if

yew tree

noun EEF Rare

Usage Note

If (the yew tree) is one of the shortest French nouns and often surprises learners who know if only as the English conjunction. The yew (Taxus baccata) is a long-lived conifer common in French churchyards; all parts except the red aril are highly toxic. Do not confuse with the conjunction si ('if' in French).

Examples

"Un vieux if pousse dans le cimetière."

Natural Translation

An old yew tree grows in the cemetery.

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