Three plus five.
/plu/No more, no longerJe ne fume plus.I no longer smoke.
/plu/SuperlativeC’est le plus beau.It’s the most beautiful.

Summary

The pronunciation of the final “s” in plus changes its meaning entirely. When pronounced (/plus/), it suggests addition or increase; when silent (/plu/), it usually conveys negation or cessation. Paying attention to this distinction will help avoid misunderstandings in spoken French.

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