French Indefinite Articles
Les Articles indéfinis
Definite articles | Indefinite articles | Partitive articles | Test on articles
The singular indefinite articles in French correspond to a, an, or one in English. The plural corresponds to some. There are three forms of the French indefinite article.
| Singular | Plural | |
| Masculine | Feminine | |
| un | une | des |
| un garçon un ami |
une fille une amie |
des garçons des filles |
Note that the plural indefinite article is the same for
masculine and feminine nouns, whereas the singular has a different form for
masculine and feminine.
Meaning and usage of the French indefinite article
The indefinite article usually refers to an unspecified person or thing.
J'ai trouvé un livre - I found a book.
Il veut une pomme - He wants an apple.
The indefinite article can also refer to just one of something:
Il y a un étudiant dans la salle - There is one student in the room.
J'ai une soeur - I have one sister.
The plural indefinite article means some:
J'ai acheté des pommes - I bought some apples.
Veux-tu des livres ? - Do you want some books?
When referring to a person's profession or religion, the indefinite is not used in French, although it is used in English. I know, I know, the exceptions never end. :-(
Je suis professeur - I am a teacher.
Il va être médecin - He's going to be a doctor.
In a negative construction, the indefinite article changes to de, meaning any:
J'ai une pomme ==> Je n'ai pas de pommes.
I have an apple ==> I don't have any apples.
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