language Grammar made simple
Possessive pronouns in Fon
How do you say “my house”, “your brother”, “our country” in fɔ̀ngbè? Fon uses possessive pronouns placed after the noun, a simple structure to master.
The 6 possessive pronouns
Unlike French, which changes with the gender and number of the possessed noun (mon/ma/mes), fɔ̀ngbè uses a single form for each person. Here is the complete table:
| English | Fon |
|---|---|
| my | ce |
| your (singular) | towe |
| his, her, its | tɔn |
| our | mítɔ̀n |
| your (plural) | mitɔn |
| their | yetɔn |
Construction: noun + possessive
The rule is simple: possessed noun + possessive pronoun. The reverse of English (“my house” becomes “house my”).
Full sentences
A few common sentences using possessives:
Mind the tone
Watch out for the difference between mítɔ̀n (we) and mitɔn (you): the tone on the “i” changes everything. A common mistake among beginners.
A grammar with no traps
Fon possessives are simpler than their French equivalents: six forms, no gender agreement, a fixed position after the noun. Enough to talk about “my family” from the very first week.
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- Getting started in Fon: the 4-step method — tones, first words, resources
- The Fon video course: see the program — 79 lessons with a native speaker from Cotonou, taught in French
- What is your Fon level? — the free 15-question test