rien
A pronoun is a word that stands in for a noun (e.g., elle, lui).
pronoun
a. nothing
Qu'est-ce qu'il se passe ? - Rien !What's going on? - Nothing!
a. nothing (used in an affirmative sentence)
Il n’y a rien que nous puissions faire.There's nothing we can do.
b. anything (used in a negative sentence)
Paul ne dit rien car il a peur.Paul doesn't say anything because he's afraid.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., l’homme, le soleil).
masculine noun
a. slightest thing
Ce bébé est si mignon ! Un rien l'émerveille.This baby is so cute! The slightest thing amazes him.
b. little thing
Carl est soupe au lait. Il est toujours furieux pour un rien.Carl is a hothead. He's always getting mad about any little thing.
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