A2
Articles (definite, indefinite, partitive)
French has three families of articles. Choosing the right one is mostly about the vs a vs some.
The rule
| Type | Forms | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Definite | le, la, l', les | a specific thing, or a thing in general — le soleil, les chats |
| Indefinite | un, une, des | one or some countable thing(s) — un livre, des enfants |
| Partitive | du, de la, de l', des | an unspecified amount, "some" — du pain, de l'eau |
Key points
- The partitive is de + a definite article, for things you can't count: Je veux du pain (some bread), *Elle boit **de l'*eau.
- Use the definite article for likes and generalities: J'aime le café.
- After a negative, indefinite and partitive articles become de: J'ai du pain → Je n'ai pas de pain.
Watch out
- ❌ Je veux pain → ✅ Je veux du pain (some bread)
- ❌ Elle boit l'eau (for "some water") → ✅ *Elle boit **de l'*eau
- ❌ un eau → ✅ de l'eau (water isn't counted)
In context
- Le soleil brille. — The sun is shining.
- J'ai acheté une pomme. — I bought an apple.
- Il y a des enfants dans le parc. — There are children in the park.
- Je veux du pain, s'il vous plaît. — I'd like some bread, please.
Try three examples
Example 1
Which article completes the sentence? "J’ai acheté ___ pomme."
- une
- un
- la
- le
Show answer
une
I bought an apple.
Example 2
*C’est ___ ami de mon frère.* (the)
C’est ___ ami de mon frère.
Show answer
l’
This is my brother's friend.
Example 3
Which article is correct? "___ soleil brille aujourd’hui."
- Le
- La
- Un
- L’
Show answer
Le
The sun is shining today.
Practise this lesson
Continue with the interactive exercise set and save your progress.