J'ai un chat.
English: I have a cat.
- Language
- French
- Level
- A1
- Unit
- Articles
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In French, indefinite articles are small words placed before a noun to talk about an unspecified person or thing (like 'a', 'an', or 'some' in English).
When to use it
Use indefinite articles in French when you are talking about something for the first time, or about something that is not specific. They are also used with plural nouns to mean 'some'.
Key forms
- un (masculine singular): un livre
- une (feminine singular): une table
- des (plural, both genders): des enfants
Examples
Elle mange une pomme.
English: She is eating an apple.
Nous avons des amis à Paris.
English: We have friends in Paris.
Il cherche une voiture.
English: He is looking for a car.
Tips
- Remember to use 'un' with masculine nouns and 'une' with feminine nouns.
- 'Des' is used for plural nouns, regardless of gender.
- Indefinite articles change to 'de' or 'd’' after a negative verb (e.g., Je n'ai pas de chat).
Exceptions and edge cases
- After a negative verb, 'un', 'une', and 'des' usually become 'de' or 'd’'.
- With the verb 'être', the article does not change after a negative (e.g., Ce ne sont pas des étudiants).