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French Phrase

C'est John.

/sɛ dʒɔn/
Meaning"This is John."
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Meaning

This phrase is the standard way to identify or introduce a person in French. It combines the demonstrative pronoun 'ce' with the verb 'être' to point out a specific individual.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase when introducing a friend to someone else or identifying yourself or another person. It is appropriate for both casual and semi-formal contexts.

✦Grammar Breakdown

C'estJohn

1

C' (Ce)

A demonstrative pronoun that acts as a neutral subject 'it' or 'this'.

2

est

The third-person singular present tense of 'être' (to be).

🗨In Conversation

A

Qui est à la porte ?

Who is at the door?

C'est John.

It's John.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Il est John.

    Use 'C'est' instead of 'Il est' when identifying someone by their proper name.

  • Ce est John.

    The pronoun 'ce' must contract to 'c'' before a word starting with a vowel sound like 'est'.

↔Alternatives

  • Voici John.

    Here is John.

  • Je vous présente John.

    I introduce John to you.

fr

Cultural Tip

While 'C'est' is perfectly acceptable in most situations, French speakers often prefer 'Voici' for a slightly more formal touch when physically presenting someone. In very formal settings, the phrase 'Je vous présente...' followed by a name is the standard etiquette.