'Ça' & 'cela'
French: AQA GCSE (2025 Exams), topic 6.2.10
Ça, Cela
'Ça' and 'cela' are called indefinite demonstrative pronouns. They're used to replace a noun in a sentence. The replaced noun can be an idea or a situation or something unnamed.
Cela
- 'Cela' can be used with every verb:
- Cela me fera plaisir de répondre à vos questions.
- I would be happy to take your questions. (Literally: This will make me happy to answer your questions.)
- Cela doit rester un secret.
- This has to remain a secret.
- 'Cela' is also used as the thing having the action done to it.
- Qui a fait cela ?
- Who did this?
Ça
- 'Ça' is used in the same way as 'cela', but it's the more informal version.
- Ça me fera plaisir.
- I would be happy to.
- Ça devrait aller mieux demain.
- That will be better tomorrow.
- Qui a fait ça ?
- Who did that?
Test yourself on 'Ça' & 'cela'
How do you say 'It/this means' in French?