How do I know when to use "du," "de la," "de l'," or "des"?

The choice of partitive article depends on the gender and number of the noun it accompanies: Du is used with masculine singular nouns (e.g., du pain – some bread). De la is used with feminine singular nouns (e.g., de la soupe – some soup). De l' is used before singular nouns starting with a vowel or mute h (e.g., de l'eau – some water). Des is used with plural nouns (e.g., des fruits – some fruits).

"A Taste of Sharing: Understanding Partitive Articles in French."

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Table of Contents

Blog
“A Taste of Sharing: Understanding Partitive Articles in French.”
Introduction:
Partitive Articles and Examples
Funny Examples
1. Bakery Visit
2. Café Order
Learn More
1. Learn Languages Store
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Introduction:

Welcome to the world of French grammar! In this guide, we’ll delve into the fascinating realm of partitive articles, essential components of the French language. Get ready to unravel the mysteries behind phrases like “du pain,” “de la confiture,” and “des croissants.” With our humorous examples and clear explanations, you’ll soon master the art of using partitive articles like a pro!Partitive articles are used in French to indicate an unspecified amount of something. They often translate to “some” or “any” in English.

Partitive Articles and Examples

Du (masculine)

Used before singular masculine nouns to indicate an unspecified amount or part.

Example: Je mange du fromage. (I’m eating some cheese.)

French: Je mange du fromage.

Hindi Pronunciation: जे माँज दू फ्रोमाज (je maanj du fromaaj)

De la (feminine)

Used before singular feminine nouns

Example: Elle boit de la limonade. (She’s drinking some lemonade.)

French: Elle boit de la limonade.

Hindi Pronunciation: एल ब्वा दे ला लिमोनाड (el bwa de la limonaad)

De l’ (before vowels or silent “h”)

Used before singular nouns starting with a vowel or silent “h.”

Example: Il boit de l’eau. (He’s drinking some water.)

French: Il boit de l’eau.

Hindi Pronunciation: ईल ब्वा दे लो (eel bwa de lo)

Des (plural)

Used before plural nouns to indicate an unspecified quantity.

Example: Nous achetons des croissants. (We’re buying some croissants.)

French: Nous achetons des croissants.

Hindi Pronunciation: नूज अशेतों दे क्रोइसों (nooz asheton de kroison)

Funny Examples

Bakery Visit

You: Je voudrais du pain, s’il vous plaît. (I would like some bread, please.)

Baker: Bien sûr! Voici du pain frais. (Of course! Here’s some fresh bread.)

Pronunciation:

French: Je voudrais du pain, s’il vous plaît. Bien sûr! Voici du pain frais.

Hindi Pronunciation: जे वुद्रै दू पैँ, सिल वू प्ले. बियाँ सूर! वॉसी दू पैँ फ्रे.

Café Order

You: Je vais prendre de la tarte aux pommes. (I will take some apple pie.)

Waiter: Excellente choix! Voici de la tarte aux pommes, avec une boule de glace. (Excellent choice! Here’s some apple pie with a scoop of ice cream.)

Pronunciation:

French: Je vais prendre de la tarte aux pommes. Excellente choix! Voici de la tarte aux pommes, avec une boule de glace.

Hindi Pronunciation: जे वै प्रोंद्रे दे ला तार्त ओ पोम. एक्सेलांट श्वा! वॉसी दे ला तार्त ओ पोम, अवेक यूँ बूल दे ग्लास.

Grocery Shopping

You: J’ai besoin de l’huile d’olive. (I need some olive oil.)

Shopkeeper: Voilà de l’huile d’olive de première qualité. (Here’s some high-quality olive oil.)

Pronunciation:

French: J’ai besoin de l’huile d’olive. Voilà de l’huile d’olive de première qualité.

Hindi Pronunciation: जे बेज़्वां दे लुइल दोलीव. वॉला दे लुइल दोलीव दे प्रेमिएर कालीते.

Learn More

If you want to master more of these interesting grammar points and improve your French, enroll in our French A2 course at the Learn Language Store. Happy learning!

What are partitive articles in French and when are they used?

Partitive articles in French (du, de la, de l’, des) are used to indicate an unspecified amount of something, similar to “some” or “any” in English. They are used when talking about a portion of something that cannot be counted, such as food, drink, or other substances.

How do I know when to use “du,” “de la,” “de l’,” or “des”?

The choice of partitive article depends on the gender and number of the noun it accompanies:
Du is used with masculine singular nouns (e.g., du pain – some bread).
De la is used with feminine singular nouns (e.g., de la soupe – some soup).
De l’ is used before singular nouns starting with a vowel or mute h (e.g., de l’eau – some water).
Des is used with plural nouns (e.g., des fruits – some fruits).

Can you give some examples of partitive articles in everyday conversation?

Sure! Here are a few examples:
Je voudrais du café, s’il vous plaît. (I would like some coffee, please.)
Elle mange de la salade. (She is eating some salad.)
Nous avons acheté des fleurs. (We bought some flowers.)
Il y a de l’orage ce soir. (There is some storm tonight.)

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Blog

“A Taste of Sharing: Understanding Partitive Articles in French.”

Introduction: