Les articles partitifs -The partitive article
The partitive article is used when the exact quantity of an item is unknown. In English, the
partitive article is often omitted. We say, “I want bread” or “I want some bread.” However, the
partitive article is always required in French. It is formed by combining de and the definite
article.
de + le = du
de + l’ = de l’
de + la = de la
de + les = des
Je voudrais du pain. - I would like some bread.
Elle mange du chocolat. - She eats chocolate.
When used in the negative, the du, de la, and des all become de, since the quantity of the
item doesn’t exist any longer.
Ce village a du charme. - This village has charm.
Ce village n’a pas de charme. - This village has no charm.
One exception to this rule is when using the verb être (to be). In the negative, the
partitive article is always used with être.
C’est de l’eau potable. - It’s drinkable water.
Ce n’est pas de l’eau potable. - It’s not drinking water.
Q1. Remplis les blancs avec les articles partitifs approprié – du / de la/ de l’, des.
_____ pain _____ soupe
_____ eau _____ riz
_____ confiture _____ légumes
_____ chocolat _____ huile
_____ viande _____ fromage
_____ salade _____ ail
_____ céréales _____ orange
"Rien sans effort."
Nothing without effort.
The partitive article is used when the exact quantity of an item is unknown. In English, the
partitive article is often omitted. We say, “I want bread” or “I want some bread.” However, the
partitive article is always required in French. It is formed by combining de and the definite
article.
de + le = du
de + l’ = de l’
de + la = de la
de + les = des
Je voudrais du pain. - I would like some bread.
Elle mange du chocolat. - She eats chocolate.
When used in the negative, the du, de la, and des all become de, since the quantity of the
item doesn’t exist any longer.
Ce village a du charme. - This village has charm.
Ce village n’a pas de charme. - This village has no charm.
One exception to this rule is when using the verb être (to be). In the negative, the
partitive article is always used with être.
C’est de l’eau potable. - It’s drinkable water.
Ce n’est pas de l’eau potable. - It’s not drinking water.
Q1. Remplis les blancs avec les articles partitifs approprié – du / de la/ de l’, des.
_____ pain _____ soupe
_____ eau _____ riz
_____ confiture _____ légumes
_____ chocolat _____ huile
_____ viande _____ fromage
_____ salade _____ ail
_____ céréales _____ orange
"Rien sans effort."
Nothing without effort.
