Choosing a French Article

The French articles may seem similar at times, but they are not interchangeable. This page will help you understand when and why to use each one.

Definite article
The definite article can talk about a specific item or something in general.

   J'ai mangé le gâteau.
   I ate the cake (the whole thing, or the specific cake that we were just talking about).

   J'aime les films.
   I like movies (in general) or I like the movies (that we just saw).


Indefinite article
The indefinite article talks about one of something, and is the easiest of the French articles. I can almost guarantee that if what you want to say requires "a," "an," or "one" in English - unless you're talking about someone's profession - you need the indefinite article.

   J'ai mangé un gâteau.
   I ate one cake (there were five, and I ate one of them).

   Je veux voir un film.
   I want to see a movie.


Partitive article
The partitive is usually used when discussing eating or drinking, because one normally only eats some butter, cheese, etc., not all of it.

   J'ai mangé du gâteau.
   I ate some cake (one slice, or a few bites).

   Je cherche de l'eau.
   I'm looking for some water.


Partitive article vs Indefinite article
The partitive indicates that the quantity is unknown or uncountable. When the quantity is known/countable, use the indefinite article (or a number):

   Il a mangé du gâteau.
   He ate some cake.

   Il a mangé un gâteau.
   He ate a cake.


Introduction to French articles
French definite articles
French indefinite articles
French partitive articles
Choosing a French article
Quiz on French articles