J'ai un chien.
English: I have a dog.
- Language
- French
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Articles
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
In French, 'articles indéfinis' are words used before a noun to talk about an unspecified person or thing. They are similar to saying 'a' or 'an' in English.
When to use it
Use 'articles indéfinis' when you are talking about something for the first time, something not specific, or when you don't know exactly which one you mean.
Key forms
- un (masculine singular): un livre
- une (feminine singular): une chaise
- des (plural for both genders): des pommes
Examples
Elle veut une pomme.
English: She wants an apple.
Nous achetons des fleurs.
English: We are buying flowers.
Il cherche un stylo.
English: He is looking for a pen.
Tips
- Remember to match 'un' or 'une' with the gender of the noun.
- Use 'des' for plural nouns, no matter the gender.
- Do not use 'un', 'une', or 'des' with professions after 'être' (e.g., Il est médecin).
Exceptions and edge cases
- After 'pas de', the indefinite article is dropped: Je n'ai pas de stylo.
- 'Des' can become 'de' before an adjective: Ce sont de belles fleurs.