Why is it "dans" mon canapé and not "sur" mon canapé ?

Cori H.C1Kwiziq community member

Why is it "dans" mon canapé and not "sur" mon canapé ?

Asked 1 year ago
Paul F.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Prepositions are tricky in French, as they are in English. There are lots of situations where we use different ones. They usually use "DANS le canapé" and I guess you could remember it by reasoning that they sink in a bit and are enclosed in the comfy cushions. Similarly they would say "allez DANS la cuisine" where we would say "go TO the kitchen", or "je suis DANS le train" when we say "I am ON the train". Using prepositions is just a matter of constant listening and practice.

Liz Z.A2Kwiziq community member

Qu’est-ce que c’est « un plaid »? Est-ce une couverture ?

CécileKwiziq team member

Hi Liz, 

In this context un plaid is a small blanket often tartan.

Why is it "dans" mon canapé and not "sur" mon canapé ?

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...