Understanding Indefinite Articles
French indefinite articles correspond to "a," "an," and "some" in English. Like definite articles, they must agree with the gender and number of the noun.
French has three indefinite articles: un (masculine singular), une (feminine singular), and des (plural for both genders).
These articles introduce non-specific nouns - things that haven't been mentioned before or aren't uniquely identified.
Examples
un chat (a cat - masculine)
une chaise (a chair - feminine)
des livres (some books)
des tables (some tables)
J'ai un problème. (I have a problem.)
Elle achète une voiture. (She's buying a car.)
The Three Indefinite Articles
Each indefinite article corresponds to specific gender and number combinations:
Complete Indefinite Article System
Here are all French indefinite articles:
French Indefinite Articles
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English |
|---|---|---|
| un | masculine singular | un livre (a book) |
| une | feminine singular | une table (a table) |
| des | plural (both genders) | des amis (some friends) |
Gender Agreement Examples
The article must match the noun's gender:
un homme (a man) - masculine
une femme (a woman) - feminine
un problème (a problem) - masculine
une solution (a solution) - feminine
des hommes (some men)
des femmes (some women)
When to Use Indefinite Articles
Indefinite articles are used to introduce new, non-specific, or countable items:
Examples
Je cherche un restaurant. (I'm looking for a restaurant.)
Non-specific - any restaurant will do
Elle a une idée. (She has an idea.)
Introducing something new to the conversation
Il y a des étudiants dans la classe. (There are students in the class.)
Some/several - indefinite quantity
Specific Uses
Common situations requiring indefinite articles:
Professions: Il est un bon médecin. (He is a good doctor.)
With adjectives describing professions
Quantities: J'ai des questions. (I have some questions.)
Indefinite plural quantities
First mention: J'ai vu un film. (I saw a movie.)
Introducing something for the first time
Indefinite Articles in Negative Sentences
In negative sentences, indefinite articles change to de (or d' before vowels). This is a crucial rule that students often forget.
Pattern: ne + verb + pas + de + noun (no article)
Examples
J'ai un chat. → Je n'ai pas de chat.
I have a cat. → I don't have a cat.
Elle achète une voiture. → Elle n'achète pas de voiture.
She buys a car. → She doesn't buy a car.
Il y a des étudiants. → Il n'y a pas d'étudiants.
There are students. → There are no students.
Exception: Être + Negative
With the verb être, indefinite articles usually remain unchanged:
C'est un problème. → Ce n'est pas un problème.
It's a problem. → It's not a problem.
Elle est une amie. → Elle n'est pas une amie.
She is a friend. → She is not a friend.
Indefinite vs Definite Articles
Understanding when to use indefinite versus definite articles is crucial:
Indefinite (un/une/des): First mention, non-specific, "a/an/some"
Definite (le/la/les): Specific, already mentioned, general statements
The choice affects the meaning of your sentence.
Examples
Je cherche un livre. (any book)
Je cherche le livre. (a specific book)
Il y a une voiture dehors. (some car)
La voiture est dehors. (the specific car)
Des enfants jouent. (some children)
Les enfants jouent. (the specific children)
Common Expressions and Idioms
Some expressions use indefinite articles in fixed patterns:
Examples
avoir un rhume (to have a cold)
avoir une idée (to have an idea)
faire un voyage (to take a trip)
faire une promenade (to take a walk)
Il fait un temps magnifique. (The weather is magnificent.)
Fixed weather expression
C'est une catastrophe! (It's a disaster!)
Exclamatory expressions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are frequent errors with indefinite articles:
1. Wrong gender: Using un with feminine nouns
2. Forgetting negative rule: Not changing to "de" in negatives
3. Confusion with definite: Using wrong article type
4. Plural confusion: Using un/une with plural nouns
Examples
❌ un table → ✅ une table
Wrong gender - table is feminine
❌ Je n'ai pas un chat → ✅ Je n'ai pas de chat
Must use "de" in negatives
❌ J'aime un chocolat → ✅ J'aime le chocolat
General preference needs definite article