I came across this question in the quizzes. Why are these two sentences correct? One uses the feminine form and the other the masc. They are both referencing the time in the past. How does one determine if it is about the duration or precise moment?
“J’ai passé la journée avec Martin.”
I spent a day with Martin
“J’ai passé un an en Espagne quand j’avais dix-neuf ans.”
I spent a year in Spain when I was 19
Hi Kinnan,
Don't forget to look at he Q&A at the end of the lessons as this is often asked.
My answer ( and Chris's ) to a similar question might help you -
https://kwiziq.learnfrenchwithalexa.com/questions/view/thanks-chris-1
Bonne Continuation !
I've noticed this for a long time as well.
Systems of measurement in French typically occur in both the descriptor of the thing (a year, a day, a palm) as well as a way of capturing the amount of (time/volume/etc) that is held within that descriptor.
The former is typically masculine, the latter is typically feminine.
Un an - une année. (a year - a year's time)
un jour - une journée. (a day - a day's time)
un poing - une poignée (a fist - a fistful)
Don't have an account yet? Join today
Test your French to the CEFR standard
Find your French level