French indefinite articles and their usage for general, unspecified quantities or noun introductions.
French indefinite articles are used to introduce singular nouns that are unspecified or mentioned for the first time. They correspond to “a,” “an,” or “some” in English.
- French has three indefinite articles: un, une, and des.
- Use un for masculine singular nouns, une for feminine singular nouns, and des for plural nouns of either gender.
- Indefinite articles indicate a non-specific item or quantity, similar to “a,” “an,” or “some” in English.
Forms
French indefinite articles change based on the gender and number of the noun they accompany:
| Gender/Number | French Indefinite Article | Usage Example | English Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masculine singular | un | un livre | a book |
| Feminine singular | une | une pomme | an apple |
| Plural (masc. or fem.) | des | des amis | some friends |
Note: Unlike definite articles, indefinite articles do not contract with prepositions (e.g., “de + un” becomes “d’un”).
What determines the choice of French indefinite article?
The gender and number of the noun
French indefinite articles agree with the noun's gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural).
Usage
Indefinite articles are used in the following situations:
- To introduce a noun for the first time:
- J’ai un chat. (I have a cat.)
- To refer to a non-specific or general item:
- Elle veut une orange. (She wants an orange.)
- To indicate quantity in a general sense (especially with plural “des”):
- Nous avons des livres. (We have some books.)
- In expressions of profession, nationality, or role (usually without the article in French, but with it in English):
- Il est médecin. (He is a doctor.)
Examples
| French Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|
| J’ai un stylo. | I have a pen. |
| Elle mange une banane. | She is eating a banana. |
| Nous voyons des oiseaux. | We see some birds. |
| C’est une bonne idée. | It’s a good idea. |
| Un enfant joue dans le jardin. | A child is playing in the garden. |
Special Notes
- After negation, “un,” “une,” and “des” often change to de (or d’ before a vowel):
- Je n’ai pas de livre. (I don’t have a book.)
- With certain adjectives preceding the noun, “des” can become “de” in the plural:
- J’ai de grands chiens. (I have big dogs.)
- J’ai des chiens. (I have dogs.)
- Indefinite articles are not used with uncountable nouns in French:
- Je bois du café. (I drink (some) coffee.) – not “un café” (unless it means “a coffee [cup]”)
Summary
- French indefinite articles: un (masculine), une (feminine), des (plural).
- Used to introduce non-specific, countable nouns.
- Changed to de after negation or certain plural adjective constructions.
- Indefinite articles do not contract with prepositions.
Understanding French indefinite articles helps you describe people, objects, and quantities naturally and accurately.
How do French indefinite articles behave after negation or certain plural adjective placements?
They change to 'de' (or 'd’' before vowels)
Indefinite articles change to 'de' following negation and before plural nouns with preceding adjectives.
Flashcards (1 of 8)
- Gender/Number: Masculine singular
- Usage Example: un livre
- English Equivalent: a book
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
