French grammar: articles partitifs

What this grammar point covers

Partitive articles in French are words used to talk about an unspecified quantity of something, usually food, drink, or other uncountable items. They are similar to saying 'some' or 'any' in English.

When to use it

Use partitive articles when you talk about an unknown or uncountable amount of something, especially with food and drink. For example, when you want to say you are eating some bread or drinking some water, not the whole thing.

Key forms

• du (masculine singular)
• de la (feminine singular)
• de l' (before a vowel or silent h)
• des (plural)

Examples

Tips

• After a negative verb, the partitive article usually changes to 'de' or 'd'' (e.g., Je ne veux pas de pain).
• Do not use partitive articles with verbs like 'aimer', 'adorer', 'préférer', or 'détester'. Use the definite articles instead.
• Pay attention to the gender and number of the noun to choose the correct form.

Exceptions and edge cases

• After expressions of quantity (like 'beaucoup de', 'un peu de'), use only 'de' or 'd'' without the partitive article.