Articles: le, la, les – un, une, des
Definite and indefinite articles, and why French uses them where English doesn't.
| Masculine | Feminine | Plural | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definite (the) | le (l') | la (l') | les |
| Indefinite (a, an, some) | un | une | des |
L' is used before a vowel or silent h: l'homme, l'école. The plural les is the same for both genders.
Des: the plural of un/une
- Il y a des pommes sur la table.There are (some) apples on the table.
- J'ai des questions.I have (some) questions.
Le/la/les for general statements
- Likes and dislikes: Je déteste le sport.
- Abstract nouns: La vie est belle. (Life is beautiful.)
- Countries and languages: La France, l'Angleterre, le français.
- Days for habits: Le lundi, je travaille. (On Mondays I work.)
When there is no article
- Profession or nationality after être: Il est médecin. (He's a doctor.)
- Before a first name: Paul arrive.
Test yourself
-
Fill in: ___ école (definite)
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l'école -
Translate: «We have children.»
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Nous avons des enfants. -
Translate: «I love music.»
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J'aime la musique. -
Translate: «She's an engineer.»
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Elle est ingénieure.