plus pronunciation
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:
- J’en veux plus. (plus)
I want more of it.
(Here, plus means an additional quantity.) - Deux plus deux égalent quatre. (plus)
Two plus two equals four.
(Used in arithmetic.) - 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:
- Je n’en veux plus. (plu)
I don’t want any more (of it).
(Negation with ne…plus = “no more”) - Il ne travaille plus ici. (plu)
He no longer works here.
(Ne…plus = “no longer”) - 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
| Pronunciation | Meaning | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| /plus/ | More, addition | Je veux plus de café. | I want more coffee. |
| /plus/ | Mathematical plus | Trois plus cinq. | Three plus five. |
| /plu/ | No more, no longer | Je ne fume plus. | I no longer smoke. |
| /plu/ | Superlative | C’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.
