en use with masculine countries

Jay R.A1Kwiziq community member

en use with masculine countries

Hi, 

The lesson says "[f]or pronunciation reasons, you will use en with masculine countries starting with a vowel". I was wondering if it is also written out in this way or if it is only pronounced this way and the au preposition is maintained for singular masculine countries in writing.

Also, does this rule apply to countries with aux as their preposition? For example, would the aux of États-Unis become en? 

Thanks!

Asked 3 years ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Jay,

en + masculine countries (singular) starting with a vowel:

en Iran [pronounced: enIran]= in Iran

en Équateur [pronounce: enÉquataur] = in Ecuador

au + masculine countries (singular):

au Vénézuéla in Venezuela

aux + masculine countries (plural):

Les Pays-Bas = the Netherlands -> aux Pays-Bas = in the Netherlands

Les Etats-Unis = the USA -> aux Etats-Unis = in the USA

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

en use with masculine countries

Hi, 

The lesson says "[f]or pronunciation reasons, you will use en with masculine countries starting with a vowel". I was wondering if it is also written out in this way or if it is only pronounced this way and the au preposition is maintained for singular masculine countries in writing.

Also, does this rule apply to countries with aux as their preposition? For example, would the aux of États-Unis become en? 

Thanks!

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