French grammar: les articles définis et indéfinis

What this grammar point covers

In French, definite and indefinite articles are small words placed before nouns. They help show if you are talking about something specific or something general.

When to use it

Use definite articles (le, la, l’, les) when you are talking about something specific or already known. Use indefinite articles (un, une, des) when you are talking about something general or something for the first time.

Key forms

• le (masculine singular definite)
• la (feminine singular definite)
• l’ (singular definite before a vowel or mute h)
• les (plural definite)
• un (masculine singular indefinite)
• une (feminine singular indefinite)
• des (plural indefinite)

Examples

Tips

• Remember to match the article with the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun.
• Use l’ before words that start with a vowel or a silent h, no matter the gender.
• Don’t forget to use the article in French, even when it’s not used in English.

Exceptions and edge cases

• After 'de' in negative sentences, use 'de' instead of 'un/une/des' (e.g., Je n’ai pas de stylo).
• Some expressions and verbs in French use articles differently (e.g., aimer, préférer often use definite articles).