adam2938

[worldly elbow]

Please be patient

Our volunteers look into many questions every day; sometimes it takes them a little while to answer.

Pro tip: you can rename the thread title with `.tr <thread name>`

Make it descriptive, including relevant context, but also to the point. This way you improve your chances of getting a more relevant and specific answer.

[lethal moth]

I think you mean "layman"

Also, "y" replaces the preposition à, and the noun that follows it in French. Here are some examples:

Je vais au( à + le) restaurant (I am going to the restaurant)
-> J'y vais (I am going there)

Je pense à la vie (I think **about **life)
j'y pense ( I think about it)

[rich idol]

huuuhhhh

so thats only if the context of the preposition is already mentioned

otherwise it doesnt make sense

[lethal moth]

could you elaborate

[rich idol]

like if i just said

j'y pense

youd be like

t'y pense quoi?

[celest cedar]

be careful, "y" doesn't just replace a preposition, it replaces a preposition and the noun that follows

[celest cedar]

that doesn't work

[lethal moth]

it wouldn't be y it would be "en"

[rich idol]

had a feeling it didnt hahaha

[celest cedar]

penser is a terrible verb to try this out with because "penser de" and "penser à" both exist, but can confusingly both translate to "think about" in English (although they have distinct meanings)

[lethal moth]

could you then say "penser de la vie" and "j'en pense"?

[celest cedar]

it would need more context, but there are ways you could make it happen

@rich idol you should read this article and come back if you still are confused about any aspects to ask follow-up questions: https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/y-adverbial-pronoun/