fowkys

[sharp hedge]

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.

[lunar cipher]

they can technically be "this/that", but in usage have pretty much been reduced to only distinction/comparative, occasionally for emphasis ( -ci almost exclusively for clarity/emphasis in abstract concepts I believe, -là a bit more loosely)
the "this/that" distinction is so removed from everyday french that one of the most common issues even with proficient english-speaking francophones is difficulty consistently getting this/that correct in english.

[lost cipher]

So, I could hear/say "Ce chat-là..." but "Ce chat-ci" would be rare?

[lunar cipher]

"ce chat-là" is a strong emphasis, but you could definitely hear it, yes
"ce chat-ci" would be rare yep, unless you need to compare to a different cat