Habiter and vivre

Lisa H.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Habiter and vivre

Re: Habiter vs Vivre

If I understand correctly, using a preposition after habiter or vivre is optional unless it’s followed by a country or continent. Then it would be “en” for feminine countries and masculine countries beginning with a vowel and for the six feminine continents.

“Au” for masculine countries starting with a consonant and “aux” for plural countries.


When using habiter or vivre with cities it would be à or nothing at all. When using habiter or vivre with regions, provinces, states and counties, again the preposition is optional. My question is when you do not use a preposition, do you use the definite article?

eg., With preposition it’s “J’habite dans le Merseyside.”

Without preposition is it “J’habite Merseyside.” Or J’habite le Merseyside.”

Thank you!

Asked 5 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Lisa,

It would be -

J'habite (dans) le Merseyside.

Lisa H.A1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thank you Cécile! In this example, the preposition is optional but the definite article is not! It is used. 

Habiter and vivre

Re: Habiter vs Vivre

If I understand correctly, using a preposition after habiter or vivre is optional unless it’s followed by a country or continent. Then it would be “en” for feminine countries and masculine countries beginning with a vowel and for the six feminine continents.

“Au” for masculine countries starting with a consonant and “aux” for plural countries.


When using habiter or vivre with cities it would be à or nothing at all. When using habiter or vivre with regions, provinces, states and counties, again the preposition is optional. My question is when you do not use a preposition, do you use the definite article?

eg., With preposition it’s “J’habite dans le Merseyside.”

Without preposition is it “J’habite Merseyside.” Or J’habite le Merseyside.”

Thank you!

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your French level for FREE

Test your French to the CEFR standard

Find your French level
Thinking...