The pronunciation of TOUS: How to pronounce TOUS? With or without S ?

TOUS: Adjective or Indefinite Pronoun?

The word "tous" in French can either be a adjective or an indefinite pronoun. The pronunciation of the "s" at the end will change depending on the role it plays in the sentence. Let's look at this more closely.
 

TOUS = Indefinite Pronoun

When "tous" is a pronoun, it is not followed by a noun. It refers to a group of people or things, and in this context, it means "everyone" or "all things". In this case, the "s" is pronounced.
 

For example, we say "Ils sont venus et je les ai touS vus" pronouncing the "s" at the end of "tous" because "tous" is not followed by a noun, it is a pronoun here.
 

Another example: "J'ai acheté des bonbons pour les enfants et je les ai touS distribués." Here, "tous" is a pronoun that refers to "des bonbons". The "s" is pronounced because "tous" is not followed by a noun.
 

In addition, when "tous" is followed by a vowel, or if nothing follows "tous", the "s" is also pronounced. For example, we say "Ils sont touS arrivés.", pronouncing the "s" at the end of "tous", because the next word, "arrived", begins with a vowel.
 

We also say: "Bienvenue à touS !". There is nothing after TOUS, so we will pronounce the “s” at the end.
 

TOUS = Indefinite Adjective

When "tous" is used as an adjective, it is followed by a noun. In this case, it means "each of" or "all of".
 

The "s" of "tous" is not pronounced in this case.
 

For example, in the sentence "Tous les enfants sont à l'école", we do not pronounce the "s".
 

Another example: "Il faut que tous les documents soient signés avant la fin de la journée." Here, "tous" is an adjective that qualifies "les documents". The "s" is not pronounced because "tous" is followed by the noun "the documents".
 

Tip for pronouncing TOUS correctly

A good tip for knowing whether to pronounce the "s" at the end of "tous" is to determine if "tous" is an adjective or a pronoun.
 

What you can do is observe, if "tous" is followed by a noun, then it's an adjective and we don't pronounce the "s".
 

But if "tous" is not followed by a noun, it's a pronoun and we pronounce the "s".
 

The best way to master this rule is to practice with varied examples and correct yourself orally. Let's look at other examples to practice, but also to check your understanding. Don't hesitate to repeat the sentences out loud to familiarize yourself with the correct pronunciation.
 

Sentence 1: Do I say "Tous ou touS les oiseaux chantent dans les arbres."

I must say: “Tous les oiseaux chantent dans les arbres.” without pronouncing the S, because “all” is followed by a noun.

Sentence 2 : "Ils sont partis et je les ai tous ou touS vus partir."

I have to say: "Ils sont partis et je les ai touS vus partir." pronouncing the S, because "tous" is not followed by a noun.

Sentence 3 : "Il doit visiter tous ou touS les sites touristiques pendant son séjour."

I have to say: "Il doit visiter tous les sites touristiques pendant son séjour." not pronouncing the S, because "tous" is followed by a noun.

Sentence 4 : "Tous ou touS les invités étaient très satisfaits du repas."

I have to say: "Tous les invités étaient très satisfaits du repas." not pronouncing the S, because "tous" is followed by a noun.

Sentence 5 : "Ils sont touS ou tous arrivés à l'heure pour le début du spectacle."

I have to say: "Ils sont touS arrivés à l'heure pour le début du spectacle." pronouncing the S, because "tous" is not followed by a noun.

Of course, there can be some exceptions, but by observing the pronunciation of "tous" and repeating it, you will gradually master the pronunciation of "tous".
 

See you soon for new adventures, in French of course! 🇫🇷