French partitive articles (du, de la, de l', des)

This lesson is intended for beginners (level A1). It focuses on the use of the French partitive articles in front of nouns of foods, ingredients or drinks that cannot be counted. To express an indeterminate quantity (in kilograms, liters, grams, etc.), depending on gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural), we use du, de la, de l’ or des. The video below will teach you how to use partitive articles (du, de la, de l ’, des) in French in front of nouns of foods to express an undetermined quantity:

Table of the French partitive articles according to gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural):

In the masculine singular, we use “ du ”. Example: Il y a du chocolat.

When the singular masculine noun begins with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u, y), we use “ de I’ ”. Example: Il y a de l’alcool.

In the feminine singular, we use “ de la ”. Example: Il y a de la farine.

When the feminine singular name begins with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u, y), we use “ de I’ ”. Example: Il y a de l’eau.

In the plural, both masculine and feminine, we use “ des “.  Examples:
- Il y a des oeufs.
- Il y a des pâtes.

In the negative form (ne ... pas), both masculine and feminine, as well as in the singular and plural, we use “ de “. Examples:

- Il n’y a pas de chocolat.
- Il n’y a pas de farine.
- Il n’y a pas de pâtes.

Always in the negative form (ne ... pas), in the masculine as well as in the feminine, as well as in the singular and in the plural, in front of a noun beginning with a vowel (a, e, i, o, u, y), we use “ d’ “. Examples:

- Il n’y a pas d’alcool.
-  Il n’y a pas d’eau.
- Il n’y a pas d'oeufs.

To deepen this grammar lesson on the French partitive articles, you can study the French course: learn to shop at the market.

Once you have correctly mastered this grammar lesson on partitive articles (du, de la, des) in French, you can move on to the next grammar lesson:

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