Definite and Indefinite Articles in French
Les articles
French nouns are almost always used with an article. The most common types are definite and indefinite articles, which express whether something is specific or general.
When to Use Articles
Articles in French indicate whether a noun refers to something known and specific, or unknown and non-specific.
| Article Type | French Example | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Definite | le livre | the book (a specific book) |
| Definite | la maison | the house (known house) |
| Indefinite | un livre | a book (any book) |
| Indefinite | une maison | a house (any house) |
Elision Before Vowels
Le and la become l’ before a vowel or silent h to make pronunciation easier.
Plural Forms
In the plural, French articles no longer show gender.
| Type | Article | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Definite plural | les | les voitures |
| Indefinite plural | des | des amis |
Definite Articles
Definite articles are used when the noun is known to the speaker and listener, or when speaking in general terms.
| Gender/Number | Article | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine singular | le | le chien |
| Feminine singular | la | la ville |
| Before vowel / silent h | l’ | l’école |
| Plural (all genders) | les | les enfants |
Common Learner Questions
Helpful questions to decide which article to use:
- Is the noun specific or general?
- Has it already been mentioned?
- Is the noun singular or plural?
- Does it begin with a vowel or silent h?
Indefinite Articles
Indefinite articles are used when referring to something non-specific or mentioned for the first time.
| Gender/Number | Article | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine singular | un | un ami |
| Feminine singular | une | une idée |
| Plural (all genders) | des | des livres |
Example Sentences
- Talking about something specific
- Referring back to something already mentioned
- Talking about things in general
- With days of the week (habitual actions)
Gender Agreement
Articles must agree with the gender and number of the noun they modify.
- Introducing new information
- Talking about one or more unspecified items
- Expressing quantity in a general way