Agreement of demi, nu, mi, semi
When placed before the noun and joined by a hyphen, "demi", "nu", "mi" and "semi" stay unchanged. When placed after the noun, "demi" agrees in gender only; "nu" agrees in gender and number.
Examples
Une demi-heure.
Key word(s): demi-heure
"Demi" before the noun stays unchanged (no -e).
Trois heures et demie.
Key word(s): demie
"Demi" after the noun agrees in gender with "heures" (feminine).
Elle marche nu-pieds.
Key word(s): nu-pieds
"Nu" before the noun stays unchanged.
Les jambes nues.
Key word(s): nues
"Nu" after the noun agrees (feminine plural).
À mi-chemin.
Key word(s): mi-chemin
"Mi" is always unchanged and is joined by a hyphen.
Common mistakes
- Making "demi" agree before the noun ("une demie-heure" instead of "demi-heure")
- Forgetting the agreement of "demi" after the noun ("trois heures et demi" instead of "demie")
- Forgetting the hyphen ("demi heure" instead of "demi-heure")
Test yourself
Rendez-vous à midi et ___.
Une ___ journée de travail.
Deux heures et ___.
Tips to remember
- Remember: BEFORE = unchanged plus a hyphen. AFTER = agreement.
- "Mi" and "semi" are ALWAYS unchanged, even after the noun.
- Classic trap: "midi et demi" (masculine) but also "minuit et demi" (also masculine).
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