Peter asked: "What is actually the rule for use of Demi/Demie"

CélineNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Peter asked: "What is actually the rule for use of Demi/Demie"

Asked 6 months ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour, 

That's a very interesting question!

When placed in front of a noun or an adjective, you will write it as such "demi":

une demi-heure = a half hour / half an hour

des demi-frères = half brothers

du vin demi-sec = semi dry wine

However when placed after a noun, it does not take an -s to mark the plural form but changes according to the gender of the noun:

Il est cinq heures et demie du matin = It is half past five AM

Je pars quatre mois et demi = I am leaving for four and a half months

 I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Céline asked:

Peter asked: "What is actually the rule for use of Demi/Demie"

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Let me take a look at that...